As artists we hate to write about ourselves, we dread the thought of coming across as egotistical or slightly arrogant about our personalities and what we have achieved. However, if you really want people to know about your work you had better get over that nonsense. A good profile is essential in how you present yourself. There is  difference between confidence and arrogance, please do not play yourself down. Telling your own unique story is what your followers want to hear and it is their first insight into getting to know who you are and understanding what they love about your work.

Think about how you want to come across.  Approachable, friendly, maybe mystical or mysterious. Perhaps you prefer a more professional image. You reflect yourself in your artwork so try to be consistent when linking your profile to your artwork.  If you love painting flowers, animals and fairies, your profile personality should match up. If your subject has a pop or rock element, portray yourself using language that your audience will relate to.

Think about whether you want to write in the first or third person. Try it both ways and ask your friends what they think sounds best.

Xaloart wants you to be yourself so we are not putting any restrictive rules to writing bios, other than trying to encourage you to keep your content at around 150 - 200 words. There is nothing more boring than a biography that sounds standardised or has too many words.

ART : ARTIST : ABSTRACT : PAINTING : COLLAGE: CREATIVE : DRAWING: ETC.

Think about keywords, they are like sprinkling special ingredients into your content (SEO) they are important so add them in where you can. Optimizing your search results will help people find your page.

So how do you start?  Definitely read other bios. That way you will learn what sounds appealing but refrain from copying word for word and write about you.

Think about the people you would like to attract as your followers and make your writing appeal to them. A good bio has an interesting back story, it is not selling a service.  Promoting familiarity will help your audience to connect with you.

Try and answer all these questions as an exercise and see what hidden information comes out about yourself. You may discover a story that your followers would love to hear.

  1. Describe your personality using four words
  2. How old were you when you started creating  art?
  3. What does creativity mean to you?
  4. Describe a common element that runs through your work?
  5. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
  6. What is your favourite time of day to be creative?
  7. Favourite Art quote?
  8. Favourite artist?
  9. Favourite colour?
  10. Favourite medium to work with?
  11. What do you DREAM about in your future?
  12. Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
  13. Why is art important in society?
  14. What work do you most enjoy doing?
  15. What art do you identify with?
  16. What jobs have you done that are not creative.
  17. What makes you angry
  18. What is the best advice you have ever been given.

Now make sure you take a good profile picture. Personally I love seeing a picture of an artist at work. It shows a lot about you but if that is not possible show a good friendly headshot.

Update your bio from time to time. Your journey is important to your followers as it is to you. Stay authentic and good luck.