November 27, 2006

I received this query from a gentleman a while back:

“Can an artist or should an artist use a horrific background in his or her bio? I've been told that it can be done and maybe even should be to give the audience a better view of where the artwork is coming from. My background is not good at all. I grew up under a nightmare. I've chosen only to touch on it in my bio, however. I did use a more complete version at one time, but it seemed like I was harping and I decided to tone it down. I think I was right to but your opinion would be appreciated.”

I’ve been putting off responding because I struggle with how to handle this situation. However, when I actually sat down to write this, the answer (not that there is a correct one) became clearer as to how I might approach it. I think my reader has dealt with it well and obviously handles it in a way that is comfortable for him. What follows are just some things I thought about that surround this question: How much is too much information for people?

Think of your bio in terms of a conversation you are initiating with anyone who reads it. It might be their first impression of you. How do you want to come across when you meet someone new? In my case, I prefer to be thought of as confident, qualified, action-oriented, and professional. Anything that detracts from this image would be omitted from my bio. What about you? What adjectives would you like people to use when they remember you? If you can tell your story in a way that keeps those qualities in tact, go for it. If you compromise them, it’s difficult to backtrack and ask for a “do over.”

On the one hand, your life experiences are very much a part of who you are. On the other hand, you don’t want people to get so bogged down in your trauma that they forget about your art. You might also consider the bio as your resume in paragraph form. This is why most artists stick to creative career accomplishments in their biographies.

At the same time, you will find a number of artists who add personal stories, heartaches, and triumphs to their biographies. If this can be done succinctly, it seems fine. But if your tragic story goes on for too long, your reader may see that as harping. Very few of us enjoy carrying on a long conversation with someone who talks about his aches, pains, and problems. Not that it isn’t perfectly legitimate and real for you, but your bio might not be the appropriate place to tell the story. If your bio is the start of a conversation--the jumping off point you may use to build new relationships--it might be best to let the story out little by little rather than spilling all of the details up front.

ACTION STEPS TO TAKE

Know This...
Your bio starts a conversation with potential art collectors.

Think About This...
Does adding your personal story compromise the way you want to be perceived?

Do This...
Share personal tragedy cautiously. Don’t hide it. Just understand when it’s best to relate the details to people and when it’s best to focus on your accomplishments.

This is a loaded subject. I imagine stories of overcoming tragedy are terrific fodder for newspaper and magazine articles. I’d like to hear your thoughts and experiences. Please comment on the Art Biz Blog: http://www.artbizblog.com

Heard on the Art Biz Blog

► Why it pays to keep your name in front of people: A story about one artist and why her name was so familiar to me.

► How to create “relevant text anchor links” and why they’re important.

► Many people were thrilled with last week’s newsletter about creating Google Alerts and got caught up in finding themselves on Google Images.

From Jennie Rosenbaum:
“I use Google Alerts to monitor my name and the genre my art falls in but also to find source material for my blog - it keeps me abreast of the news headlines I'm interested in and also keeps me in touch with the things other bloggers are writing about. I couldn't live without my Google Alerts!”

After reading this post, readers found other artists who had their same names and people who were selling their work on eBay. Read more at http://www.artbizblog.com .