We recently ran our first open call for artists, and the response from so many artists around the world was incredibly humbling. As more and more applications poured in, we realised a lot of young and emerging artists with absolutely breathtaking works of art in their inventory, have poorly designed portfolios. These include biographies, artist statements, well shot images of their themselves and their artworks as well as an online gallery to showcase these works. So we’ve decided to put together a guide - and hopefully, if you’re struggling to put an application together, this blog can be of some help.
While applying to artist open calls, galleries, or magazines can feel intimidating, a well-prepared, carefully thought-out submission can really set you apart. Think of your application as more than just a one-time effort; it’s an opportunity to refine how you present yourself and your work. This is only one of the reasons why it's so important to craft good artist applications. Each piece you submit—whether it’s your bio, artist statement, or portfolio—tells a story about who you are as an artist, where your passions lie, and where you’re headed.
Beyond the application process, maintaining an updated portfolio is key to showcasing your evolving style and skills. As your work grows and changes, your portfolio should reflect that journey. Even a quick refresh now and then—uploading recent works, updating your bio, or polishing your social media presence—can make a huge difference. Having these materials organised and ready to go can save you time and help you make the most of each opportunity that comes your way.
Whether you’re aiming for a gallery exhibition, a magazine feature, or building an online presence, these steps will help you stay prepared, polished, and confident in presenting your art. Please know that these are just general guidelines followed by most artists - it's okay to think out of the box and create your artist profile differently - just as long as you have something to send over that looks professional, quirky, and undeniably you!
Crafting a Compelling Artist Bio
Crafting a compelling artist bio is key—often the first impression others get of your work and approach. A good written bio should usually be between 150-300 words. While some galleries may ask you for a short one, and others might want it in a longer format, the rule of thumb is usually to have one that doesn’t exceed the 300 word limit. Once you write the longer version, you should be able to craft shorter ones out of it.An artist bio is usually written in the third person. This is an introduction to who you are, where you’re from, and what you do. Galleries want to read your bio to get information about you. If you have any good publications or exhibitions under your belt, mention them here, but just 2-3 of your best ones. The rest should be in your CV or resume, if required.
Long-format Bio (250-300 words)
The Image on the left is a good example of what your Bio should look like.
Mid-Format Bio (150-200 words)
Once you’ve written your long-format, create a shorter one of it for your mid-length Bio, in case the need ever arises.
Example: “Jane Doe is an abstract painter based in Toronto, recognised for her expressive use of colour and layered textures. Inspired by urban life and the dynamic energy of the city, her work delves into the language of colour as a form of emotional expression. Doe’s paintings have been featured in several galleries across North America, inviting viewers into a vibrant world of abstraction where they can explore themes of introspection and human connection.”
Short-Format Bio (1-2 Sentences)
And finally, and probably the most used would be your short form Bio. This is usually just a sentence or two that serves as a quick introduction to you. Think of it as the quick “elevator pitch” of your artist bio, perfect for social media or where space is limited.
Example: “Jane Doe is a Toronto-based abstract artist exploring emotion through colour and texture.”
Writing an Engaging Artist Statement
An artist statement gives insight into the purpose and philosophy behind your work. It should be authentic and explain the “why” of your art. The best statements include quotable lines that reveal something unique about your creative process or intentions.
A well-crafted artist statement provides context, offering viewers insight into your creative world and what drives your work. Start by defining your purpose: Why do you create this art? Focus on the themes and messages you want to convey, steering clear of overly complex or technical language—aim to connect emotionally with the reader. A good artist statement should be written in first person, where you explain to the reader why you create what you create. Your inspirations, and your process.
Keep your statement concise and focused, ideally between 200-250 words, and try to include a memorable, quotable line that encapsulates your creative vision.
Finally, remember that your artist statement should evolve as your work grows. Revisiting and updating it regularly will ensure it reflects your current practice and artistic direction.
Here's an example of a well written artist’s statement. Notice how there are many different quotable lines that galleries and magazines can use. While this example is slightly long-format, it’s good to use one of this length on your website. You can always shorten it to meet application requirements.
Preparing Artwork Images
Images of your artwork are crucial—they need to look professional and highlight your work’s details, colours, and textures. As an example, scroll down to see the images of the works by artist Kristin Romberg.
Capturing
Images should be sharp, not pixelated or blurred. Aim for high resolution to capture finer details. Most phones these days have cameras that are good enough, but find soft light and solid background to make your images look professional. If you have a good DSLR camera, that’s a bonus! A good practice followed by many artists is to keep 1-2 days aside each month for documenting the works you create.
Editing
Crop and align each image so that it’s centred and free of distractions. Sharpen if needed, but don’t over-edit. Make sure the colour-grading and brightness is as close to the real artwork as possible.
Naming the File
This is one of the things most artists forget to do, but it’s generally considered a good practice. Rename files with clear, informative names. Example format: “Title_Size_Year.jpg” (e.g., “Sunset_Painting_36x24_2022.jpg”). This makes it easier for reviewers to identify each work quickly.
Submitting a Professional Artist Photos and Studio Images
Including an artist portrait adds a personal touch and helps reviewers connect with the artist behind the work. As an example, look at the image of artist Caroline Wendelin, a master of taking incredible in-studio shots.
Artist Image - Use good lighting for a clear, sharp portrait. It doesn’t need to be overly formal, but it should feel professional.
Studio and Process Shots - Share images of you working in your studio. These images not only show your environment but also give a sense of your process. Shots of your studio space, even if it’s a small corner, help convey your dedication to your craft
Best Practices for Submission
Dos: Clean background, good lighting, natural setting.
Don’ts: Avoid blurry or overly casual images that might come across as unprofessional.
Establishing a Strong Online Portfolio for a Good Artist Application
A dedicated website is ideal for showcasing your work, even if it’s a simple one. Instagram does a good job of showing images of your works, but it’s limited in terms of the information you can add there. Having a gallery of your works online shows you’re professional and that you’ve spent time building a good portfolio for people to visit. This helps reviewers explore your broader body of work and see your range, beyond what is included in your application. If you have been working as an artist for a while, and you've exhibited in different galleries or been published in different magazines - this is where you mention your work history and education.
Websites like Wix or Squarespace offer free or low-cost templates to get started. Even if it’s basic, having a separate portfolio outside social media shows a higher level of professionalism.
Must-Have Portfolio Elements
Gallery of Artworks: Upload High Resolution images of your works to one page for easy viewing.
Contact Information: Ensure your website includes a simple way for people to reach you, either through a form or your email address.
About and Statement Pages: Include your artist bio, statement, and resume.
Presenting yourself professionally as an artist can open doors to new opportunities with galleries, magazines, and buyers. Think of your bio, artist statement, high-quality images, and online presence as your artist profile—your introduction to the art world. A polished, ready-to-go profile makes it easier to apply for open calls or showcase your work when opportunities arise. Keep it current by updating regularly so it reflects your recent work and growth. With these elements in place, you’re more likely to make a lasting impression.
We hope this article has been helpful to you. Happy painting!
Team ArtSloth