Artist CV examples

An Artist CV is more than a list of accomplishments; it’s a curated showcase of your creative vision and professional growth. Writing a CV is your chance to present yourself as a well-rounded artist with the technical expertise, passion, and originality that hiring managers or curators are seeking.

Follow these steps to craft a good CV that reflects your artistry, resonates with your audience, and paves the way for exciting opportunities in the art world. By the end, you’ll have a masterpiece of a CV.

Your CV structure needs to be as thoughtfully composed as your artwork – a clear structure makes it easy for recruiters or curators to appreciate your creative journey and technical skills. No need for abstract interpretations here; recruiters want a layout as clear as a sunny landscape.

Here’s how to structure your Artist CV:

• Name and contact info – These contact details at the top to provide easy access for prospective employers. Adding a picture of yourself is up to you, but might work well for a creative role.
• Profile – Hook the recruiter right away by stating the value you’ll bring to their company:  your creative philosophy, technical expertise, and career highlights.
• Core skills – Showcase your artistic abilities, like drawing, painting, or digital illustration.
• Work experience – List roles in reverse chronological order, emphasising your contributions to exhibitions, commissions, or studios.
• Education – Show off your academic record and qualifications, and any relevant art training or certifications.
• Additional info – Include anything from your hobbies and interests to the artistic awards you’ve earned – these are all totally optional.

A messy CV is like a finger painting in a fine art gallery – it might catch attention, but probably not the kind you’re hoping for. A visually engaging and professional layout can set the tone for your CV – after all, presentation is everything in the art world. Your CV format should be a reflection of your attention to detail and commitment to quality, free from basic mistakes.

Here’s how to format your Artist CV effectively:

• Bullet points – These let the recruiter pick out the key bits with ease.
• Divide sections – Making the information easy to navigate with clearly-defined sections is important.
• Use a clean font – Pick a font which is just professional and easy to read; your art will do the talking.
• Keep it the right length – Aim for 2 pages: too long would start to bore the recruiter, and this is plenty of length to list the important details

Your profile is where you define your identity as an artist. It’s the space to connect with the recruiter, curator, or studio director and draw them into your creative world. It should make any reader want to see more of your work.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Artist CV profile:

• Where you’ve worked or exhibited – Note the kinds of galleries, studios, or organisations you’ve collaborated with.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight your degrees in fine art, graphic design, or any specialised training.
• Artistic style or medium – Briefly describe your preferred techniques, materials, or creative direction.
• Notable projects or exhibitions – Reference career highlights like solo exhibitions, commissioned works, or collaborative projects.
• Career goals – Talk about your aspirations that align with the role, such as exploring new media or expanding your portfolio.

Think of this section as your artist’s toolbox – whether it’s charcoal or CAD, show recruiters you’ve got the tools for the job. Be sure to tailor your CV skills section to reflect the job or opportunity you’re applying for, whether that’s fine art, graphic design, or public installations.

Your work experience section is where your creativity meets real-world application. Recruiters and gallery owners want to see not just where you’ve worked, but also how you’ve contributed, collaborated, and brought your artistic vision to life. 

This section should clearly outline your professional journey, showcasing the skills you’ve applied and the impact you’ve made along the way.

Start by listing your roles in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent or relevant position.

• Outline – Outline a brief description of the organisation, gallery, or project, and your role within it.
• Responsibilities – List your key tasks like creating artwork, curating exhibitions, or collaborating with clients.
• Achievements – Mention measurable outcomes, such as successful exhibitions, awards, or notable commissions. Remember, numbers in your CV make your achievements more compelling, so include them wherever you can.

The education section of an Artist CV highlights the academic and professional training that shaped your creative skills.

Tell recruiters about your degrees, certifications, workshops, or residencies relevant to your artistic journey. If you’re a recent graduate, focus on coursework, projects, or internships that demonstrate your potential.

Your qualifications go in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.