Hello out there!
Today I bring you some helpful info. to write your "artist bio".
Here we go... (^^^)
I once was asked indirectly, as a 'Le Challenge' (as I call it) from a company to write my artist bio. I dreaded it, and didn't do it. The outcome... I missed out on an opportunity. I have recently been asked again - directly.
This is my research "take" on my findings.
To KEEP YOU FOCUSED/ ORGANIZED, use this basic outline:
***BEFORE YOU BEGIN***:
1. TAKE INVENTORY OF YOURSELF
CHECKLIST:
~ your background,
~ accomplishments,
~ goals,
~ objectives as an artist/ company
2. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE WRITING THE BIO FOR:
The business contacts you want to impress, deal with, and create lasting relationships with.
EXAMPLES:
+ Art Reps - as individuals/ creative companies.
+ "Booking" Agents (Ex. as a vendor)
+ Management Contacts (Ex. Rare Funk)
+ Promoters (Ex. Alan, Em, Joseph, etc.)
+ Possible "Media" Contacts.
3. FILL YOUR BIO WITH:
~ informative, and upbeat
~ filled with useful comments, descriptions, & quotes
~ And motivational language to aid their interest/ listen to you, and help you along your journeys.
+=+=+=
1st Paragraph - WHO YOU ARE
Get your voice heard, and tell your story...
CHECKLIST:
~ Introductory sentence clearly defines the essential artist/ name
~ Specific genre of art
~ Where you are from
~ Perhaps a positive quote about your art from a contact you have made in the business.
2nd Paragraph - WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE
Put a face to the name, and let the art do the talking for the people reviewing you.
CHECKLIST
~ Upload pics of your art with brief introductions/ explanations
~ Include pictures/ videos of you "doing your thing" everywhere/ anywhere you do it.
~ Hand-pick the pieces that showcase your authentic style, and versatility.
3rd Paragraph - WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING
Address the immediate purpose of the Bio.
MENTION & REMEMBER CHECKLIST:
~ Current activity you are involved with.
~ If a new art/ craft/ project is coming out of the "closet", that should be the main topic of the first sentence.
~ A reason why the Bio has been written should be clearly stated early on in the paragraph.
~ Hints about any promotional activities is also useful here.
4th Paragraph: WHERE YOU'RE CREATING & OTHERWISE INFO.
CHECKLIST:
~ Keep an up-to-date calendar of your activities/ workshops, and event dates; so promoters can see where you're "doing stuff".
~ Include your basic requirements for creating.
~ Otherwise Information can be introduced - like:
+ Background information on the forming of the artist/ company/ group
+ Past experience/ accomplishments
&
+ Recognitions can be addressed
(OPTIONAL)
5th Paragraph: THE BIG PICTURE
Do you have "bigger picture" ideas/ plans? Have you developed a plan for larger development/ a career path?
Elaborate here, by demonstrating how your current project(s) are part of a "bigger picture". Quotes from either you or others can be useful to highlight your art/ craft/ new project(s).
Ending:
Remember, the BIO SHOULD NOT WASTE WORDS. For a new artist 1 page is sufficient to get the job done. For more experienced artists, a page and a half to two pages should be the maximum length. So, ending the Bio in a efficient way should be the aim; use another quote from a gatekeeper who supports the artist, or summarize the 2nd paragraph information, reminding the reader of current activities.
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PLEASE NOTE: Info. above is based on 2 sites (as listed below*), and I have combined both general & EPK info. guides per paragraph.
*1. http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/artistbio.htm - For generalized from music, and "adjusted" at the end; to work with the EPKs' guide.
2. http://about.sonicbids.com/bands/your-epk - For EPK Info. Guide
+++===+++===+++===
RE: EPKs (http://about.sonicbids.com/bands/your-epk)
How promoters look at EPKs:
1. Review
Everything you want to know about an artist, including:
~ their art/ craft
~ mediums they use
~ bio
~ where they're creating/selling/ vending
~ what others are saying about them
~ photos, video and more.
This means less time reviewing what's not right for them, and finding the right artist faster. Millions are looking on various search engines/ sites ALL the time!!!
2. Respond
Includes EPKs from all the artists submitting to your gig. With emerging artists, you're met with quality in every genre including clothing and accessories, metal works, paintings, and more. They can review artist's info., and check out their art & social media buzz.
3. Select
Once they find the artist that's right for them, they can customize messages to the artists they've selected. Those not selected/ interested in but haven't decided on yet, usually get put aside.
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*Visit www.sonicbids.com. They can help you with what are called EPKs (Electronic Press Kits - found here: http://about.sonicbids.com/bands/your-epk) However, the information I am providing you with will go along way to helping you with your EPKs, but you WILL need both at this time.
That's it for research here... now I'm ready!!!
My 'Le Challenge' to me:
1. To "attack" this bio with peace of mind - knowing it will finally be officially "started" (as they usually change along life's journeys).
2. To remember to BREATHE during the tough spots.
3. To try and accomplish this BEFORE the week's end.
Thankz to all who inspire me, and those they encounter along the way!!! CHEERS!!!
Until next time...
Pleasant Journeys through all of Life's adventures!!!
Chris S. (*@^@*)
