Art and Design Personal Statement

Getting The Structure Right

Now that you have completed the survey, the next process is to review the results and make sure your structure is right. Your personal statement structure must be written with precision, and quality should be uncompromised. The techniques outlined below will help you develop the best possible personal statement structure.

The introduction

Creativity in your opening introduction is essential.
A strong opening that includes key reasons why you wish to study or the reason for this decision becomes extremely important.
By careful phrasing you will be able to catch the admission officer’s attention straight away. Below we have outlined some examples of what not to write.

A poor introduction may open with:

“Art and design has always been my passion.”
“I really want to study art and design.”
“Creative thinking has always been a central part of my life.”

It is important that the first opening sentence is unique to you. For example:

“Artists can be said to have their heads in the clouds, but my decision to study at university is clearly a decision I made with my feet firmly planted on the ground. Sometimes the solution to a problem is staring right at you – the art is in recognizing it.”

This introduction prompts you to ask yourself what the problem is and therefore makes the reader want to learn more about you.

The body copy

Clients using our editing services often forgot about the body and focus on the introduction and conclusion. It is extremely important to outline the theme that must run throughout the central part of the essay. This may be a good time to outline some of your artistic projects.

The body of the personal statement must continue in a coherent succession from one thought to the next. The body should lead in a convincing series from the introduction to conclusion. The start of each paragraph should position the topic and the paragraph must end in a "hook" to the next paragraph – in all our editing and writing services we check that each paragraph is interlinked. Whenever possible give the first sentence an interesting angle.

Each paragraph should proceed with another using the structure below.
Make sure your sentence is supported by actions or evidence to back up your claims.

1. Specific detail - action that supports the point.
2. Specific detail - action that supports the point.
3. Specific detail - action that supports the point.

The Conclusion

Our editors are in no doubt that the conclusion is one of the most important paragraphs. You need to leave the Admission Officer with the feeling that you are the right candidate to study at Art School. You may find it helpful to reflect on your main accomplishments and experience. The main point of the conclusion is to underline your desire to study. Read the sample conclusion below for inspiration.

“I am on a continual journey to improve my artistic skills. All my efforts to explore aspects of the creative world have strengthened my commitment, determination, and dedication to craft great things”.

Having reached the conclusion, admissions officers need to feel that they know more about you than when they started so remember to keep the discussion personal. How much you reveal about yourself is up to you. Many students fall into the trap of keeping the reader at arms length - remember that distinctive, logical and creative personal statements will get you a place.

Top Tip: Many Art Schools will require discussion of your portfolio or alternatively, your desire to study art or design.

Next: Draft Structure Outline.

Note: This guide is not intended to replace the advice of tutors, admissions officers, or teachers; Get Into Uni simply provides advice and exercises to help you write a compelling personal statement.