Text for Artists
As an artist, you’re often asked to explain their work — what you’ve done, why it matters, and what you plan to do next. Writing about your work has a real value. For you, it can help to discover new insights, articulate your intentions, and deepen your connection to your work. For your audience, it can help them to understand how to approach your work, connecting it to larger themes and ideas, and placing it within a broader context.
That said, it’s not always easy — and that’s where I come in.
Bios and Artist Statements
Whether you’re starting fresh or revising, I help you find the words to express who you are and what you do, clearly and with confidence.
Website Copy
I’ll help you create text that fits the unique structure of a website— using language to unify the visual and interactive elements while ensuring your work stands out.
Proposals and Applications
From grants to residency applications, I help you showcase what makes your work unique while tailoring it to the specific needs of the application.
Collaborative Sessions
Talking is a big part of writing. I offer one-on-one conversations to help explore your ideas, refine your message, and build confidence in your voice.
Common Struggles I Help With:
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Feeling Stuck or Blocked - You don’t know where to start or how to capture the essence of your work.
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Idea Organization - You have so many ideas, but don’t know how to prioritize or connect them.
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Art Jargon Overload - You want to sound impressive, but your message is getting lost in the pomp.
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Lack of Confidence – You doubt whether your ideas are strong enough or worry that your writing won’t do your work justice.
Why Work With Me?
As an artist myself, I understand how deeply personal and vulnerable the art-making process is. And I know how challenging it can be to put something so visual, emotional, or intuitive into words.
That’s why I approach this process with care and respect. Over the years, I’ve helped many artists — informally at first, and now professionally — with artist statements, bios, grant proposals, and website copy.
I help artists get clear on what they're trying to accomplish with their work, connect it to a broader context, and communicate these ideas with clear, straightforward language that nearly anyone can understand.
Rates
I work with clients from various backgrounds and income levels, which is why I offer a sliding scale for my rates of $65 - $85 per hour.
I'm also open to discussing alternative pricing options for very low-income artists, to ensure everyone has access to my services.
Paul Simon
sculptor
"I often struggle with words when speaking about my work, which is probably why I am a visual artist. Dara created a comfortable and safe environment for me to share my thoughts like free association, helping me recognize which were applicable to my interests and which were more like tangents. Dara managed to distill my rambles into a statement that makes sense to other humans! Magic! Dara gave me the confidence to say, "Yes, this is what my work is about."
Lexy Ho-Tai
visual artist
"Dara turned a google doc of my messy thoughts into cohesive sentences for my website! Truly SO helpful!!! It was like ChatGPT, but way better, more realistic and clear sounding.
As a multi-faceted artist herself, Dara has a knack for connecting with creatives and asking astute questions to get to the core of what we're dreaming of. She understands our messy, goopy brains and can help untangle the weeds and make things make sense. Working with her feels like some sort of therapy for creative practices."