There is a common hesitation among artists when writing their biographies or CVs. It usually stems from a sense of modesty or a fear of appearing pretentious. The question often bubbles up: “Is it okay to mention the names of my instructors or mentors? What if they aren’t famous? Is it just gratuitous name-dropping?”
The answer is a resounding yes. You absolutely should include them.
In many creative fields, listing your influences is standard practice. A musician will almost always list the conservatory they attended or the master maestro they studied under. Actors list their acting coaches and directors. This isn’t viewed as vanity; it is viewed as pedigree.
Visual artists often shy away from this, but it is time to change that mindset. Listing the artists you have trained with is not about bragging; it is about establishing your professional lineage.
The Myth of Celebrity
One reason artists hesitate to list their teachers is the worry that the names won’t ring a bell. You might think, “My teacher is a master of this technique, but the average person on the street has never heard of them.”
That is perfectly fine. In fact, it is the norm.
If we look back at art history, specifically the late 1940s through the 1960s, we saw a unique period where artists were genuine celebrities. Figures like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Andy Warhol were on the covers of Life magazine. The general public knew who they were.
Today, however, the art world is vast, fragmented, and decentralized. There are very few visual artists with that level of household name recognition. The reality is that your potential collectors—and even gallery owners—likely won’t know every name on your resume. But that shouldn’t stop you from listing them.
Backfilling Credibility
When you list a mentor or instructor in your bio, a psychological shift happens for the reader.
Even if the gallery owner or collector doesn’t recognize the name, the fact that you listed it signals importance. Their internal monologue shifts from “I don’t know who this is” to “If this artist is citing them as a mentor, perhaps I should know who they are.”
It invites them to become educated. They may look the artist up, which enriches their experience. But even if they don’t, the presence of the name “backfills” your credibility. It shows that you are not operating in a vacuum. You are standing on the shoulders of giants. You have been trained, you have studied, and you are carrying on a tradition.
The Etiquette of “Name-Dropping”
If you are ready to update your bio, here are a few rules of thumb regarding permission and protocol:
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Instructors and Mentors: If you paid a fee to take a class, a workshop, or a master course with an artist, you have explicit permission to list them as your teacher. They provided a service, and part of the value of that service is the reputation they pass on to you. You do not need to call them to ask if you can list them in your CV.
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Collectors: This strategy also applies to your collector base. Listing prominent collectors helps establish social proof. However, the etiquette here is different. If you are going to list a private collector by name on your website or public biography, you must reach out and ask for permission first. Most will be flattered and agree, but you must respect their privacy.
Your History Adds Value
Ultimately, art is about connection. When a collector looks at your work, they are often looking for a story. By weaving your history—your teachers, your influences, and your past collectors—into your bio, you add depth and richness to that story.
You aren’t just selling a pretty object; you are inviting the collector into a world of technique, history, and tradition. Don’t be afraid to open that door for them.
What about you? Do you currently list your mentors or teachers in your artist statement, or have you hesitated to do so? Let me know in the comments below.