Artist Resume

Writing an artist resume requires different material, organization, and formatting than the standard resume does. Depending on the particular job, and the particular field of interest, artist resumes will highlight a number of skills, and include a number of sections, that are not present in a standard resume or academic CV. For this reason, an artist resume may be slightly longer than the standard one-page resume. Keep in mind too that the resumes discussed here relate primarily to positions with commercial galleries, museums, exhibition opportunities, and certain grant applications.  Moreover, while its length, up to four pages, is similar to a short curriculum vitae, it is not intended for academic situations. 

An artist resume may include some or all of the following sections, in addition to the standard Education, Experience, Honors and Awards, and Skills sections:

• Bibliography: You should include articles on your work, television and radio interviews, reviews in magazines, books, catalogues and newspapers who have published your art work.
• Exhibitions: List the exhibitions you have participated in, along with details likes name of exhibit, place, space etc. Also, you can divide this section into separate categories such as: group shows, solo shows, invitational exhibitions, etc.
• Collections: This section can be divided into corporate collections, private collections and permanent public collections. Seek permissions before mentioning the name of the private owner of your work in the resume.
• Publications, Productions, Shows: For authors and performing artists, you may include a list of your publications, productions, and performances.

For more tips on writing an artist resume, see the College Art Association's "Artist Resume: Recommended Conventions."

Resume for “Day Job"

Artists may use a more standard resume format when applying for positions outside of academia, and possibly unrelated to your art discipline (administrative positions, other office jobs, etc.). Using a standard resume in such cases will give potential employers relevant information about your transferable and administrative skills so that you may qualify for an interview. Keep in mind the following strategies and tips for writing this version of your resume:

• Best to keep it to one page.
• Focus on skills that are relevant to the position, but keep in mind that you have gained numerous transferable skills as an artist. Think about what those might be!
• Headings will depend upon the type of position to which you are applying – use sections strategically to focus the resume on relevant information.
• You can also list activities (clubs, associations, student organizations, volunteer, etc.) to demonstrate leadership and involvement outside of school.
• Keep the information clear and concise, using action verbs and bullets whenever possible.

For tips on writing a standard resume, see the Center of Career Education's Tip Sheet on Basic Resumes.

Academic Curriculum Vitae

For artists considering academic employment in higher education, you will want to create a curriculum vitae.  There are several key differences between an artist's academic curriculum vitae and an artist's resume. Primarily, the curriculum vitae is a record of all of your professional activities and is intended for use in academic situations. The artist resume is an abbreviated document that is used in conjunction with a job search outside of academia. Remember too that as your career progresses, you will undoubtedly need to add new categories or make changes in your CV format. 

Keep in mind the following strategies and tips for writing a curriculum vitae:

• This document highlights your most significant achievements as a student, teacher, and scholar; Service and nonacademic activities are usually left out.
• It should generally be no longer than three to four pages.
• If you have a significant number of shows or a lengthy bibliography, you might use headings such as “Selected Solo Exhibitions” or “Selected Bibliography.”
• In addition to Exhibitions, Bibliography, and Collections, section headings can include, but are not limited to : Education; Honors and Awards; Grants and Fellowships; Teaching Experience; Visiting Artist Lectures and Presentations; Research Experience; Relevant Work Experience; Skills; Presentations; Publications; and Professional Affiliations.

For tips on writing an Artist's Academic Curriculum Vitae, and for a number of additional sections that can be included, see the College Art Association's "Visual Artist Curriculum Vitae: Standards and Conventions."