How to Write About Yourself

This contributor post was written by Tiffany Moore.

Are you on of those people who has no problem writing about other people, about your inspirations, about what you love, but when it comes to writing a bio, an artist’s statement or a marketing page, you freeze up?

The point of a good personal statement (see also: manifesto, artist statement, bio, about page) is to dazzle your audience senseless and leave them wanting more, so much more, in fact, that they can’t help but check what you’re selling, visit your shop, or hop on over to your blog or services page.

But I don’t want it to be too personal…

Remember, your art is personal. It’s a part of you, so that’s a big piece of what you’re selling: YOU.

You don’t do this work because it’s easy. You do it because you can’t not do it, because something compels you, because creating makes you come alive. That’s what people want to hear about, that’s what gets them hooked.

What are the things that make you “weird” to other people? Those are the things that make you stand out. Me? I’m fascinated by giraffes, head over heels for a couple of bluegrass brothers from North Carolina and swoon over anything French. These things get me going! They make me tick…I’m definitely going to be sharing them on my bio.

A couple of things to keep in mind as you contemplate your start:

  • What makes your heart sing? We don’t need your life story, we need your magic. What do you get lost in? What brings tears to your eyes? Start here and you can’t fail.
  • What value do you give to the world? If you have trouble with this one, start with the people who love and care about the most. Ask them what they love about you. Send an email asking for three words that describe you. Reach out and let them do the work ~ what you hear will surprise you.

But I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging…

You, you sweet, dear soul, are so gracious and thoughtful and lovely, that you are beyond bragging. There is a difference between being proud of something you’ve accomplished and bragging.

The world wants to be able to celebrate your successes, the people who care about you (they exist in tremendous numbers) want to know what you’re up to. No one can support you unless you want them to and tell them how. It’s a simple fact.

When you first start out with talking and writing about yourself, it’s going to feel incredibly uncomfortable. It will feel braggy. You will feel like you’re doing nothing but talking about yourself. It’s okay. Take it slow and be gentle with yourself. You will find your voice: the first step is to start. Somewhere, anywhere. Just get started.

*image via WriteWithMoxie Red Paper Pencils

Tiffany Moore, co-founder of Teahouse Studio is a life and business coach. She helps creatives take their business (and LIVES) to the next level with her sparkly butt-kicking and thinks that everyone in the world is beautiful, including you.

21 comments | Click here to reply

Great tips on how to stand out…correctly.RT @atlargeinc: How to #Write About Yourself http://t.co/Y90U5dzH #bio #statement

Dana Bakich (@dbakich17)

Great tips on how to stand out…correctly.RT @atlargeinc: How to #Write About Yourself http://t.co/ZXj4Q6zm #bio #statement

iSportsWhisper (@iSportsWhisper)

How to #Write About Yourself http://t.co/eRSartAX #bio #statement

atLarge, Inc. (@atlargeinc)

How to Write About Yourself http://t.co/GoRwRnOE via @sharethis

ЅliΜ Black™ziko® (@slimblack_nigga)

RT @skinnycap: How to Write About Yourself http://t.co/lDhE5aSr Some really great tips here – even for the non-artistic!

rose mockford (@mydesignmade)

How to Write About Yourself http://t.co/lDhE5aSr Some really great tips here – even for the non-artistic!

Katherine Wildman (@skinnycap)

A freelance writer is just that…someone who submits articles to a magazine and receives a fee for them. You do not get to keep the copyright. Once you submit to a magazine and, if your articles are accepted, the fee the magazine pays you for your work makes it the magazine’s property.

Jennifer

Many of you are creative people that might have to write about yourself for your website bio, an article or some… http://t.co/IXQhtFGM

Nina Randone (@ninarandone)

Post on “How to write about yourself” http://t.co/1JdW3OGx

(@MixedKreations) (@MixedKreations)

RT @GetItScrapped: How to Write About Yourself | via papernstitch http://t.co/CdLERo6x and from GIS http://t.co/lJKwcFXM

Erin Clayton (@Erin_Ink)

RT @GetItScrapped: How to Write About Yourself | via papernstitch http://t.co/nLKIMU4C and from GIS http://t.co/Ag7BGPEB

Zaira@HacerScrapbook (@HacerScrapbooks)

How to Write About Yourself | via papernstitch http://t.co/CdLERo6x and from GIS http://t.co/lJKwcFXM

Debbie Hodge (@GetItScrapped)

How to Write About Yourself | papernstitch http://t.co/tTJnUpg0

A Curious Girl (@ACuriousGirl13)

So funny! I was just asked to write a little bio yesterday and I was totally drawing a blank. This advice really helps. Now I just need to get to it! Thanks!

Casey

How to Write About Yourself via @papernstitch http://t.co/FJWIxdIW

Megan Wells (@Makewells)

Thank you so much for this article. I am in the process of writing an artist’s bio for a license agreement and I have been struggling with it! Your advice is terrific, it is especially helpful to ask friends for descriptive words! Thanks so much!!
🙂 Kris

Kris Lanae Binsfeld

Great Blog from PapernStitch – On How to Write About Yourself – Which Is Not So Easy… http://t.co/spIX4fxm TY @teahousestudio

SFetsy (@SFetsy)

Thanks, this is really helpful advice!

Christie Ray Harrison

Hi Lisa and Vicky! So many people find it difficult to write about themselves. You two are not alone on that one. Glad you both found a way to just write from the heart. Thanks for stopping by.
-Brittni

papernstitch

Love this article because like a lot of people, I find it so hard to write about myself. I finally just wrote from the heart and it was a little easier.

PS – Thank you for featuring my pencils up there. 🙂

Moxie Lisa

Great article, thanks! I always have trouble with that part, so I usually just copy/past’ed some stuff to all my websites. Only recently have I started getting a bit more personal, and it doesn’t feel weird 🙂

Vicky aka Aranwen
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