Though many galleries and museums are now offering online viewing, as artists ourselves, we understand how deeply a cancelled art exhibition or show can affect an artist's livelihood and ability to provide for their family.

I have put together a list of organizations, some I've personally participated in, that offer online options for artist exhibitions and competitions. Some may require an entry fee, but many offer prizes and a platform to continue your craft.  If you know of others, please share in the comments. This creative community is vast and wonderful, and we're all in this together. 

Online Art Exhibitions

Fusion Art - monthly themed online art competitions

J. Mane Gallery - monthly themed online art competitions and exhibitions

Photo Contest Guru - all photography contests website

Light Space Time - monthly themed online art competitions

Other Opportunities for Work

The Contemporary Art Gallery Online hosts artists' galleries and will ship prints of their work. If you don't have a website of your own, this is a possible alternative to promote and sell your work here.

Submittable is a great free tool for finding creative work and calls for artists in general.

If you are looking for a stay-at-home side gig right now, check out Virtual Vocations.

I've used Submittable for art calls, and got two offers from Virtual Vocations last year, so I know they are legit.

Other Opportunities to Advance Your Craft

This might be the perfect time to do something for yourself or your work that you've just not been able to fit into your schedule previously. Whether it be to take a free class, advance your craft, sign up for discounts, or stay involved digitally with the creative community, it's always a good idea to do something for yourself that's long overdue. See my tips on how to take advantage of focused 'me' time and stay connected to the creative community.  

Though many galleries and museums are now offering online viewing, as artists ourselves, we understand how deeply a cancelled art exhibition or show can affect an artist’s livelihood and ability to provide for their family. I have put together a list of organizations, some I’ve personally participated in, that offer online options for artist exhibitions […]

“Why bother with an artist biography if I already have an artist statement?” you may ask. “After all, shouldn’t the focus be on my art?” Great questions. However, although an artist statement describes your art, an artist biography lets you to talk about yourself.

People are naturally curious about artists. They may wonder things like: where do you live, are you self-taught or academically trained, have you always been an artist or did you transition from a different career, do you have collectors? All these wonderings create the perfect opportunity to engage with your audience by sharing your story, your way.

What is An Artist Biography?

In general, an artist biography is like a typical biography. It should talk about your life — your history, education, work, etc. The difference is that an artist bio should focus on your artistic life rather than strictly your personal background.

What Voice Should it Be Written In?

Writing in first person — using “I” or “me” statements — conveys a more intimate, casual tone. Some artists prefer the third person, as it allows you to describe your experience and talents in a way that feels objective. With this approach, you would use your full name on first reference followed by your first or last name on subsequent references, along with “he,” “she” or “they” pronouns. Go with whichever voice feels most like you.

How Long Should the Biography Be?

One to three paragraphs are typical for an artist biography. Think tight, powerful sentences packed with information, and also loaded with keywords if you are writing for your website.

What Should An Artist Biography Include?

• Your current location and/or birthplace.
• The type of artist you are: photographer, painter, illustrator, sculptor, collage or fiber artist, performance, digital, etc.
• A basic description of your artwork and process. For example, “He takes macroscopic images of flower parts to share their intricate and colorful details.”
• Your education, training and apprenticeships. If you are self-taught, say it!
• A simplified description of your exhibition history.
• Where or how you sell your art, including all appropriate links if this information will be displayed online.
• If you have a blog to showcase or an Instagram account, provide the link for an online bio or make the URL clear in print.

What Should it Omit?

• Your address and phone number. If you want walk-in customers, put this under your contact information in a separate area.
• Outside quotes or opinions about your art. Put these under a special section for testimonials.
• Detailed information about your exhibition and educational history. Put these on your Artist CV/Resume.

Helpful Tips When Writing an Artist Biography

• Be brief. Be concise. Get to the point.
• Use simple language. How would you tell your story to child or a non-artistic person?
• Be honest and don’t be embarrassed about your past or afraid of using humor. Tell your story in a way that feels authentic to you.

Get it Done: A Journal Exercise

If you’re not sure where to begin with your artist biography, here are a few prompts to get you going:

• Where do you currently live? Where were you born? How have these places influenced your artwork?
• What kind of artist are you? Examples of general categories: photographer, painter, illustrator, calligrapher, sculptor, fiber artist, watercolorist, etc.
• How would you describe your art? What do you make?
• Are you self-taught or do you have academic training? Have you studied or apprenticed with someone?
• Do you teach classes or workshops?
• Do you write about your art, or art in general? If so, where?
• Where have you exhibited?
• Do you have collectors or are you in any collections?
• If you sell your art, where or how do you sell it?

My Artist Biography As an Example

This is my most current artist biography. It’s written in third person. Unlike my artist statement (shown in my post How to Write an Artist Statement), which I consider a fluid document, my own bio right now is fairly static. That will change, though, if I move, switch mediums or interests, obtain another degree or more training, take on a different type of artistic role (like teaching or writing for a publication), or if get more actively focused on selling my art again.

Joely C. Rogers is a North Carolina-based food illustrator and artist who is passionate about showing the interconnection between food and culture. Her artwork depicts both the beauty and uses of various foods and ingredients. She has graduate training in storytelling and writes about her artistic and culinary explorations on her blog, Cafe Joely.

Joely also has extensive knowledge of picture framing and image display. Along with her husband, Mark Rogers, she co-owns Frame Destination, an online picture frame company for DIY framers. She writes about the marketing, display, and selling of art on Frame Destination's blog.

Happy writing!

I hope you’re inspired to pen a first draft of your artist biography. Your customers — and prospective admirers — will be delighted by this inside peek into who you are as an artist.

“Why bother with an artist biography if I already have an artist statement?” you may ask. “After all, shouldn’t the focus be on my art?” Great questions. However, although an artist statement describes your art, an artist biography lets you to talk about yourself. People are naturally curious about artists. They may wonder things like: […]

I used to dread talking about my art. As a full-fledged introvert, I’m not a big talker to begin with, and having to explain out loud what seemed obvious was especially taxing. Apparently I’m not alone; many artists tend to be non-verbal communicators. But the hard reality is that your art doesn’t speak for itself — it needs context.

I have long since realized how useful an artist statement can be in clarifying the how and the why we became artists. Writing an artist statement gives you the opportunity to talk about your art: the technical processes of how you make it, plus why you feel compelled to create and show your work to the world. Think of it as a powerful stand-in for your professional voice in print media.

Sharing the how and why of your art

All art needs a basic description and most of it needs some type of clarification. This doesn’t mean telling the viewer how they should experience your art. It means taking the time to explain how and why you create your art, and what it means to you personally. Also, why do you want to share this stuff? It can be equally meaningful (and infinitely easier) to create for just yourself; I did this for about 37 years. What is motivating you to make it public?

With this in mind, I’ll share with you my process of crafting a basic artist statement. I’m calling it “basic” because the audience for this post is either someone who has never written an artist statement, or those who might be looking for ways to tweak their current one.

What is an artist statement?

In general, an artist statement is a formal introduction to your work. It should be a work-in-progress document about your art, stating your focus, outlining the materials and methods used to create your art, and reflecting on why you create it.

What voice should it be written in?

First person — think “I” or “me” statements.

How long should it be?

One to five paragraphs is a typical range. I tend to favor brevity and think one to three carefully worded paragraphs can convey all your information. Make every word count!

What should it include?

• Your materials/media
• Subject matter(s)
• Your process/methods
• Your purpose/why are you doing this?

What should it omit?

• Specific biographical information — general is okay if it helps with clarification. Your artist biography is the place for more details about your life.
• Outside quotes or opinions about your art.
• Your personal philosophies — it’s a statement, not a manifesto.

Helpful tips:

• Be brief. Get to the point.
• Use simple language. How would you describe your artwork to a child, a completely non-artistic person, your family, etc. Start with a simple framework, and then create a few versions for different audiences.
• Be honest. Share the reason behind your obsession with drawing/painting/photographing a sunset, flowers or a slice of crispy bacon.
• Remind yourself that your artist statement is not a static document. You should update it as your artwork evolves.

Write your artist statement: a journal exercise

Unsure where to start? Use the following prompts to kickstart your thinking. Write down your answers because writing forces clarity.

• How would you describe your art? What is your subject matter or focus?
• What material(s) do you use to make your art?
• Describe the method(s) used to create your art?
• What does your art mean to you? Why are you creating it?
• How do you get inspiration?
• Who is your intended audience, and what are the goals/hopes of sharing your art?

 

Download my "Writing an Artist Statement: A Journal Exercise" PDF for help writing your artist statement.

My artist statement as an example

This is my most current artist statement. It’s a work in progress, but I’ve done my best to convey as much information as possible in one succinct paragraph. Remember that your artist biography is the place to give lots of details about yourself as an artist.

Food is life, and life is art. I use colored pencils and digital media to create art and illustrations focused on food and ingredients. My colorful drawings show the beauty of food, while digitally added typography provides both practical information and commercial appeal to the viewer. I see my drawings and illustrations as stories or snapshots of daily life, rather than just strictly art, and it is my hope that they will encourage viewers to think more deeply about food. For inspiration, I read constantly and eat voraciously. I am also inspired by memories of my rural upbringing where we grew our own vegetables, ate local meat and seafood, and faithfully recreated traditional recipes.

No more dreading

Whether you’re about to write your first artist statement or it’s time to revise your current one, I encourage you to put something down in writing. A bonus: If you memorize it, you can use your artist statement as a go-to reply or ‘elevator pitch’ the next time someone asks you about your art. Learn more about the ‘elevator pitch’ in Joely’s post: 5 Tips for a Successful Gallery Show. If you're ready to create your Artist Biography or discover why you need both a statement and biography, visit my post Writing an Artist Biography vs. Statement: Why You Need Both.

I used to dread talking about my art. As a full-fledged introvert, I’m not a big talker to begin with, and having to explain out loud what seemed obvious was especially taxing. Apparently I’m not alone; many artists tend to be non-verbal communicators. But the hard reality is that your art doesn’t speak for itself […]

There’s nothing quite like a beautiful piece of art or a precious photograph. But caring for and displaying these priceless keepsakes can be a challenge. The right picture frame can protect and accentuate its contents, making sure that your picture(s) and/or artwork gets the recognition it deserves.

Yet, with all of the options available to us, buying picture frames online can be a daunting task. This guide will walk you through the top seven considerations when buying a picture frame online, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match for your photograph or art at a great value.

Let’s dive in…

1. What are you Framing?

This simple question is often the best place to start your journey. Are you framing something precious or irreplaceable?  If so, it’s important to choose a quality frame that will help to preserve the art or photograph for years to come. Cheap store-bought frames can work as a temporary solution for those less important items (such as low-cost digital prints that can be cut to size), but if you’re framing something with sentimental or real value, it’s worth choosing a high quality custom frame.

Another aspect to consider is the thickness of the item you’re framing. Is it a flat piece of art, or are you framing something thicker like a canvas or a sports jersey? Thicker items are often better suited for a canvas floater frame or shadow box frame that fits the dimensions of your item.

If you are framing a canvas and need to know which specific frames fit your sized canvas, you can find a list of options in this article on how to frame canvas prints. For something unique such as metal prints either with or without a hanging block, use this step-by-step guide to explore your options. 

2. What Style of Frame Will Best Suit your Picture?

It’s important to pick a style of frame that will suit both the picture that sits inside it, and the space that it will be displayed in. Pay close attention to the colors and detail. For example, look at the colors that feature in the artwork and choose a frame with a palate that complements or highlights the imagery.

The majority of quality frames will be made from wood or metal. Wooden frames are more traditional in appearance, and can add an elegant flair to your work. That said, solid wood frames can be quite heavy, so make sure your wall and hooks are strong enough to support them if you choose this option.

Metal frames, on the other hand, are mostly made from aluminum. This makes them both durable and lightweight, while giving off a more modern and minimalistic aura. Both wooden and metal frames come in a wide variety of designs and colors that make it easy to find the perfect style.

3. What Size is It?

Size might not always matter, but when it comes to buying picture frames online it certainly plays a role. It’s important that you accurately measure the minimum and maximum dimensions of your item so that your framer can accommodate the piece, or so that you select a pre-made frame that best suits your needs.

In cases where you may be looking to frame small pieces of art or photos, you may find that they are difficult to frame by themselves. However, adding matting is a great way to circumvent this issue as well as add depth, character and a striking appeal to the piece. If you do choose to add a mat board, we recommend allowing a quarter of an inch overlap for your artwork or photo. This will prevent exposure to the backing or fall out of the matting.

Another thing to ponder is the orientation of your art; will it be displayed in a landscape or portrait layout? Once you’ve decided this, you can get down to the important task of measuring. Start by measuring the height and the width of your artwork, making sure not to mix up units of measurement. If you’re framing a thicker item, you’ll need to measure the depth too.

4. What Type of Cover or Glazing is Best: Glass or Acrylic?

The glazing is the piece of the frame which “covers” your art or photo yet allows you to see what’s in your frame. It’s important to choose the right material so that it will protect and show off your artwork well into the future.

Covers are usually made from either glass or acrylic. Glass is the more traditional option. It can provide an excellent clear finish and protects your artwork well, but it’s prone to breaking easily, so it needs to be handled and packaged with care.

Acrylic, on the other hand, is similar in appearance to glass, yet is lightweight, highly durable, and less prone to shattering.

The final consideration is the “finish” of your cover. There are two more common options, either a clear finish, which is, as the name suggests, a crystal-clear surface for your artwork, or a non-glare finish, which gently diffuses any extreme glare from lights and softens the color of your artwork slightly.

In addition, you may choose an anti-reflective finish which is a coating that eliminates glare well without the drawback of non-glare finishes. For glass, the water white treatment reduces the iron content of the glass so the glass does not have a green tint.

5. Which Backing is Best?

Even though the backing of your framed art or photograph normally won’t be on display, it’s still an important component of the framing process.

There are generally three types of backing to choose from:

Foam Board, (also known as foamcore, Gatorfoam®, or mount board), is the safest and most commonly used type of backing. It is popular because it is lightweight and easy to cut and manipulate to fit virtually any size of frame. Foam Board is also sold in acid-free varieties, which is important in protecting your artwork against corrosion.

Cardboard is lightweight and strong, but some types of cardboard can be highly acidic. If you’re framing a precious piece of art or a priceless photograph, then you may want to avoid frames with cardboard backing altogether.

Acrylic or glass is also sometimes used, although this tends to be in double-sided frames where the front and back can be interchangeable, and when you are "floating" a piece of art and want the wall behind it visible. Please note,  in certain environmental conditions, this method could result in the art sticking to the glass over time so use it with non-priceless art only.

6. Where to Buy Your Picture Frame Online

Some people choose to buy a picture frame from local framers in their area. This option is a great one when it works, but it can also often be costly, time-consuming and inconvenient. Especially if your local shop is not close to you or back logged with other orders.

Buying picture frames online can be a more affordable and more convenient option, while opening up the possibilities with a virtually endless selection of styles to choose from.

For example, at FrameDestination.com, you can find all the services you would at your local framing store, such as custom measurements of your frame and mat board, as well as a large variety of materials and styles to choose from. Plus they offer multiple styles of picture frame glass unlike many other online retailers.

7. How to Hang your Picture

Now that you have your beautifully framed artwork or photograph, it’s time to hang it. Make sure to use strong and durable hardware that won’t accidentally slip or fail over time. Frame Destination offers free professional grade hanging hardware complete with wall bumpers with any complete picture frame kit.

It’s also a good idea to get someone to help you when choosing where to place your picture, to make sure it’s straight and in line with any other items on your walls. You can also use a hanging tool like this one.

Ready to Find the Perfect Frame for your Picture?

Buying picture frames online has never been easier. If you keep these 7 considerations in mind when purchasing your next frame, the process should be quick, easy and hassle-free, giving you beautiful results that will last for years to come.

There’s nothing quite like a beautiful piece of art or a precious photograph. But caring for and displaying these priceless keepsakes can be a challenge. The right picture frame can protect and accentuate its contents, making sure that your picture(s) and/or artwork gets the recognition it deserves. Yet, with all of the options available to […]

Some invaluable advice helped shape the artistic success of this former musician and marketing executive: “Your work is beautiful, but we can easily find beautiful work. Give us something narrative, something special.” Those aren’t exactly the words an artist yearns to hear. Fortunately, Bobby Baker allowed the critique—from a prestigious art society—to positively motivate him on his journey from professional musician to sales and marketing executive to fine art photographer.

Coastal emotions.

Maybe it’s the panda in me, but black-and-white photography truly speaks to me. Bobby masterfully captures the lines, patterns, and natural beauty of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, through stunning black-and-white imagery, as well as in vivid color. Of course his work isn’t just about the subject matter, but the feelings these scenes conjure. And now that he’s retired from his music and sales careers, Bobby focuses on his art from an antique Cape Cod home with a charming studio barn.

A longtime fan.

Bobby tells us that he’s used Frame Destination products for years. His gallery walls feature many prints in our Black Wood Frame Profile 503, and “always” with Bainbridge 8-Ply white mats. His dramatic “Fenced In” photograph is custom framed in a White Wood Frame Profile S24.

See more of his work.

Since we can’t show you all of Bobby’s work here, be sure to see his latest efforts on Instagram, Facebook, and on his website. If you’re wondering about his musical destinations and his most indispensable photography tools, your curiosity will be satisfied in my Q&A below.

Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Bobby Baker…

1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I am an artist whose medium is photography. My life has been spent in the arts in some fashion, from grade school to present. I spent a great deal of time as a professional musician, before a 25-year career as a sales and marketing executive. My photography career began in the late 1970s as an assistant to an event photographer in Palm Beach, Florida. A demanding tour schedule with a musical act relegated my photography to the backseat for a while. However, it was through my musical travels across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Mexico that I was treated to an incredible smorgasbord of vistas, people, and cool things that stirred my creativity. From day one, the ocean and all things coastal provided inspiration, and it remains so to this day. About 15 years ago a coworker viewed some of my work from my “musician on tour” period and encouraged me to get serious about my art. I heeded her advice and began to show new work with quick success that moved me to remain on this artistic path. With the executive career now in my rear view mirror, my time was now about my art. And with Cape Cod so often at the center of my creativity, it only made sense to live on the Cape full-time. Four years ago my wife, Dena, and I purchased a charming antique house and barn on the Cape. We converted the barn into the Bobby Baker Gallery featuring my work and that of some very talented Cape artists.

2. How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with their subject?
I think it’s very important for any artist to “connect” to their subject. A work of art should stir emotion – and if the artist is not connected in a special way to the subject of their work, the piece will probably be void of emotion.

3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Many years ago when I was working to have my art accepted to one of the country’s most important art societies, I received this critique: “Your work is beautiful, but we can easily find beautiful work – give us something narrative, something special.” This simple piece of invaluable advice caused me to rethink what I was creating and made a world of difference in my success.

4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?
I think I have always been a “beach bum” at heart. That is where I have always been happiest — at the beach. My work is about all things coastal; the ocean, beach, sun, and the emotions that these special scenes can evoke.

5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Not really. It’s hard not to be inspired when you live in a place like Cape Cod.

6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
My eyes. My creative vision is what sets my work apart.

7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I am always working on creating art that conveys the special feelings I get from living on the Cape. You can follow my latest work on Instagram (@BobbyBakerGallery) and two Facebook pages (@BobbyBakerPhotography and @BobbyBakerGallery).

8. What “fad” gadget do you most regret purchasing?
Nothing fad-wise, but I have far too many tripods from being in search for “just the right one”!

 

All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply 
to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.

Some invaluable advice helped shape the artistic success of this former musician and marketing executive: “Your work is beautiful, but we can easily find beautiful work. Give us something narrative, something special.” Those aren’t exactly the words an artist yearns to hear. Fortunately, Bobby Baker allowed the critique—from a prestigious art society—to positively motivate him […]

What’s your style? Most people have distinct preferences when it comes to their home surroundings. Paint color, furnishings, art and decor all work together to create various ambiences that we gravitate toward. Of course our choices can change over time, or we can blend in other “flavors” to mix things up. As creative people, that's to be expected!

Let’s take a peek at four popular interior designs, along with frames that work well with each. After all, the artwork and photography on our walls and shelves should fit seamlessly into the atmosphere we’re going for.

Mid-Century Modern

If we looked around your living room and saw sofas with tapered legs, wingback chairs and an art deco lamp, we might get the impression you’re into Mid-Century Modern design. This style became popular in the 1940s and we’re still enamored with the high-function minimalism, organic shapes and retro vibe. You’re free to come on strong with bold colors and quirky accessories with this style.

Frame the look. If you’re looking to frame 1960s pop art, a colorful vintage travel poster or geometric shapes like starbursts, consider the brightly saturated Nielsen Profile 117V Metal Frames in a variety of colors, or a “Stainless Steel” Wood Frame for a softer complement to vibrant art.

Coastal

Peaceful and pretty, Coastal design transports us to the beach via chic seaside touches. Not to be confused with nautical interior design—which can quickly drift into kitschy with anchor, shell and fish visuals—Coastal design is more subtle. Think turquoise glass, seagrass rugs, earth-toned pottery or statement driftwood and rope pieces. Calming neutral colors are often balanced with one or two vivid hues, and don’t feel limited to blue and aqua. Palm-tree greens, coral pinks and sunset orange can fit in nicely to your Coastal decor.

Frame the look. Lighter wood frames like a White Wood Frame or a natural wood-grain Wood Frame Profile 547 to help complete your seaside retreat. Frame Destination makes it easy to either customize or narrow down your options for a standard-size frame.

Contemporary

If you appreciate simplicity, uncluttered spaces and clean lines (straight or flowy), you probably lean toward contemporary design. This approach places emphasis on open space rather than objects for a streamlined look. Black, white and neutrals are often the stars in a contemporary palette—although the long-favored neutral gray is said to be going out of style with the new decade. Some experts report that navy is the new gray, with other bold, dark colors replacing neutrals. (This makes sense considering Pantone’s Color of the Year is Classic Blue.)

Frame the look. When it comes to framing your artwork, Black Wood Frames, Wood Frame Profile 311 (burled wood with bright color options and a satin or glossy finish), and Nielsen Profile 117V Metal Frames in assorted bright colors all really pop in a contemporary-style home.

Modern Farmhouse

Fans of the HGTV show “Fixer Upper” can spot the Modern Farmhouse look from a mile away. The program’s star couple, Chip and Joanna Gaines, have earned their fame and fortune creating a rustic-yet-modern feel in home spaces. Here you see design elements like distressed woods, vintage treasures, apron sinks, and a whitewashed palette. What takes an interior from comfortable Farmhouse to the more sophisticated Modern Farmhouse are elements like metal accents and rich hues that stand out against a creamy backdrop.

Frame the look. Wood frames do a great job of securing the warm feel of a Modern Farmhouse style home. Especially wood frames in lighter colors like the Wood Frame Profile 547 in a range of neutrals, or rustic-meets-modern Wood Frame Profile 703 . The sheen of this White Metal Frame P117 can also work to balance the prevalence of wood.

What’s your style? Most people have distinct preferences when it comes to their home surroundings. Paint color, furnishings, art and decor all work together to create various ambiences that we gravitate toward. Of course our choices can change over time, or we can blend in other “flavors” to mix things up. As creative people, that’s […]