How to Talk About Your Work: Tips for Writing Strong Application Texts

Master your artwork and artist statements with confidence and clarity.

Whether you’re applying to exhibitions, competitions, or funding opportunities, your words are just as important as your images. Clear, compelling application texts can be the key to helping your work stand out.

This guide will walk you through writing artwork statements and artist statements, with tips for writing strong application texts and how to make your applications shine.

What’s the Difference?

Before you start, it helps to clarify:

Artwork Statement

A short explanation about a specific piece or series. It often includes:

• What inspired the work

• The materials and methods you used

• The main themes or concepts

• What you hope viewers will experience

  
  

Artwork statements help reviewers grasp the intent behind individual submissions.

Artist Statement

A broader description of your artistic practice as a whole. This tells readers:

• What drives your work overall

• What subjects or ideas you return to

• The techniques and processes you favour

• Your artistic background and influences

  
  

Some opportunities require both, others only one.

Tip: Always check the submission guidelines carefully to avoid including extra material or missing something essential.

Writing Effective Artwork Statements

A well-crafted artwork statement can transform the way your work is perceived. Here’s how to create one that feels genuine and professional:

Keep It Focused

It’s tempting to cram in everything about your entire career, but remember: this text should only describe the specific work you’re submitting.

How to Focus:

Answer these questions:

• What does this piece depict or express?

• Why did I make it?

• How did I make it?

• Avoid biographical information unless it directly connects to the work.

• Keep unrelated themes or other projects out.

  
  

Example:

This mixed-media sculpture explores ideas of shelter and vulnerability through the combination of fragile paper forms and rigid steel frameworks.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether something belongs in the statement, ask: Does this information help the reader understand this artwork? If not, leave it out.

Make It Accessible

It’s important that your writing doesn’t alienate readers with jargon or overly academic language.

How to make it clear:

• Use short sentences.

• Choose everyday words where possible.

• Explain any specialist terms in plain language.

• Aim for clarity over cleverness.

Instead of:

This work interrogates the liminality of post-human ontological constructs.

Try:

This work questions what it means to be human in an age of rapid technological change.

Tip: Read your statement aloud. If it sounds confusing when spoken, simplify it.

Be Concise

Reviewers may read hundreds of applications, so brevity is your friend.

How to stay concise:

• Draft freely, then edit down to essentials.

• Cut filler phrases like “it is important to note that.”

• Avoid repeating information already covered in your form or CV.

• Stick to 100-200 words, unless guidelines specify otherwise.

Tip: After editing, ask someone unfamiliar with your work to read it—if they understand it easily, you’re on the right track.

Show, Don’t Tell

Many statements fall into the trap of telling readers how to feel, rather than describing the qualities that create those feelings.

Instead of telling:

This painting is very emotional and powerful.

Describe the work so readers can feel it themselves:

Layers of translucent ink obscure fragments of handwritten text, suggesting memories slipping out of reach.

Tip: If you catch yourself using adjectives like “beautiful,” “provocative,” or “unique,” pause and describe why instead.

Link Materials to Meaning

Your choice of materials is rarely neutral. Make sure you help the reviewer understand why you chose them.

Examples:

• I use reclaimed wood to evoke cycles of decay and renewal.

• The reflective surfaces invite viewers to see themselves within the work.

This connection strengthens your application by demonstrating intention behind your decisions.

Tip: When in doubt, ask yourself: Why this material? Why this method? Write down your answers and weave them into the statement.

Tips for Writing Strong Application Texts : When and Why?

Artist statements help reviewers see the bigger picture of your practice.

Do You Need an Artist Statement?

VAA ART500:Artist statements are required.

VAA Artist of the Year Awards: Artist statements are not needed.

VAA Visual Art Open: Artist statements are not needed.

Even when optional, having one ready can strengthen proposals, gallery pitches, or grant applications.

Writing a Compelling Artist Statement

Include:

• What motivates you to create

• Recurring themes and questions you explore

• Preferred materials and processes

• Any relevant context about your influences or background

  
  

Avoid:

• Overly technical lists of exhibitions (put these in your CV)

• Clichés like I have been making art since I was a child

• Statements that are too vague (e.g., I explore everything)

Structure Example:

1. Introduction: What drives your practice?

2. Materials & Process: What do you use and why?

3. Themes: What ideas do you return to?

4. Conclusion: What do you hope your audience experiences?

Tip: Keep your statement to 250–300 words. If you have more to say, save the detail for your website or portfolio.

Final Thoughts

Strong application texts show you can think and communicate as clearly as you create. Whether you’re describing one artwork or your whole practice, approach your writing as part of your creative process.

Remember:

• Be clear and concise

• Use accessible language

• Tailor your text to each opportunity

  
  

Above all, let your authentic voice come through - nobody can tell your story better than you.

Tip: Save your final statements in a folder so you can adapt them quickly for future submissions.

Ready to put your statements into action?

If you feel inspired to put these tips into practice, why not apply for the VAA Artist of the Year Awards?

This prestigious competition celebrates talented artists working in all media, offering invaluable exposure, professional development opportunities, and the chance to showcase your work to a wider audience. The application process is simple: submit high-quality images of your artwork along with clear, focused artwork statements - no artist statement required.

Learn more and start your application here:

Apply for VAA Artist of the Year Awards