Interview questions every artist should be prepared for

Artist answering interview questions

Important jumps in every artist’s career are being featured in art magazines. These opportunities are always both amazing and scary, which is why it is important to prepare for the interview properly. You will want to make sure that you leave a good impression and that your art statement comes across. To get ready and become more confident, we suggest that you answer these questions yourselves before you get a chance to talk about your art with a journalist. These are some of the most common questions artists get asked in an interview, and they can also help you have a better and clearer statement for your art.

What does your work aim to say?

 

Now, even though you have a full grasp on what is your work about, it is very important for others to have the wide context as well. In answering this question, think not only about what inspires you but how are you personally reflecting on the matter, thus why does it bring a burning urge to create your work. Think about the materials you are using and how do they fit in the concept of your artwork, and then the narrative of your work and what kind of dialogue it should inspire. Formulate your answer in a clear manner, but leave it open for additional interests and further questions on the topic.

Who are your biggest influences?

 

Whether it is one particular artist whose work inspired you to become an artist yourself, or if there is a variety of artists which influenced your style, your theme, your expression – your answer to this question is important because it will help the audience locate you on the big canvas of different creators. Most importantly, this will help curators, critics and collectors recognize you as an artist they should pay attention to. If your influences are your current colleagues from the world of art, you can also show your respect for their work, and elaborate on what aspect of that work you are inspired by, and why.

How does your work comment on current issues on a national/global level?

 

Throughout history, art has played a valuable role in shaping our societies. If your work is making a comment on current political/ social/ ecological happenings, then you have a chance to enter a worldwide artistic dialogue and be recognized on a large scale. Think about how your artwork fits into the great puzzle and how are your pieces expressing your personal viewpoints. Smart and prepared answer to this question can ensure you high rates in the art world and help you grow your network.

What is your background?

 

The purpose of this question is not to highlight your education and achievements in your career. Although this is a part of your answer, the main focus of your story should be reflecting on your personal growth, your cultural heritage and those life events which inspired your work. Readers would like to know more about you as a person behind your art, what set of events shaped you and played an important role in your artistic development, how is your cultural identity tied with the work you’ve shown so far. This question also opens a possibility for a short glimpse into your future plans and what is your current work in progress inspired by.

Which current art world trends are you following?

 

To be a respected artist, with good sale rates, you’ll have to keep track of the hot topics on the current art scene on a local, national and international level. During your interview, you will have the chance to show your awareness of the waves and flows of the market, the trends in the art that is being made by your colleagues, as well as art-buying trends. You can express your deep, philosophical understanding of the phenomena in today’s art, your clever predictions on the further interests of the market and reflect on famous contemporary artists and the public interest in their work.

 

By coming prepared to an interview, you are showing your respect towards the time of the person on the receiving end. Knowing what you will talk about in advance, means that you will appear more confident and avoid reckless mistakes which can hurt your career in the long run.

 

Art interview doesn’t need to be a date in your calendar which you dread, it can be an awesome opportunity to share your calling with the world. This way, the audience is given the chance to meet the person behind the canvas, and relate to your art on a deeper, intimate level, with a better understanding of the statement you are expressing.

 

Are you prepared for your next interview? We hope this helped you prepare and lose the jitters. Fingers crossed!

 

About the author:

Nina Petrov is an activist, poet, performer and mathematician. She communicates with the world mostly through words, movement and equations, but sometimes also by speaking very loudly. The only truth she could say about herself is that she keeps changing every day, never stops learning and interacting with her surroundings.

Author: ana