New Graduate Artist Bio Examples

As a recent graduate, you're in a unique position: you have formal training and a developed body of work, but you're just beginning your professional career. Your artist bio needs to establish credibility while honestly reflecting your early-career status.

This guide shows you how to write a compelling bio that helps you stand out in open calls, gallery submissions, and other opportunities.

Example 1: Recent BFA Graduate

The Bio:

Luca Moretti is a recent BFA graduate from California Institute of the Arts, specializing in oil painting. His work explores themes of urban isolation through atmospheric cityscapes rendered in muted tones. During his studies, Luca's paintings were selected for CalArts' annual juried student exhibition and the Emerging Artists Showcase at the Santa Clarita Arts Center. He is currently developing a new series examining the relationship between architecture and memory in post-industrial neighborhoods.

Why It Works:

• Clear educational background: Establishes formal training immediately
• Specific medium: "Oil painting" is more professional than "visual art"
• Focused theme: Shows conceptual depth and consistency
• Relevant exhibitions: Includes juried shows without overstating experience
• Forward momentum: Mentions current work, showing active practice

Example 2: MFA Graduate with Teaching Experience

The Bio:

Dr. Aisha Patel recently completed her MFA in Sculpture at Yale School of Art. Her large-scale installations investigate themes of diaspora, belonging, and cultural hybridity using textile, steel, and found objects. Patel holds a BA in Art History from UCLA and has served as a teaching assistant for undergraduate sculpture courses. Her work has been exhibited at the Yale University Art Gallery and the New Haven Arts Council. She was awarded the Windham-Campbell Prize for emerging sculptors and is currently pursuing gallery representation.

Why It Works:

• Advanced degree: MFA shows serious commitment to art practice
• Interdisciplinary background: Art History degree adds depth
• Teaching experience: Demonstrates knowledge sharing and expertise
• Professional venues: Mix of academic and community galleries
• Recognition: Prize validates the quality of work
• Career direction: Seeking representation shows professional ambition

Example 3: Certificate Program Graduate

The Bio:

Marcus Johnson is a visual artist who recently completed the Photography Certificate Program at the International Center of Photography in New York. Working primarily in black-and-white documentary photography, he captures the daily lives of working-class communities in Brooklyn. Johnson's photographs have been featured in ICP's annual student exhibition and published in Brooklyn Rail's online edition. Prior to his photography training, he worked as a social worker, an experience that deeply informs his approach to visual storytelling.

Why It Works:

• Alternative education path: Certificate programs are legitimate credentials
• Clear genre and medium: Documentary photography is specific
• Subject matter: Working-class communities shows clear focus
• Relevant experience: Social work background adds credibility to his subject
• Publications: Online publication is appropriate for early career
• Honest positioning: Doesn't overstate experience level

Tips for New Graduates

1. Lead with Your Education (But Don't Stop There)

Include:

• Your degree and institution
• Year of graduation (if recent)
• Your concentration or specialization
• Any relevant honors or awards

Example:

Recent MFA graduate from Rhode Island School of Design (2024), specializing in ceramic sculpture..."

2. Bridge Student and Professional Work

You can mention:

• Final thesis or capstone exhibitions
• Juried student shows (if competitive)
• Graduate assistantships or teaching roles
• Departmental awards or grants
• University gallery exhibitions

Avoid:

• Listing every student show
• Overemphasizing non-juried class exhibitions
• Using "just graduated" or apologetic language

3. Highlight Your Medium and Process

Be specific about:

• Your primary medium(s)
• Technical approaches or methods
• Materials you work with
• Scale or format of your work

Good examples:

• "Large-scale abstract oil paintings"
• "Hand-built ceramic vessels with experimental glazing"
• "Digital collage combining photography and illustration"

Avoid:

• "Mixed media art"
• "Various mediums"
• "Creative work"

4. Show Your Artistic Direction

Include:

• Themes you explore
• Concepts that drive your practice
• Questions you're investigating
• Cultural or personal influences

Example:

Her paintings investigate the intersection of memory and landscape, drawing from her childhood in rural Maine..."

5. Demonstrate Active Practice

Show you're still creating:

• Current projects or series in development
• Recent exhibitions or applications
• Studio practice or residencies
• Ongoing research or exploration

Example:

Currently developing a new body of work exploring..."

6. Include Relevant Background

If applicable, mention:

• Previous careers that inform your work
• Cultural background or heritage
• Travel or lived experiences
• Research interests
• Community involvement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Apologizing for Being New

Don't write:

As a recent graduate with limited experience..."

Instead write:

Recent MFA graduate from [Institution]..."

Padding Your Resume

Don't write:

Internationally exhibited artist" (for one group show abroad)

Instead write:

Work featured in [Specific Exhibition Name] at [Venue]"

Being Too Vague

Don't write:

I create art about society and culture"

Instead write:

My photography explores gentrification's impact on immigrant communities"

Overusing Academic Jargon

Don't write:

My praxis interrogates hegemonic structures through post-colonial discourse..."

Instead write:

My work examines power dynamics in post-colonial contexts through..."

Ignoring Your Next Steps

Don't write:

Just ending with your graduation

Instead write:

Currently seeking gallery representation and developing new work for..."

Adapting Your Bio for Different Opportunities

For Open Calls and Competitions

Emphasize:

• Your technical skills and medium
• Thematic consistency and focus
• Any juried exhibitions or awards
• Your educational credentials

For Gallery Submissions

Emphasize:

• Your artistic vision and concepts
• Exhibition history (even if limited to school shows)
• Your commitment to ongoing practice
• Why you're a good fit for their program

For Residencies

Emphasize:

• What you want to develop or explore
• Your working process
• Collaborative experience (if relevant)
• How the residency aligns with your goals

For Teaching Positions

Emphasize:

• Your educational background
• Teaching or mentoring experience
• Technical expertise
• Your approach to art education

Your Bio Length

Adjust based on the opportunity:

• Short applications: 75-100 words
• Standard applications: 100-150 words
• Detailed applications: 150-250 words
• Artist statements: 250-400 words (different from bio)

Sample Bio Template

[Your Name] is a [medium] artist and recent [degree] graduate from [Institution] ([year]). Their work explores [theme/concept] through [approach/method]. During their studies, [Name]'s work was featured in [relevant exhibitions/awards]. They hold a [previous degree] from [institution], which informs their [aspect of practice]. [Name] is currently [current activity] and developing [future direction].

Key Takeaways

1. Own your new graduate status - It's a legitimate stage of your career
2. Be specific about your practice - Medium, themes, and methods matter
3. Show momentum - Include current projects and future plans
4. Bridge education and profession - You're transitioning, not stuck
5. Keep it honest and clear - Don't inflate or apologize

Remember: Galleries and competitions understand that professional careers have beginnings. They're looking for artists with clear vision, technical skill, and dedication—all things you can demonstrate as a new graduate.

Related Resources

• Student Artist Bio Examples
• Emerging Artist Bio Examples
• How to Apply to Art Calls