Magical or Scientific?

Question

I am native american Artist. I need a biography for portfolio.
Should I write my biography in a magical/spiritual metaphoric sense?
...or should I write it normally and like a scientific essay?

Answer 1

Do the magical....it sells more art.....

Nobody wants to know you graduated the Cleveland Institute of Art when you're trying to sell them a telephone pole converted into a totem pole !

Nope, they want to hear about totem pole folklore, how your grandpa "Hunting Eagle" took you to the "Great Cave of the Wachipi Tribe" and smoked your first pipe, which "spiritually" lifted you to the 5th level of "sangua-chi-yet-ho". And there you started in Art by mixing berries and pine cones to create "the picture of Arri-dah-has" on the cave......

And you can buy my original lithograph for $55.95.....oh, and my grandfather is the 2nd one on the top of the pole.....for $18,000 you too can own a piece of history.....

Answer 2

When writing always consider your reader. Who will read your biography? If that reader is open to magical and spiritual and metaphoric, by all means use that approach. But if you are uncertain, go "normal."
One alternative would be to write it normal, factual, plain, but then have additions, maybe in a different type of lettering, and say something like. In my native American tradition such an experience would mean that....
That way you get both.
But a portfolio's purpose is to get you work, employment or customers, not just self-expression. Remember that.

Answer 3

Write one that's simple and relevant. When you got into art, what classes or schools have helped you learn. The different styles or artists that have inspired your work.
If this essay is for a school, they're looking for dedication and a general love of art. They're looking for people who want to learn.
If this essay is for potential employment, It probably wont get read very often if ever. The artwork is what employers are interested in, not your personal history.
Leave out irrelivant personal details, like loosing your dog when you were 4 or your first girlfriend. Try and stick to your art related experiences.

Answer 4

I'm not quite getting the concept or need to write it in a certain sense...

Just write a biography about you...unless you've lived a magical life I see no reason to make it magical...and if you have then maybe that's too personal to share. Might make it sound too new age anyhow...

Answer 5

Reflect your style of art. If you do spiritual or fantasy art, go for that style of writing, but please keep it brief, light and easy to read or it will hurt more than it will help.
If you have real problems with how to proceed, write a VERY simple, clear bio and worry about it later when you have more time and experience under your belt.

Answer 6

Ask your Elders. They are the ones to best apply their wisdom to the current situation and help you find the path that best meets your needs.

Find where your Elders hang out - bring this to them. Bring some food or tobacco....

Tell them that you want them to think about it, and help you with it...and come bakc a couple fo days later, after they have had a chance to talk it over.

Then, listen to them. They know.

Answer 7

You write it in YOUR way. How would you write it? Be yourself.