What it is, how it helps — and how to finally get it down on paper.
Very few photographers (or artists of any kind) enjoy writing about their work. You didn’t pick up a camera to become a copywriter.
But, your work speaks volumes and your artist statement gives it a voice. An artist statement can bridge the gap between your images and the impact they’re meant to have.
What Is an Artist Statement?
An artist statement is a piece of writing (100–300 words) that explains the ideas, influences and approach behind your work. It should not be confused with a biography or CV. It’s your chance to give context, without over-explaining.
Think of it as standing next to your work at an exhibition and answering the question: “What made you create this?”
Why You Might Need One
You might be surprised how many situations call for a strong artist statement. A few examples:
- Grant applications
- Photo competitions and festivals
- Exhibitions and galleries
- Portfolio reviews
- Online portfolios
- Zines and self-published books
- Pitching your work to magazines or clients
- Explaining a long-term or conceptual project
But beyond the professional moments, there’s another reason:
Clarity for yourself.
Writing your artist statement helps you better understand your own process, themes, and voice. It brings cohesion to your body of work and helps you make more intentional creative choices.
What a Good Artist Statement Is Not
- A resume in paragraph form
- A chronological history of your work
- A technical breakdown of camera settings
- An overuse of art-world jargon
- A mysterious poem that leaves people confused
It’s clear, intentional, and rooted in truth.
How to Write an Artist Statement (Step-by-Step)
1. Start with Freewriting
Set a timer for 10 minutes and answer questions like:
- What am I curious about?
- What draws me to the subjects I photograph?
- What am I trying to explore or reveal through my work?
- What recurring themes, feelings, or ideas show up in my images?
- How do I approach creating? (Intuitive, research-driven, emotion-led?)
Don’t censor yourself at this stage. Just write. This is raw material, not the final draft.
2. Look for Common Threads
Read over your notes and highlight the phrases or themes that repeat.
Maybe you always chase a certain kind of light. Maybe you’re drawn to solitude, tension, or hidden humor. These are the seeds of your statement.
3. Write a Rough Draft
Use this loose structure:
Start with your intention – What you explore or care about
Move into your process – How you approach your work
Finish with reflection – What you hope the viewer feels or thinks
➡ Example:
My work explores the quiet in-between moments that often go unnoticed. The body language between strangers, the hush before a storm, the vulnerability of solitude. I’m drawn to natural light and muted tones, often working with analog film to slow down my process. I hope the viewer finds stillness, curiosity, or even a sense of recognition in these visual fragments.
4. Refine and Simplify
Make every word earn its place. Aim for clarity over cleverness. Read it aloud. Share it with a trusted friend or mentor. Cut anything that feels like filler.
5. Tailor When Necessary
While you can have one core artist statement, it’s okay (and often smart) to adapt it for specific projects or audiences.
What Makes a Statement Strong?
It feels like you. It’s not trying too hard or hiding behind big words.
It matches the work. A serious, moody series probably needs a more reflective tone than a playful street photo series.
It invites people in. It adds something to the images. It doesn’t just restate what’s obvious.
It’s short. You don’t need to explain every photo. You just need to connect the dots.
Final Tips
- Use your own voice. Don’t write how you think an artist is supposed to sound. Write like yourself.
- Think about your audience. Who will be reading this? A curator? A potential client? A stranger at a gallery?
- Don’t be afraid of editing. It often takes a few drafts to get it right, and that’s okay.
- Update it over time. As your work evolves, so should your statement.
Your artist statement is an invitation to stand more confidently in the intention behind your work. So take an afternoon. Make some tea. Write it like you’d explain your work to someone who truly wants to understand it.
Need help refining your artist statement or want a template to get started? Get in touch, I’d love to help!
MELISSA MARTINSEN 