An artist's personal statement is an essay that focuses on her and her art, addressing goals, interests and background experiences that relate to art. You'll need to write a personal statement if you are an artist who is applying for a grant or to an art school. The personal statement should not be confused with an artist's statement, as the personal statement is much more comprehensive than an artist's statement, which is often used only for marketing purposes.
Instructions
Brainstorming
1. Think about the life experiences you have had that have either led you to become an artist or that have shaped your art. Write them down. Under each experience, write three things that you remember about it. Eliminate experiences that you are unable to describe completely.
2. List your interests on another sheet of paper. Think about your interests as broadly as you can. List activities that you enjoy doing outside, inside, with friends, reading about and so forth. Narrow down your list by selecting three or four interests that represent you both honestly and in a favorable light-your statement should make you seem well rounded.
3. Consider any obstacles you have faced. Write them down. Circle the obstacles that have influenced the course of your life and your art. Cross out any obstacles that are too personal to discuss in an essay.
The Statement
4. Choose a point of view for the narrator. A first-person point of view is often appropriate for a personal statement; however, some art schools may request an essay written in the third person. Read the requirements for your personal statement carefully.
5. Craft an introduction that will set a compelling tone for your statement. An unusual fact, quotation or a strong statement about your art can help grab the reader's attention. Include a thesis statement that highlights the point of your personal statement-perhaps the reason you are compelled to apply for a grant or admission to a program.
6. Discuss your educational background. Include any art-related internships you have completed, advanced art courses you have taken and artistic projects you have participated in. You do not need to go into detail. Provide the basic facts and elaborate on the parts of your education that were the most meaningful to you and your art.
7. Write a paragraph about your interests. Perhaps you enjoy horseback riding, needlework or researching your family's genealogy. Refer to your brainstorming notes and write about how your interests initially attracted your attention and how they inspire or drive your artwork.
8. Relate significant personal experiences in the next part of your statement. Look at your brainstorming notes for ideas. Weave any obstacles you have faced into this section. By discussing the time you were injured while horseback riding, you can explain why your images of horses are dark and menacing.
Wrapping it Up
9. Write a conclusion. This is a good place to discuss your goals and what you hope to get out of the grant or program. Don't restate ideas you have already mentioned in the essay. Instead, bring your points together to demonstrate your big idea, which is your suitability for the grant or program for which you are applying. If you have not used a quotation in your introduction, you may wish to use one in your conclusion, as long as you can find one that provides a synthesis of your ideas about art.
10. Proofread your essay. Check it for spelling and grammatical errors. Ask yourself if someone reading the statement will be interested, fascinated or even entertained. Remember that your essay should make an impact in order for you to accomplish your goals.
11. Ask a teacher or a friend-one who will not flatter you-to read your personal statement and give you honest feedback. Revise your essay as needed until it is polished.
