In the January issue, I’ve shared some tips about how you can get the most out of your media interviews.  Another good tip that can help you through an interview is to have your answers already prepared, so you can successfully breeze through the process with confidence and professionalism. 

This list contains many of the standard questions that are commonly asked during a featured artist interview.  An interviewer will want you to provide at least a few sentences in reply to each question, and some questions may require more than a paragraph in response.  Take some time to write down your own in-depth responses to these questions, and keep them in a handy place so that next time you’re asked for an interview, you’ll be ready!

1. Please list your name, the name of your business, your location, your website, and your full contact information. 


2. Where are you from, how long have you lived here, and have you lived anywhere else that was interesting?


3. What are your other occupations or hobbies, besides art?


4. How long have you been an artist, and how many years as a professional?


5. Describe your art and it's unique qualities; tell me about your particular style, your preferred subjects, etc.


6. Describe your artistic process; what media do you use, how do you choose your subjects, etc.


7. Why do you create art?
   


8. What is your favorite part of your process?


9. What is your educational background, artistic training, and experience?


10. Can you describe how your creative process has evolved into your current style?


11. What motivated you to become an artist; was it a teacher, friend, family member, other artist?


12. What was your first big break?


13. What is your creative inspiration, your muse, or what artists do you admire?


14. What message do you hope to convey through your art?


15. What are your most important artworks, and where are they now?


16. Have you won any major awards, or have art in important collections, or other major accomplishments?


17. Where can your art been seen or purchased?


18. What will be the next big step in your artistic career? 


19. What advice would you like to give to other aspiring artists? 


20. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

MEMBERS COMMENTS VIEWING 1 - 3 OUT OF 3 COMMENTS From: keemosan 01/28/2008 23:44:05 Great list! Very helpful! From: icreate 12/21/2007 19:50:24 You can also go one step further.  Post a list of questions on your media page or give them to the media with your press release.  This helps especially when you want to slant your interview in a certain direction.   From: PaintsWithStick 12/20/2007 14:19:28 Thank you.  I read the article and find this interesting.  I have been on the road to art shows for over 40 years and due to a health problem, need to find ways to sell my art closer to home.  Sooooo, I am reading about sales, portfolios, presentation, bios, cover letters and everything else related.  Just not sure which direction to go.  I am even toying with the idea of a public studio/gallery.           Thanks again           &nbs p;     me