What is a Bio?

BIO?
WHAT’S A BIO?
DO I REALLY NEED ONE?


Yes you really need one.

It is what you hand in with your job, grant or gallery
application. It is a necessary part of your portfolio.

Your bio…

is your résumé in paragraph form. It is written in 3rd
person.

Take…

the highlights from the dates and bullet points on your
résumé and make a story out of them.


Here's an example of an easy 3-part artist's bio.

1. Opening Paragraph…

Start a bio with a one- or two-sentence summary of the
artist statement…

This lets the reader knows immediately about your
current work and gives context to what comes after it

2. Middle Paragraph(s)…

They could be…

like your résumé--in reverse chronological
order or according to importance.

Don't highlight…

something you did thirty years ago and leave it at that.

You want to…

sound vibrant and relevant today.
Aim for a paragraph or two in this section.

3. Closing Paragraph

Mention your education, where you've lived, where you
reside, your birth location and---if desired--your year of birth.

Please pass this on to another artist.

Marilee Stockman
Art Coach
www.artcoaching-galllerymarilee.com
artcoaching@artcoaching-gallerymailee.com