How to Become an Art Writer
Professional art writers can have a profound impact on an artist's career, the success of a gallery show, the attendance at a museum exhibit or the funding that goes to a particular arts organization. The work of art writing is challenging and fascinating, because it demands staying abreast of trends in the art world. The result of this hard work is a rewarding career that celebrates the creative visionaries of the era.
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Instructions
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Study art and art history. A working knowledge of art and art terms is necessary to be an art writer. A background in English, communications, feature writing, grant writing, fine art or a foreign language can also be useful. Studying dance, theater, music, performance art, comparative literature, film or history may serve a specific focus for art writing.
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Read all types of art writing. Check out mainstream art magazines such as "Art and Antiques" as well as academic art journals and alternative art magazines like "Juxtapoz," "Raw Vision" and "Hi-Fructose" (see Resources below). Look for art writing in general interest magazines, too, such as show and museum and reviews in "The New Yorker," artist profiles in "Vanity Fair" and local art coverage in your hometown newspaper. Read artist biographies, artist statements, museum press releases and art grants to get a sense of the scope of art writing and the types of services art writers can provide.
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Consider a focus. There are many types of art writing. Some art writers have a local, national or international beat, covering breaking news about festivals, shows, artists, artwork and trends. Other art writers specialize in grant writing for museums, art organizations or individual artists. Some art writers help artists to polish their resumes, develop artist statements and write copy for websites. Art writers can also research and write for catalogs, textbooks and magazines. Public relations is another typical career track for art writers.
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Develop a portfolio of clips. You can start small by covering a local show for an independent weekly newspaper or getting blurbs about upcoming cultural events published in an arts calendar. Some art writers go the route of doing unpaid internships to make a portfolio, while others may donate their talent to promote the creative endeavors of artist friends. Be sure clips represent your best work and include a byline or a credit. Most art writers benefit from having an online portfolio or an online resume with links to online writing samples.
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Query potential clients. Many art writers work freelance, so it's important to develop a thick skin in regard to pitching editors, curators, artists, galleries, art administrators and the like about the services you offer. Create a powerful pitch letter (see Resources below) that can be altered to accommodate a particular focus, theme or purpose. Be fearless about promoting your work and pursuing marketing opportunities.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep samples updated so that editors see your most relevant work.
Avoid the trap of the perpetual unpaid internship.
