You Don’t Have to Do Everything to Be an Artist

Most artists are exhausted not because they lack passion—but because they’re trying to do too much without support.

DONE FOR YOU STARTER TOOLS

Artist Bio Writing Support

Writing about your own work is hard.
These templates exist to give you a place to start—not to define you

These are designed specifically to:

• Reduce burnout (no “branding” language)
• Give artists confidence
• Work well on Up Arts Gallery profiles, show submissions, and websites
• Feel human, not salesy

PART 1 — ARTIST BIO TEMPLATES (FILL-IN-THE-BLANK)

These are copy-paste friendly and intentionally short.

TEMPLATE A: Short, Calm Bio (Most Artists)

Best for:
Profiles, directories, show listings

[Artist Name] is an artist based in [location], working primarily in [medium].

Their work explores [themes, subjects, or ideas], often inspired by [process, place, personal experience, or material].

Through their practice, they aim to [what the work invites the viewer to feel, notice, or reflect on].

TEMPLATE B: Process-Focused Bio

Best for:
Artists who struggle with “what to say” but love how they work

[Artist Name] creates work using [materials / techniques], with a focus on [process or approach].

Much of their work begins with [how pieces start] and develops through [what shapes the final result].

The finished pieces reflect an ongoing interest in [ideas, emotions, or visual qualities].

TEMPLATE C: Story-Driven Bio (Warm & Personal)

Best for:
Artists who want connection without oversharing

[Artist Name] is an artist living and working in [location].

Their creative practice grew out of [origin story — curiosity, background, life shift, or long-standing interest] and continues to evolve through [current focus].

They create work that reflects [core value or emotional tone], inviting viewers to [experience or response].

TEMPLATE D: Local & Community-Centered Bio

Best for:
Regional platforms like Up Arts Gallery

Based in [city or region], [Artist Name] creates [type of work] inspired by [local landscape, people, or community].

Their work is rooted in [values, place, or recurring subject matter] and reflects a deep connection to [what matters most to them].

TEMPLATE E: Minimal Bio (For Artists Who Want Less)

Best for:
Burned-out artists or emerging artists

[Artist Name] works in [medium] and lives in [location].

Their work focuses on [subject or interest] and is informed by [process, feeling, or influence].

That’s it. Short is allowed.

PART 2 — SAMPLE BIOS (MODELED AFTER EFFECTIVE ARTIST BIOS)

These are fully written examples artists can adapt word-for-word.

SAMPLE BIO 1: Painter (Calm & Professional)

Jane Thompson is a painter based in northeast Wisconsin, working primarily in acrylic and mixed media.

Her work explores quiet moments in everyday landscapes, drawing inspiration from changing light, weather, and seasonal shifts. Through layered color and texture, she creates pieces that invite reflection and stillness.

SAMPLE BIO 2: Ceramic Artist (Process-Focused)

Michael Rivera is a ceramic artist whose work centers on form, texture, and the tactile qualities of clay.

His pieces are hand-built and wheel-thrown, shaped slowly and intentionally to allow subtle variations to emerge. The finished work reflects an interest in balance, imperfection, and the quiet presence of handmade objects.

SAMPLE BIO 3: Photographer (Story-Driven)

Laura Jensen is a photographer based in Wisconsin whose work grew from a lifelong habit of observing people and places closely.

Using natural light and minimal editing, she captures moments that feel honest and unguarded. Her photographs reflect an ongoing interest in connection, memory, and the beauty of ordinary life.

SAMPLE BIO 4: Mixed Media / Fiber Artist

Rachel Moore creates mixed media textile work inspired by nature, pattern, and the passage of time.

Combining fabric, stitching, and found materials, her pieces develop through an intuitive, hands-on process. The work reflects a quiet curiosity about repetition, texture, and the stories materials carry.

SAMPLE BIO 5: Emerging Artist (Gentle & Non-Intimidating)

Alex Carter is an emerging artist exploring drawing and painting as a way to understand form and movement.

Their work is experimental and process-driven, allowing ideas to shift as pieces develop. Through this practice, they continue to explore curiosity, learning, and creative growth.

SAMPLE BIO 6: Community-Rooted Artist (Perfect for Up Arts Gallery)

Emily Larson is an artist living and working in northeast Wisconsin.

Her work is inspired by the region’s natural spaces and the sense of place that comes from living and creating locally. Through her practice, she hopes to create work that feels approachable, thoughtful, and grounded.

SAMPLE BIO 7: Long-Practicing Artist (Confidence Without Ego)

David Nguyen has maintained a long-standing studio practice focused on drawing and painting.

His work reflects years of exploration into composition, color, and observation, shaped by both discipline and experimentation. Each piece represents an ongoing conversation between intention and discovery.