There’s a moment that happens every now and then at the gallery that still catches me a little off guard: a collector walks in, scans the walls, stops in front of a piece, and then—before asking the price, or even the artist’s name—asks, “Do you have anything I can read about the artist?”
They’re not asking for specs. They’re looking for a story.
As artists, you might assume that your work should speak entirely for itself. And while strong artwork is non-negotiable, what I’ve seen time and again is that a well-crafted biography acts as a credibility booster. It gives potential collectors—and gallery owners like me—a deeper sense of who you are, how you’ve arrived at this point in your career, and why your work matters.
Short vs. Long: Do You Need Both?
Many artists tell me they’ve noticed that some galleries request a short bio—just a paragraph or two. That’s true, and it’s a good reason to have a concise version ready. But here’s the mistake I see: artists assume that means a longer biography is unnecessary or unwanted.
It’s not.
The short version is helpful for press releases, websites, or quick introductions. But when you’re submitting to galleries, attending shows, or sending materials to serious collectors, a fuller, thoughtfully written biography signals professionalism and readiness.
The Hidden Power of a Printed Biography
Imagine sending a gallery not just a PDF with a few lines of text, but a well-designed, magazine-style bio that includes photos of your work and studio. It tells your story, yes—but it also shows that you’ve taken the time to invest in your presentation. It makes an impression.
Galleries want to know that if they bring you on, you’re going to be easy to work with—that you’ll meet deadlines, communicate well, and show up prepared. A strong bio does more than narrate your past—it speaks volumes about your future.
“But Who Am I to Write About Myself?”
This is one of the most common objections I hear. You’re not alone in feeling awkward about putting your life story on paper. Maybe you feel your path hasn’t been dramatic enough. Or maybe you’re just uncomfortable “talking yourself up.”
Let me reassure you: nearly every artist I’ve worked with feels this way. And ironically, that humility is often what makes your story relatable and compelling. The key is to step back and let the facts of your life and your journey speak for themselves—framed with just enough perspective to help others understand the artist behind the work.
If writing is not your strength, that’s okay. Some artists hire a professional writer (a strategy I recommend if you want to take the pressure off). Others collaborate with a spouse or trusted friend to capture the right tone.
If you’d like help, our app Theobot was built for this. It will walk you through a few key questions and then help you draft a strong, well-structured artist bio you can refine and build upon.
Don’t Worry If No One Reads Every Word
One final objection I sometimes hear is: “Who’s actually going to read all this?”
Maybe no one. Maybe everyone.
The point isn’t to guarantee that every gallery owner or collector reads your entire bio. The point is to have it ready—because when someone does want more depth, the worst thing you can say is, “I don’t have anything prepared.”
Even a quick skim of a well-laid-out biography gives a sense of your seriousness. And if your work and your story resonate, that bio could be the difference between being remembered and being forgotten.
Start Today
If you don’t have a solid, long-form artist biography, it’s time to write one. Take a weekend and jot down the key milestones in your journey. Ask yourself: What shaped me as an artist? What keeps me coming back to the canvas or the studio? What would I want someone to know if they were about to buy one of my pieces?
Then put it all together in a clean, compelling format.
And if you want a head start, Theobot is ready to help.
Whether you’re applying to galleries, preparing for a show, or just want to level up your professional materials, your biography isn’t just a formality—it’s part of the art.
Thanks Jason,
This is very helpful!
Pam Krimsky
❤️❤️❤️
Glad to hear that this is still accepted in some galleries.
I wrote a nice 4 page piece that told my background story and has pictures of a few of the major work in bronze that I’ve done. I’ve revised it to be interesting, I feel, and not a “book”. However, when I’ve asked various galleries to keep this available, they say that it takes too much time to find this! OR They don’t keep everything for each artist, such as business cards, etc. I’ve been told not to bring that paperwork. (“We don’t have space to file all of each artist’s info”.) How do they even get to know who there artist’s are? When hired by a gallery, right out of university, I had to reseach every artist in the gallery to be knowledgable– we kept lots of info–pre-computer days.
So, How could the gallery quickly let the buyer know what they need? I’ve even been told that they don’t want the buyer to think that the artist will sell to them directly! Which is a NO NO.
What do you reccomend I do to remedy this ? I have a short link on my website (for one of my collections ). I haven’t added the longer one yet. But, How can a gallery pull it up, or any info, to the buyer if they don’t keep this info?
Thank you so much. I appreciate these helpful topics.
Great question, Carla. It’s true that many galleries struggle with organizing and presenting artist information efficiently—especially when juggling multiple artists. One way to bridge the gap is to provide a concise, one-page version of your bio (with a small photo or two) formatted as a PDF with a short, memorable URL or QR code. That way, a gallerist can keep a single sheet on file or display it discreetly near your work, and buyers can scan or type it in easily.
Another idea: include the QR code on the back of your business card or in a folder of print-ready resources you provide to the gallery at intake. You’re absolutely right—when a gallery partner understands your background, they can speak with more confidence and conviction. Making that knowledge accessible without requiring extra effort from them is the key.
Jason, Always a good read. You are reminding me to “catch up” my game. I have written and rewritten the short bio. The other extreme are the two books I have published as both e-book and paperback using Amazon KDP. They are both on Amazon’s book directory. “Meander Mesilla” and “Meander the Desert Soutwest.” They are available at my art booths and painting buyers get a signed copy as a gift.
The catalog format would be an ideal midpoint. Gosh, I wish I had 2 of me! The website needs constant attention. Social Media and oh yeah – I am supposed to paint. Moving again (just across town this time) so I am laying down my idols and having to box painting supplies. Ouch… but I need to clear out and make room for whatever GOD has instore for me next.
I still refer to your teaching and books. Your 4 hour video was excellent. ArtSala is still my inventory system and people are stunned when I hand them a consignment sheet.
God bless,
Debra
Debra, I love hearing your updates—you’re juggling a lot, but it’s clear your passion and dedication are still at the center of it all. The fact that buyers get a signed book along with a painting is such a thoughtful and memorable touch. You’re right: a catalog-style bio could bridge the gap between your short version and the full story told in your books. And yes, if only we had a clone to keep the website updated while we painted! Wishing you clarity and creativity in the midst of your move—and thank you for continuing to draw on the tools I’ve shared.
OMG – What Story – It’s a painting – the artist is not going home with you.
Here’s a story – I was born in a beautiful land filled with love and happiness and my parents
were angels – so I decided to become an artist (LOL) – or how about this story. . . .
ACTUALLY my Parents were Monsters – managed to survive somehow, always a straight “A” student.
Started working at the hospital (nurses aide) when I was only 14 (they thought I was 16) on weekends
and painting whenever I could. I played the violin in the school orchestra. I went to college got my degree
in Psych/therapy, was married had 2 children, divorced – moved to Calif.from NY. – of course painting – and
was in several galleries in NY.
Here’s an updated version of the reply that includes why collectors might value the story:
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Thanks for jumping in, Holly! You’ve lived a vivid, multifaceted life—and that’s exactly the kind of story that can give depth and connection to your art. A biography doesn’t have to be overly polished or dramatic; it just needs to be honest and human, like your comment here.
Many collectors aren’t just buying a painting—they’re buying a connection. Knowing the artist’s journey adds meaning to the work. It helps collectors feel part of something larger: your story, your resilience, your voice. When a piece of art is paired with a personal narrative, it becomes more memorable and more valuable in the eyes of the buyer.