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6 minutes read

Artist Statement of Purpose Examples: Crafting Your Fine Art Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

19 August 2024

When it comes to pursuing a career in fine art, a well-crafted artist statement of purpose can be your ticket to success. Whether you’re applying for an MFA, BFA, or a position in the art world, your personal statement holds the key to showcasing your passion, creativity, and dedication.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into artist statement of purpose examples, helping you understand how to articulate your love for art effectively and create a compelling personal statement.

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• The Importance of a Personal Statement

Your personal statement, often interchangeably referred to as a statement of purpose (SOP), is your opportunity to tell your unique story as an artist. It allows admissions committees or potential employers to get to know you beyond your portfolio or resume.

Your personal statement should convey your artistic journey, influences, experiences, and future aspirations. It’s a chance to make a lasting impression and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for your chosen fine art program or career in the art world.

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• Crafting a Captivating Introduction

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should begin with a captivating introduction that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Think of it as the opening scene in a captivating movie. Here’s an example:

“Art has always been my muse, guiding my life’s path towards creative expression. From the moment I held a paintbrush, I knew that art was more than just colors on a canvas; it was a form of storytelling, a means to connect with the world and express the deepest facets of my being.”

Expressing Your Love for Fine Art

Your introduction should convey your deep-seated love for fine art. You can talk about when and how your passion for art first ignited. Maybe it was a childhood memory of visiting an art museum, or perhaps you had an inspiring art teacher who encouraged your creativity. Sharing this personal connection with art can draw readers into your narrative.

Defining Your Artistic Identity

In the introduction, you should also touch upon what makes your artistic identity unique. What sets you apart as an artist? Do you have a signature style, technique, or theme that defines your work? This is the time to provide a glimpse into what makes your art special.

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• Sharing Concrete Examples of Your Work and Experiences

Statement Examples

Once you’ve captured your reader’s attention with a compelling introduction, it’s time to delve into the heart of your personal statement by sharing concrete examples of your work and experiences. This section should showcase your artistic journey and demonstrate your dedication to your craft.

Highlighting Artistic Milestones

In this section, you can mention significant milestones in your artistic journey. These could include exhibitions, awards, or collaborations that have shaped your development as an artist. For instance:

“Over the years, I have had the privilege of showcasing my work in prestigious galleries and museums, such as the Tate Modern in London. These opportunities not only exposed my art to a wider audience but also pushed me to constantly evolve as an artist.”

By highlighting these achievements, you demonstrate your commitment to your art and your ability to thrive in the competitive art world.

Discussing Artistic Influences

Artists are often inspired by the work of others. Share the artists or artworks that have influenced your creative process. You might mention famous painters, sculptors, or contemporary artists whose work resonates with you. Explaining how these influences have shaped your artistic perspective can provide insight into your unique approach to art.

Detailing Your Educational Background

If you’ve pursued formal education in fine art, whether it’s an undergraduate degree, a BFA, or an MFA, this is the place to discuss it. Talk about your academic journey, the courses that had a profound impact on you, and any mentors who guided your artistic growth. Be sure to convey how your education has contributed to your development as an artist.

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• Exploring Specific Interests and Influences

Art and Design Personal Statement

Art is a vast and diverse field, and this section allows you to explore your specific interests and influences in greater detail. Whether you’re passionate about painting, sculpture, graphic design, or any other art form, here’s where you can delve into the heart of your creative focus.

Passion for a Specific Art Form

Share your deep-seated passion for your chosen art form. Explain why you are drawn to it and how it allows you to express yourself. For example:

“My fascination with seascapes and the fragility of nature has been a recurring theme in my work. It’s a subject that allows me to explore the vastness and immensity of the natural world while conveying its fragility.”

Artistic Inspirations

Discuss the artists or movements that have had a profound impact on your work within your chosen art form. Whether it’s the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock or the precision of Renaissance art, detailing these influences adds depth to your personal statement.

Your Creative Process

Take the reader on a journey through your creative process. How do you approach your work? Do you start with sketches, embrace spontaneity, or meticulously plan each piece? Sharing your process can provide insight into your artistic mindset.

• Articulating Your Goals and Aspirations

Fine Art Personal Statement

Your personal statement should not only reflect on your past but also look to the future. What are your artistic goals and aspirations? Where do you see yourself in the art world? This section allows you to articulate your vision and ambition as an artist.

Short-Term Goals

Discuss your immediate goals within the art world. Whether it’s participating in specific exhibitions, collaborating with fellow artists, or mastering a new technique, these short-term objectives reveal your drive and commitment.

Long-Term Aspirations

Take a broader view and share your long-term aspirations. Do you dream of curating your own gallery, teaching art to the next generation, or becoming an internationally recognized artist? Expressing these ambitions paints a vivid picture of your future in the art world.

Why This Program or Career?

If you’re applying to a specific program, be it an MFA or a job opportunity, explain why it’s the perfect fit for your artistic journey. Mention how the program’s curriculum, faculty, or mission align with your goals.

• Tailoring Your Statement for MFA and BFA Applications

MFA and BFA

Depending on whether you’re applying for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, there are specific elements to emphasize in your personal statement.

MFA Program Emphasis

For MFA applicants, emphasize your commitment to furthering your craft and the advanced level of artistry you bring to the table. Discuss your readiness for the intensive program and your eagerness to engage in critical discourse with fellow artists.

“Enrolling in the MFA program at [University Name] is a natural step in my journey to become a professional artist. I am ready to immerse myself in a community of dedicated artists, engage in rigorous critiques, and push the boundaries of my creative practice.”

BFA Program Emphasis

Similarly, BFA applicants should convey their passion and readiness to embark on their educational journey. Highlight your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to explore various aspects of fine art.

“I am eager to embark on the BFA program, where I can continue to refine my graphic design and photography skills. This program’s focus on nurturing emerging artists aligns perfectly with my goals of honing my craft and exploring new artistic horizons.”

• Showcasing Your Love for Art History

Art History

For those with a passion for art history, your personal statement should reflect your deep love for the subject and your desire to explore its intricacies.

Unearthing Art Historical Insights

Share your favorite periods, artists, or art movements within the scope of art history. Discuss why you find these aspects particularly fascinating and how they have influenced your perspective.

“Art history has been my guiding light in understanding the evolution of artistic expression. I am particularly captivated by the Romantic period and its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and nature, as seen in the works of artists like Caspar David Friedrich.”

Academic Pursuits

If you’re applying for graduate studies in art history, discuss your academic interests and the areas of art history you wish to explore further. Mention any research projects, papers, or presentations that showcase your dedication to the field.

“ During my undergraduate studies, I delved into the complexities of American art history. My thesis on the impact of Abstract Expressionism on post-war American society was a testament to my commitment to scholarly pursuits in this field .”

• Conclusion: Crafting Your Artistic Narrative

Crafting a compelling artist statement of purpose is an art form in itself. By drawing inspiration from these examples and infusing your personal experiences, you can create a statement that reflects your passion for fine art.

Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to shine and convey why you are a perfect fit for your chosen fine art program or career in the art world.

In closing, let your personal statement be a testament to your love for art and your unwavering commitment to the world of creativity. Use it as a canvas to paint your story, one brushstroke at a time, and let your passion shine through every word. Your artistic journey begins with your statement of purpose, so make it a masterpiece.

With this comprehensive guide, you now have the tools and inspiration to craft a personal statement that leaves a lasting impression and sets you on a path toward success in the world of fine art. Embrace your creativity, share your story, and let your love for art guide you on this incredible artistic journey.

What should I include in my artist statement of purpose?

Your statement should cover your artistic journey, influences, experiences, and future aspirations. Use concrete examples to illustrate your passion for fine art.

How long should my personal statement be?

Aim for a concise statement, typically around 500-800 words. Be sure to follow any specific word limit guidelines provided by the institution or program.

Can I use samples of my work in my statement?

Absolutely! Including images or descriptions of your work can add depth to your statement and showcase your artistic abilities.

Should I mention specific artists or artworks that inspire me?

Yes, mentioning artists or artworks that have influenced you can provide insight into your artistic perspective and passion.

How important is the artist statement in the application process?

Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application. It allows admissions committees to understand your unique voice, passion, and suitability for their program.

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Table of Contents

• • The Importance of a Personal Statement
• • Crafting a Captivating Introduction
• • Sharing Concrete Examples of Your Work and Experiences
• • Exploring Specific Interests and Influences
• • Articulating Your Goals and Aspirations
• • Tailoring Your Statement for MFA and BFA Applications
• • Showcasing Your Love for Art History
• • Conclusion: Crafting Your Artistic Narrative

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How to Ace Your Fine Art Personal Statement, Portfolio, and Interview in 2024

Fine Art Application Guide:

Whether you're applying for a Fine Art degree at Oxford, or other top UK Universities, this guide is designed to help you excel in every aspect of the Fine Art application process. From Fine Art personal statement tips to crafting a compelling portfolio and acing your interview, we cover everything you need to stand out as an applicant. You'll find advice on exploring art history, connecting your work to art theory, curating your Fine Art portfolio, and how you can demonstrate your passion for the subject beyond the classroom. Read on to find our guidance and tips for each stage of the Fine Art application process!

Researching your Fine Art Personal Statement:

You Fine Art personal statement is your first opportunity to showcase yourself as an artist to the university you are applying to. In your future career as an artist, you will have lots of opportunities to write statements about yourself and your work; see this as the first one! In your Fine Art personal statement, you need to demonstrate your interest and engagement with Fine Art and what inspires and motivates your own art practice.

For any strong Fine Art degree personal statement, it’s crucial you show an awareness of art beyond just your own artistic practice . You should show an interest in art and its historical and theoretical context. A great way to do this is by exploring the subject through independent reading and research .

Here are some useful resources you can use to carry out some independent research for your Fine Art personal statement:

The Ruskin has a great range of podcasts available, where artists talk about their work.

To get a broad overview of key themes and periods in art history, try:

Tony Godfrey, The Story of Contemporary Art (2020)

Robert Hughes, The Shock of the New: Art and a Century of Change , also available in the form of a BBC documentary series !

For a great overview of critical theory relevant to Fine Art, try: Anne D’Allev, Methods & Theories of Art History (2012)

Some more short reads introducing you to new interesting perspectives on art and its role in society:

John Berger, Ways of Seeing (1972) : vital reading on the way we look at art

Susan Sontag, On Photography (1977) and Regarding the Pain of Others (2003) : interrogates the moral and aesthetic issues of photography

Some exciting podcasts to listen to:

The Great Woman Artists

The Lonely Palette

Art Detective

Meet Me at the Museum

Fine Art Personal Statement Tip: As you read, make sure you pay close attention to the visual characteristics of each period. If you are invited to an interview where you need to respond to an unseen artwork, this will be incredibly helpful prep!

It’s also really important to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest for art in your Fine Art personal statement by engaging practically with the subject . You could:

Visit galleries or exhibitions

Keep an eye on websites of local galleries for new and interesting exhibitions, especially ones which combine art with other disciplines. You could sign up to the Minds Underground Humanities Newsletter to receive a useful roundup of humanities resources to your inbox at the start of each month, including art exhibitions!

When you visit exhibitions or galleries, take your sketchbook with you. You should make sure you are engaging critically with what you see: note down things that interest you, practise sketching. Pay attention to the curation of the exhibition: what is the story or argument being put forward? How have they hung the artworks? What is the design? What do you like/dislike?

See if the exhibition sparks inspiration for a new piece; it’s great if you can link a piece of work in your portfolio with a critical commentary on an exhibition you went to visit!

You may also be interested in our article “ Why Trips To Art Galleries Should Be On Every Student’s Curriculum ”

Listen to Fine Art Talks and Lectures"

The Slade School of Fine Art regularly has interesting lectures open to everyone. Keep an eye on their site .

The National Portrait Gallery also has unique talks and conversations throughout the year.

Enter Competitions

Keep an eye out on university or gallery websites for any art competitions they have going on. Another great way to show your motivation and develop subject knowledge for your Fine Art personal statement is by entering Minds Underground’s History of Art essay competition . Past questions have included “ Can art always express something? Is there something to be said for the art of saying nothing?” or “Why is the Mona Lisa so famous?”.

Relevant Work Experience

It can really make your Fine Art personal statement stand out if you can demonstrate relevant work experience, especially if it gives you a unique opportunity to include, for example helping date a painting through mass spectrometry, or assisting with the restoration of a medieval fresco! Try and find interesting work experience opportunities that might give you access to a more hands on approach to art.

Writing your Fine Art Personal Statement

After all your preparation, reading and research, you can finally start thinking about writing your Fine Art personal statement.

When it comes to including your research and experiences, think about what it was about each of them that inspired you. Your reading and your own work should not exist in isolation from each other. You should be able to show a path of investigation and interest that winds between theory and inspiration to your own creative output . Draw attention to the evolution of your work, to the different people and places that have shaped and influenced it, and how. Remember that your work is unique, and will be uniquely informed by what you’ve researched and explored. This is a great opportunity to highlight your ability to be analytical and explain why you chose to engage with a certain piece in a certain way.

A strong Fine Art Personal Statement will be cohesively woven with your portfolio . There should be a theme in your personal statement that naturally carries into your portfolio. What is this theme? Why is it important to you? How have you engaged with it in different ways, both in and out of the studio? How is your work a critical/creative response to what you saw in an exhibition? Let your fine art degree personal statement work with your portfolio to demonstrate your boldness and creativity, both in your ideas and your work.

Demonstrate your ability to self-reflect and think critically about your own work in your personal statement. How have you learned from previous projects? How do you respond to constructive feedback from teachers or tutors? This is a really important skill Fine Art tutors are looking for that demonstrates your potential as a Fine Art student.

You may like to work with a Fine Art tutor while crafting your Fine Art personal statement. A tutor can help direct your independent research and reading to develop your areas of research and can review your personal statement before submission, either on or offline. Find out more .

Crafting an Oxford Fine Art Personal Statement

The Oxford Fine Art course places an even stronger emphasis on art history, theory and criticism , seeing these as integral to the development of your own work. This means your independent reading exploring these areas is even more crucial for an Oxford Fine Art personal statement. Make sure you devote lots of time in your personal statement to engaging with your reading and beyond the classroom exploration and creating work that responds to it in innovative ways for your portfolio.

To explore art history and theory in more depth and one-on-one with an experienced Oxford Art tutor, you could take an Art or Art History research project with one of our specialist team . This would enhance your knowledge of the subject and allow you to demonstrate a more complex engagement with art history and theory in your personal statement for Oxford Fine Art.

It’s important to note that the Ruskin strongly recommends that candidates take an Art Foundation course and achieve a Foundation diploma in arts before applying. This gives students the opportunity to try Fine Art as a degree and to develop their ideas and explore different media. In an Oxford Fine Art personal statement, you should emphasise your experiences studying a Fine Art foundation: what has it allowed you to explore? What have you learned about yourself as an artist? What challenges have you encountered? All of these are important to reflect on before writing a personal statement for Oxford Fine Art.

Looking to bolster your Fine Art Application?

Our co-curricular division, Minds Underground, runs an Art History Summer School, giving students the opportunity to engage in-depth with art theory and history of art . This is a great way to enhance your knowledge of Art, offering an overview of Art History from antiquity to the avantgarde. The course will introduce students to first year university level material and hone essential critical analysis skills which are key to studying Fine Art at university.

Particularly for students applying for Oxford Fine Art, this is a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge of art history, theory and criticism, an integral part of the Oxford course.

Curating your Fine Art Portfolio

As mentioned above, it’s important your portfolio maintains the narrative thread established in your personal statement. The research and exploration suggestions included above should also serve as prompts for pieces to include in your Fine Art portfolio. Engage critically and creatively with your reading and exploration, and use whatever inspires you as an opportunity to create. Your Fine Art portfolio should include work you’ve completed out of your own initiative, not just your A Level set work!

Fine Art Portfolio Tips

Include works in progress.

Your portfolio should represent the journey you’ve taken to get to your pieces, not just the outcome. By including some works in progress alongside finished works, you can demonstrate your development processes and visual thinking.

Tell a story

Your focus in your Fine Art portfolio should be on communicating a theme of your work (one that runs on from your personal statement!). Admissions tutors don't want to see a random assortment of works. A strong portfolio should tell a story, with each piece of work illuminating part of the narrative.

Show your range

While it’s natural to have a preference for certain media, make sure your portfolio showcases your ability to work across a range of media, as you will be expected to do so at the start of a Fine Art degree before specialising in later years. If you’re also interested in fashion or set design and you believe this represents your work, you can include this too.

Include observational drawing

Not all applicants include observational drawing in their Fine Art portfolio and it’s a really important way to showcase your visual thinking and skills. Make sure you practise doing drawings from life. The National Portrait Gallery runs both drop in drawing sessions and portfolio reviews regularly, so try and attend some of these if you can!

Be bold and experimental

This is an opportunity to showcase your style and your creative vision, so don’t be afraid to do just that! Try and do this by building on your research and inspiration in new and innovative ways that will impress admissions tutors, but don’t be afraid to break the rules.

The presentation of your Fine Art Portfolio is also absolutely crucial. This means thinking about how best to order your pieces to build a narrative with your work, but also including basic information about your artwork: what are you looking at, what is it made of, and what dimensions is it. It’s also important to make time to photograph your Fine Art portfolio well for online submissions. Try and find an uncluttered, white space with good lighting, or take pictures outdoors (with the sun behind you to avoid shadows!)

Oxford Fine Art Portfolio Tip: Human anatomy is a key and unique compulsory module in the first year of the Oxford Fine Art course. Take some time to build up your anatomy skills through life drawing practice, and make sure to include some of these sketches in your portfolio!

Preparing for a Fine Art Interview

You will likely be asked to talk about your portfolio in your Fine Art interview . Be prepared to talk through your portfolio and get confident talking about your processes, work and reflections as much as possible. You can do this with a parent, friend, teacher or a tutor who can offer constructive feedback and interview tips. Try and predict questions about your work that admissions tutors might ask you. This is where the works in progress you included in your Fine Art portfolio give you a great opportunity to reflect and talk about development.

Equally, be prepared for questions on your personal statement and questions assessing your motivation to study Fine Art. Make sure you have an answer prepared for the question Why Fine Art? and especially, why Fine Art over another arts degree! Know details of the course to impress your interviewer!

For an Oxford Fine Art interview in particular , you may be asked to carry out a visual analysis of an unseen artwork. This question is testing how you approach looking at an artwork and what information you can gather just from looking: When might it have been painted? Who might have commissioned it? Why has the artist chosen to paint their subject in this way? A great way to practise this activity is by buying some postcards of artworks and giving yourself 5-10 minutes to analyse and discuss them.

U2 Tuition runs Oxbridge Mock Interview days where you are paired with specialist subject tutors who carry out two mock interviews in your subject. After the interviews, you’ll be given in-depth written feedback, including further reading suggestions and practice questions to help you continue your preparation. These are a great way to get familiar with the interview format and to have the opportunity to present your portfolio in an interview environment and receive feedback, as well as to get to practise responding to some of the more challenging and less predictable questions that might come up! Find out more .

Before your interview, it’s also important to be aware of current fine art news and debates going on in the world of art theory and beyond. These are the kind of topics that you’ll likely be asked to engage with in a Fine Art Interview:

What is art? Covering everything from 'material culture' (objects of cultural or historical significance that weren't originally intended as artworks) to contemporary art and art in the digital age, this question gives you plenty to think about!

Questioning the canon The Artistic canon has historically excluded women and people of colour, alongside many other groups. Have a look at Linda Nochlin’s essay ‘Why Have Their Been No Great Woman Artists?’ as a starting point, as well as Katy Hessel’s revisionist history The Story of Art Without Men.

The value of art What determines the value of an artwork? Is it driven by the market, its provenance, or the quality of the piece? The Salvator Mundi case provides an interesting example to explore these questions, as is the shredded Banksy painting .

Example Fine Art Interview Questions

What is the definition of ‘art’?

Why is art important?

Talk about a recent book or exhibition that led to you approaching your art in a new way.

If you had to save one piece of art in the world, what would it be and why?

You should also be prepared for questions on visual culture testing your ability to think critically:

e.g. Tell us about a recent advertising campaign you’ve seen. What did you find interesting about it and why?

Looking for support with your Fine Art Personal Statement or other areas of your application?

U2 is here to support every aspect of your Oxford Fine Art application. Our tutors, graduates from the Oxford Fine Art course or other top UK Fine Art degrees, are perfectly positioned to guide you through personal statement preparation, portfolio development, interview mentoring, and more.

How we can help:

Portfolio Preparation : Your portfolio is a crucial element of your Fine Art application. A U2 tutor can help you curate and refine your work, ensuring your portfolio showcases both technical ability and conceptual depth. Our tutors provide guidance on presenting a cohesive body of work that reflects your artistic journey and meets admissions’ requirements and expectations.

Personal Statement Preparation : A U2 tutor can assist you in crafting a compelling Fine Art personal statement. We help you reflect on your creative practice, incorporate independent research, and ensure your statement has a clear narrative that highlights your artistic interests and stands out to admissions tutors.

Independent Research Projects : To deepen your understanding of the Fine Art course and develop your knowledge of art history and theory, a U2 tutor can lead you through an independent project. This tailored research will enhance your subject knowledge and allow you to explore a new area of interest within Fine Art. Tutors will guide you through all stages of the project, enhancing both your research and artistic skills while providing valuable material to discuss in your personal statement or interview.

Mock Interviews : Practising mock interviews is a great way to build confidence and experience what an Oxford Fine Art interview might feel like. We also offer Oxbridge Mock interview days where students receive two subject-specific interviews with a specialist Fine Art tutor. Afterwards, students receive detailed feedback on their performance, alongside further reading and creative practice suggestions.

History of Art Summer School : U2 also offers a History of Art summer school as a way for Fine Art students to further expand their knowledge of art theory and history and really impress Oxford admissions tutors in particular. This immersive programme is designed to deepen your understanding of key art movements, artists, and historical contexts. The summer school provides an excellent foundation for Fine Art applicants, helping you contextualise your artistic practice within wider historical narratives, which can strengthen both your personal statement and interview discussions.

You can book an initial Fine Art consultation or find out more about our Oxbridge mentoring programmes, here .

Sessions start from £70/h + VAT.

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Art foundation/fine art personal statement example.

The unity in any painter's work arises from the fact that a person, brought to a desperate situation, will behave in a certain way... . - Frank Auerbach.

I strongly agree with this statement, and that creativity in art is heavily influenced by the state of mind of the artist. Given the chance from studying an art foundation course would give me the pleasure of developing my ideas of the psychology behind art while practically pursuing my strongest passion for the subject. My natural abilities and enthusiasm for art and expression through media have always been strong and I have a unquestionable commitment to do an art foundation course at university/college.

I am interested in exploring the roles of an artist as practitioner, researcher and curator that this course would offer. I would love to explore combined experimental studies and experience new areas of creative study, such as sculpture and ceramics, while broadening and strengthening the artistic skills I already have.

Official coursework and exams I have completed include an A* for GCSE Unendorsed Art and Design, and full marks in AS Level Fine Art, which included two units from my own source material and an examination brief unit. The source material used for units 1 and 2 were my own original photographs, which were included, along with many others, in my AS level fine art portfolio as extra coursework.

In the summer of 2006 I took part in work experience for two weeks with an interior design company. The skills I gained included photography, graphic and virtual design, broadened creativity in mixing media and colours and a portfolio of my own designs. I also have a part-time job in function suite, serving and working in the kitchens for events such as weddings, funerals, parties and christenings. I have been working there for a year and a half and it has developed, among others, my communication and people skills a great deal. This time working at Silkstone Lodge has given me opportunities where I have proven myself to be a reliable and responsible person.

In 2005 I participated in a regional Design and Technology challenge against other schools and colleges in the area. In this competition at Pontefract New College, we won first prize overall for skill and creativity. I have successfully completed Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinborough awards and I am continuing the scheme and working towards completing Gold. I have taken so much from the scheme, including realisation and/or development of skills, such as personal fitness, guitar performance, first aid and life saving.

Every year since I joined Wakefield Girls High School in 2002, I have attended open days to the public as either a tour guide or subject specialist (including art, design technology and chemistry). I am happy to give up a weekend every year to do this as I feel its so important to give what I can back to the school in whatever way I can. For this reason, about once a month I help at school events outside school hours, such as concerts or parents evenings, and I was elected to be a prefect and form prefect as a reward for my services and reliability. These positions also give me more responsibility opportunities during and outside school hours that strengthen me as a person and member of the school community.

Other school activities include being a active member of the original sound and lighting team which has given me many skills in technology that I use in school assemblies and performances, and occasional DJ opportunities in my part-time workplace. I would love to pursue this as a service or in a club at an institution such as university or college. I attend weekly debating societies, as an active member of the house, host, and developing the desire to join one of the debating teams themselves.

My strongest personal interests have always been focused on art and music. I have been playing the classical guitar for 7 years and my practised ability is going from strength to strength. I have performed in concerts and school events since I started playing and this has had a positive long-term affect on my confidence, with audiences of up to 800 people. Over the past couple of years I have developed an acute interest in photography. I take my camera with me wherever possible, mainly taking photographs for artistic purposes as well as casually capturing moments of fun.

My photography skills improved very quickly and a collection of my photographs were good enough to be included as art in my AS level art portfolio, as well as currently being in the final of a photography competition and having some photographs published in a book by www.picture.com . I fill my free time with drawing and painting with a variety of media and purposes, as well designating time and the highest degree of attention into creating pieces of art, usually on canvases as gifts for family and friends.

I am committed to a keep fit programme created for me personally at the local health club, and I also enjoy swimming after school or work as a way of relaxing. These add up to my regular fitness routine, but I have also taken part is an endless list of team and group sports, such as Tai Chi, tennis, cricket and water sports, in and outside school. One side of my family originate from Italy, with some members living in the UK that I see on a regular basis.

Although I am not fluent in Italian I can speak it to a useful communicative degree and I would love to further learn the language and join clubs at university or college centred around the language or Italian culture.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by scopatrice for application in 2000.

scopatrice's Comments

Personal statements should be about 2/3 about why you want to do the course/why you would be good for the uni to take on. 1/3 should be exrta-curric achievements and advantages as a uni student. mine is the other way round :S, but the content is all useful.

Related Personal Statements

Fashion/textiles applicant.

Wed, 28/11/2007 - 14:51

Hmm i actually found this (art foundation) statement quite ineresting at the start, but then it just kind of went off track completely when the writer started going too far into detail about their personal life. If they had focused more on which part of the subect they enjoyed most and why/ also which medium they enjoyed using or if they had any experience working in a team. Pfft, come on people, I haven't even began a statement yet and all it takes is some common sense reading another personal statement, instead of sitting there and whining because it's not already up to your standards. Sorry, to be harsh but I'm sure that even you know it's true!

It seems like you have an

Sun, 20/01/2008 - 10:18

It seems like you have an large amount of impressive acheivements/activities to talk about, yet I found the structure of the p.s. boring and found myself skipping bits out as I didnt feel a soulful energy in the way it was written; it seemed like you were bragging about your efforts more than expressing your passion for the things that you've done.

How can you refuse a student

Wed, 27/02/2008 - 13:41

How can you refuse a student like that even if their bragging their face off?

Impressive backlog of art

Tue, 04/11/2008 - 17:23

Impressive backlog of art related achievments but lacks the soul and passion of many others that ive read.

Why no paragraphs?? This

Thu, 01/10/2009 - 10:54

Why no paragraphs?? This whole thing's a massive block of text - nevermind it being boring, I can't read the damn thing.

I thought this statement was

Tue, 22/11/2011 - 17:56

I thought this statement was pretty impressive:)

This statement is so badly

Tue, 17/09/2013 - 10:52

This statement is so badly written I am surprised they passed GCSE English .

Interior Design Works Experience

Fri, 12/09/2014 - 14:11

I'm really interested in knowing what company you did your works experience with?

P.S.Really interesting and vibrant personal statement.

Add new comment

How to Write a Personal Statement for a Foundation Art Course

When applying for a foundation art course, writing a personal statement is an important part of your application. This statement is your opportunity to showcase your creativity and passion for art, as well as demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate for the course. Since foundation courses often lead on to University, this is a great opportunity to fine tune your personal statement writing skills, it can also help identify areas of art you may need more training in. 

In this post, we will provide 6 tips and guidelines on how to write a personal statement that will help you stand out and increase your chances of being accepted into a Foundation Art course.

6 tips for writing a personal statement - for an Art Foundation course

Understand the purpose of a personal statement, research the course and school, be specific, show your commitment to art.

• Be unique 

Proofread and edit

A personal statement is a written document that highlights your experiences, achievements, and goals - both academic and extra-curricular. It is a perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate to the course provider why you are a good fit for the program and how you will contribute to the school's artistic community. Your personal statement should be unique and reflect your personality and interests.

Ideally, your personal statement will be around 70% on why you would be a good student for the school to take on and why you want to study Foundation Art. The remaining 30% should focus on who you are and what you have done outside of school and academia, such as community art projects.

Before you start writing your personal statement, spend some time researching the Foundation Art course and the school you are applying to. It's easy for admissions staff to spot who has researched and who hasn't, so spend a healthy amount of time on this. 

Ensure you have a deep understanding of the course curriculum, the school's mission and values, and the type of students they are looking for. This information will help you tailor your personal statement and identify which of your achievements and qualifications will be best to mention in your personal statement. 

When writing your personal statement for a foundation art course, it's important to be specific and avoid generic phrases. Specifics will make you more memorable to the admissions committee and showcase your genuine passion for the subject.

To demonstrate your commitment to art, try to include specific examples of your experiences and achievements. For example, if you have taken art classes or workshops, discuss the specific techniques you learned and how they impacted your artistic style.

Highlighting your unique qualities and experiences will make your personal statement stand out and show the school why you would be a valuable student to have onboard. Additionally, you should consider including your portfolio and any awards or exhibitions you have participated to further demonstrate your dedication to art.

The school wants to see that you are committed to the subject and have a genuine passion for art. Be sure to show them how you have pursued your interests outside the classroom. For example, if you have a portfolio of your artwork, mention it and describe the process of creating your pieces. If you have won any art competitions or have been featured in any exhibitions, mention them as well. This will demonstrate your dedication and commitment to the subject and show the admissions team that you have a deep understanding and passion for art.

Your personal statement should be a reflection of who you are as an individual and an artist, as well as how you want to grow as an artist. Avoid using generic phrases or clichés, focus on showcasing your unique qualities and experiences. Use your specific skills to tell the school why you are the best candidate for an Art Foundation diploma. 

Being unique and genuine will make your personal statement stand out, making you more memorable to the school admissions team.

Read, read and read again. 

You may be thinking “this is an Art course, why is writing important” but not checking your work for spelling or grammar errors massively reflects on your attention to care, and this will be noticed by the admissions team. 

Before submitting your personal statement, spend some time proofreading and editing. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and make sure your statement is clear and concise. It's important to include relevant information, but try not to bore the reader. 

It's also a good idea to have a friend or family member read over it to get a second opinion. Your statement should be polished and professional, as it is a representation of your abilities as an artist and potential student.

Writing a personal statement for a Foundation Art course is an important aspect of the application process, and provides you valuable experience for the future. It provides the admissions committee with a glimpse into your passion and dedication to art, and allows you to showcase your unique qualities and experiences.

Remember, your personal statement should reflect who you are and where you want to go. It should showcase your passion and commitment for art and, if possible, include your real world artistic experiences.

A well-written personal statement can massively increase your chances of being accepted into the course of your choice and continue down the path towards your dream artistic career.

Writing a strong personal statement requires time and effort, but it is well worth it. Following our tips, will help you write a personal statement that stand-out, making you a competitive candidate for a Foundation Art course.

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Study Foundation Art with the Online College of Art and Design (OCAD) and delve into the artistic world. 

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Crafting Artistic Statements: 10 Powerful Examples & Guide

If you’ve been dreading writing your artist statement, you’re not alone. Although you love working on your artwork , coming up with an artist statement isn’t always easy.

But don’t fear! I’ll share some examples of famous artist statements here. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to write your own artist statement, what to include, and what to skip. 

So, let’s get started!

10 Excellent Artist Statement Examples

Here are ten great artist statement examples you can use for inspiration! Looking at good artist statements can help you decide what to include in your own. But don’t feel like you should copy a sample artist statement – remember to make it unique and personal! 

1. Wassily Kandinsky

“I let myself go. I thought little of the houses and trees, but applied color stripes and spots to the canvas… Within me sounded the memory of the early evening in Moscow – before my eyes were the strong, color-saturated scale of the Munich light and atmosphere, which thundered deeply in the shadows.”

2. Gustav Klimt

“I have never painted a self-portrait. I am less interested in myself as a subject for a painting than I am in other people, above all women… There is nothing special about me. I am a painter who paints day after day from morning to night… Whoever wants to know something about me… ought to look carefully at my pictures.”

3. Mark Rothko

“I’m not interested in relationships of color or form or anything else. I’m interested only in expressing basic human emotions – tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on – and the fact that lots of people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I communicate those basic human emotions… The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religion I had when I painted them.”

4. Edvard Munch

“I was walking along a path with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there were blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.”

5. Pablo Picasso

“I have never made trials or experiments. Whenever I had something to say, I have said it in the manner in which it needed to be said… I can hardly understand the importance given to the word “research” in connection with the modern painting. In my opinion to search means nothing in painting. To find is the thing.”

6. Jackson Pollock

“I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. It doesn’t matter how the paint is put on, as long as something is said. On the floor, I am more at ease. I feel nearer, more part of the painting, since this way I can walk around it, work from the four sides and literally be in the painting. When I’m painting, I’m not aware of what I’m doing. It’s only after a get-acquainted period that I see what I’ve been about. I’ve no fears about making changes for the painting has a life of its own.”

7. Nancy McIntyre

“What do I want to say with my art? Celebrate the human, the marks people make on the world. Treasure the local, the small-scale, the eccentric, the ordinary: whatever is made out of caring. Respect what people have built for themselves. Find the beauty in some battered old porch or cluttered, human-scale storefront, while it still stands.”

8. Duane Keiser

“My subject matter tends to be those fragmentary passages that reside within the mundane – the in-between spaces of our lives that we see but often do not notice. For me, these paintings are about the pleasure of seeing; of being cognizant of the world around me, and pushing to find an alchemy between the paint, my subject, and the moment. I view each piece as being part of a single, ongoing work.”

9. Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz

“My subject matter is nature, whether it is a traditional landscape or a bird and flower painting. I use traditional materials, ink, and brush on rice paper, to capture movement and life — making the brush dance and the ink sing. Everything is captured in the spontaneous dance and movement of the brush as it meets the rice paper. There is no going back and correcting when painting with ink and rice paper.”

10. Georgia O’Keeffe 

“I have but one desire as a painter – that is to paint what I see, as I see it, in my own way, without regard for the desires or taste of the professional dealer or the professional collector. I attribute what little success I have to this fact. I wouldn’t turn out stuff for order, and I couldn’t. It would stifle any creative ability I possess.”

What is an Artist Statement?

Every artist needs to write an artist statement at some point. But, what is it exactly?

An artist statement gives insight into the artist’s process and creative decisions. It can also explain the themes, ideas, and vision of the artist. You can think of it as an initial introduction to yourself and your work to give a great first impression!

Artist statements officially date back to the 1990s . But while they haven’t been around a long time, artists have always tried to define and explain their work. 

These statements can vary in length from a few sentences to a page or more. Each statement will differ, but you want yours to be memorable and easy to understand.

Most importantly, it should help people to understand your work.

Artist statements are used for many reasons. You may use yours when applying for grants, submitting a portfolio, or for PR and press mentions.  It can also appear on your website. 

So, it’s an essential document you’ll need to create. It’s key to growing your following and building a successful career as an artist. 

Writing an artist statement can also help you to get clear on your overall vision and values. You might need to spend some time reflecting on what your art means to you.

And yes, it does mean you’ll have to put down the paintbrush briefly. But with these tips, you’ll know exactly how to write your artist statement. 

Once it’s written, you can use the same statement again and again. If your artwork evolves over time, you may want to update it slightly. But you’ll have already done the hard work researching, planning, and writing it.

How to Write an Artist Statement

Writing an artist statement sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Here are my simple steps for crafting an engaging and effective artist statement! These tips will take you from a bland statement to an amazing artist’s mission statement.

Use simple language

Don’t overcomplicate your statement or use very academic language. That can put people off reading it. Your statement must be powerful and accessible to everyone.

Use active voice and 1st person perspective

I always recommend using the active voice as it comes across as more confident and powerful. Avoid wishy-washy phrases like:

• I want to … in my work

Instead, switch it to active voice. Instantly, you’ll have a more interesting and captivating statement. 

Using 1st person perspective also ensures that your statement is clear and direct. 

Keep it short and sweet

You want to grab the reader’s attention and hold their interest. Avoid an artist statement that is several paragraphs (or pages!) long. A short artist statement is more powerful. So, it should be concise and to the point, without any filler. 

Condense what you want to say down into as little as possible without losing the meaning. Your artist statement should be short enough to quote! 

Ask yourself questions

Your statement allows you to provide a greater understanding of your creative choices. It can give a window into your thought process, so people can take more from your art.

But you need to ensure you include this information in your statement. Otherwise, you’re missing an opportunity. 

One effective method is to think about what people might want to know from you. What questions do you get asked in interviews?

Here are a few questions you could ask yourself:

• What do you want to achieve with your art?
• How do you create your artwork?
• What type of artist am I?
• How does the process, medium, or technique affect the work?
• What does the reader need to know to understand your artwork?
• What emotions do you want to invoke in the reader?
• Who has influenced you in your artistic career, and particularly in this work?
• Who or what are you addressing in this artwork?
• What else do you want your audience to know?
• How does this work relate to your other works?
• What is your art philosophy?
• How does your artwork fit into the history of art?

Don’t worry – you don’t have to answer all these questions in your statement. You can decide which ones make sense. Remember that short and sweet is better than long and dry – you want to get people interested in you!

Once you’ve identified what people want to know about you and your art, you can consider your responses. 

Do your research

A great way to get inspiration for your artist statement is by looking at other examples. You can read up on how the old masters or contemporary artists describe their work. 

Doing some research will help you understand how to structure your statement. It can also give you food for thought to delve deeper into the meanings of your artwork, too! 

If you’re still struggling, there are artist statement templates you can use to get you started. A template will help you build your statement’s structure so that you can concentrate on the details. 

Step away and come back later to edit

It’s easy to get caught up in the details and overthink something as important as an artist’s statement. This document is meaningful and may provoke lots of thoughts or emotions. 

If you find yourself writing and editing, again and again, take some time to step away. Any piece of writing benefits from a fresh eye. When you work on something for a long time, it’s easy to miss any minor details or mistakes.

I always recommend coming back another day to read through and make any final changes. 

The Wrap Up

Writing your artist statement doesn’t have to be a painstaking process. Now, you’ve had a look at some great artist statements. With these simple tips, you’re all set to craft your own statement now! 

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Go ahead and share your artist statement once you’ve written it, too! 

Follow me on Pinterest for more tips, guides, and tutorials for creative professionals! 

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.

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