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The Curriculum Vitae for Artists

The curriculum vitae is a record of all of your professional activities
​and is intended for use in academic situations.
​

the artists cv

Learn how to construct a CV

This section contains:
  • What is a CV?
  • What is an artist curriculum vitae?
  • How to construct a CV for an Artist or Art Professional
  • Formatting a CV
  • The Covering Letter
  • Famous artists - the CV facts
  • More tips about producing a CV - including samples

What is an artist curriculum vitae?...and what does it contain? 
​

CV stands for some Latin words Curriculum vitae. These translate as "[the] course of [my] life".
"What is a CV?" is a question people often ask.

You are not alone in wondering what these letters mean!

The Curriculum Vitae (CV) is
  • an overview of all information wholly relevant to a person's working life.
  • often used by employers to screen people who apply for jobs.

The standard CV is
  • Factual 
  • Focused on Achievements

A graduate /emerging artist CV:
  • Summarises studies and qualifications.
When people are starting out CVs focus more on educational qualifications.

CVs for more mature artists
CV content changes as you mature - add in:
  • prizes,
  • exhibitions and
  • employment

 As people mature it tends to focus more on the jobs they have had, their experience and competences and what they have achieved
More creative CVs (see advice further down this page) are more focused on explaining who you are and telling a story about your life as an artist. They're probably more accurately described as a biography
​
Different types of CV are required for different purposes.  Note also that CVs vary depending on where you are in the world

Below you have guidelines for CVs - including sample CVs for different artistic occupations - from two authoritative sources:
  • one for the USA (The College Art Association) and
  • one for the UK (the University for the Creative Arts)
For the most part they are required for the more academic or museum oriented type of work with resumes being used for commercial galleries
Picture

CV Guidelines for artists in North America
​

This section includes the College Art Association Guidelines (USA) for:
  • artist (professional)
  • visual artist (academic)
  • art historians
  • museum professionals
PLUS other guidelines from people based in the USA
College Art Association Guidelines (USA)

The following are Standards and Guidelines from the College Art Association for different types of CVs/resume
  • Artist resume: recommended conventions - The artist resume conventions presented here are designed primarily for use in proposals to professional venues e.g. commercial and non-profit galleries, museums, and art centers. 
  • Visual Artist Curriculum Vitae: Recommended Conventions - The curriculum vitae conventions presented here are primarily for those beginning their academic careers. Approaches to cv development can vary based on years in the field, your area(s) of specialization, specified institutional formats, etc.
  • Curriculum Vitae for Art Historians: Recommendations - The format CAA recommends is the "long" cv, designed to serve as a framework on which to build. It takes into account the needs of both the art historian and those reading the document. 
  • Curriculum Vitae for Museum Professionals - The curriculum vitae conventions presented here are primarily for those beginning their museum and curatorial careers. Approaches to cv development can vary based on years in the field, area(s) of specialization, etc.​
Other Guidelines

  • ARTSPAN BLOG: Tackling the Artist Resume
    Whether you're tackling your artist resume for the first time, or updating a resume that you've managed to avoid for years thanks to a well-honed talent for procrastination, make sure that you list only the most relevant and impressive details.
  • Writing your Artist Curriculum Vitae | Hamilton Arts Council
    The following is a list of the information that should be included in your CV followed by some suggestions on what to look for when you go to write your own CV. Just remember that not all of these suggestions necessarily apply to all artists.
  • Formatting Your Visual Artist CV - artbiz - WordPress for Artists School: Formatting your visual artist CV in WordPress.

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CV Guidelines for the UK 
​

The Creative CV Guide by Jon Cole is a booklet available as a pdf download.

This was published in 2010 by a consortium of leading arts organisations in higher education in the UK - namely:
  • University of the Arts London (UAL)
  • University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
  • University College Falmouth (UCF) 
Picture
The Creative CV Guide
I look for specific information in a CV, such as experience, and an understanding of personal goals and achievements. I look for CVs that communicate quickly, that include something interesting about the applicant, and a CV that stands out. It is important to communicate both visually and with the written word in a professional presentation. 
Karen Millen
Guidelines from the University for the Creative Arts

This section includes the University for the Creative Arts Guidelines (UK) for:
  • artist (professional) - CV - Artist - UCA - The Artist CV is primarily used by fine artists, though can be used by creative practitioners from other disciplines. Artist CVs are sent to galleries and exhibitions for the purpose of showing your work, and are designed accordingly. 
  • designer - CV - Designer - Designers customarily produce CVs that reflect their particular skills. They are mostly sent out electronically to agencies and prospective employers and therefore need to be designed both for email and for print.
  • multi-media artist - CV - Multimedia - The multimedia CV is an increasingly important promotional tool for any creative, no matter the discipline. They can range from fully functioning websites to interactive presentations such as DVD based animation showreel / CV.
It also provides ​CV - Standard Text - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT CV. Different individuals, companies and industries look for different criteria, so it's crucial you do your research and tailor your CV accordingly.


University of the Arts London Guidelines

These are guidelines for how to write a CV produced by the University of the Arts, London. They provide guidelines for writing your CV,  and information about structure, content and layout - plus a template
  • How to write a CV - Sound advice for all graduates with an art degree
Writing a good CV can be challenging. The skills or experience needed for each application may differ. You should adapt your CV for each position you apply for to make sure the relevant skills are highlighted and the tone is right.
Picture
University of London standard CV template - with tips
Other Guidelines

  • How to Write an Artist's CV in 10 Steps | The Practical Art World - A VERY POPULAR article. A CV or curriculum vitae is an overview of your artistic professional history and achievements. Although it looks similar to a resume, it contains different elements which are only related to your artistic professional practice.
  • How to Write an Artist's CV When You Don't Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience - The post How to Write an Artist CV in 10 Steps is the most popular in the history of The Practical Art World. Some of the most frequently asked questions people have after reading it are "What if I don't have an exhibition history?"

The Covering Letter ...and the follow up phone call
​

Don't forget the importance of the covering letter - which may be
  • the first thing they read and
  • your one chance to get them to read more about you in your CV, biography or resume

But remember, the chances are it will be "skim read" in the first instance.

​
  • University of the Arts London - How to write a Cover Letter - useful guidelines to help you write a strong cover letter.
  • Covering Letter - UCA | University for the Creative Arts
    A covering letter should always accompany your CV. It provides you with the opportunity to show your commitment, focus, and enthusiasm. The following are questions often asked about covering letters.........

Famous artists - the Facts
​

These are some links to pages which set out the facts about famous artists.

​Note that words used to describe the facts vary from site to site.

Often as you become famous your CV seems to morph into becoming known as a biography!
  • DAVID HOCKNEY : ILLUSTRATED CHRONOLOGY
    This is the best CV / biography I know of a current artist on a website. However it is designed for a website and it is about a very famous artist. But it might give you some ideas!
  • Damien Hirst | Artnet
    Read the biography of Damien Hirst and find relevant links about the artist. Discover interesting facts about Damien Hirst on artnet.
  • Jeff Koons - website | Biography
    It's described as a biography - but it's a CV!

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MORE TIPS about producing a CV
​

Creating a Creative CV - use with care
​

CVs can involve lists - and there are different ways of formatting lists for a CV. 

If you're an artist, there's an argument that your resume should reflect it! There's also another argument that if your design makes your information difficult to scan read then you need to think again!
​
  • ​40 Creative Resume Designs You’ll Want To Steal in 2016 - examples of different types of creative resumes artists have designed to get noticed
  • The 25 Most Creative Designer Resumes You'll See This Year | JobMob - ​Here are some resume designers that have been taking the art of creative resumes to new heights. Take a look.
  • How to Write an Artist's CV in 10 Steps | The Practical Art World - A very popular article. A CV or curriculum vitae is an overview of your artistic professional history and achievements. Although it looks similar to a resume, it contains different elements which are only related to your artistic professional practice.
  • How to Write an Artist's CV When You Don't Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience | The Practical Art World - there are ways to tailor what relevant experience you have into an artist's CV format. Just remember: don't lie, and don't make up anything that doesn't exist.
  • How to create a CV | Visual Artists Ireland - Having an accurate, up-to-date, relevant CV is vitally important for visual artists and craftspeople, especially when applying for residencies, workshops, commissions or other opportunities.
  • Artist Business: Artist CV - Writing the Artist CV. Tips and advice for artists.
  • Art CV | CV Template - Art CV present factual information about you to the world and as such they should comprise anything like solo/group exhibitions, productions, collections, publications, commissions, residencies, published works, etc.
  • How to write a CV for the arts | Guardian careers | guardian.co.uk - In the arts, where 'mosaic-style' careers paths are common, it's best to write a CV that paints a picture of your overall career path, rather than documenting every single job or project
  • 10 tips on writing a successful CV | Culture professionals network | Guardian Professional - Katy Cowan gives her top tips on creating a memorable and readable CV – anything missed? 
  • Arty Crafty Studio: How to write an Artist CV - As I am arts worker I have seen many different types of Artist CV's. And what sticks out in a negative way is Artists not submitting what has been asked for!
  • Careers In The Arts - A CV Centre Guide - A guide to careers in the arts.

Some Sample Resumes and CVs
​

Illustrations of what a CV should look like
  • Artist Resume/ CV Example - Resume sample/ example/ template for artists.
  • Artists CV - download free - An example of a CV on Scribd - NOT RECOMMENDED. Advertising should be nowhere near your CV!
  • Visual Artist Resume Sample | Resume Companion - Use this visual artist resume example to inspire you with your own visual artist resume. What are you waiting for? Move forward! Click here!
  • Layout Options (for an Art History Graduate) - How to organize your resume layout, with examples and tips. Provided by CLA Career Services.

BACK TO How to write an Artist's Résumé or CV (introduction)

​NEXT PAGE The Résumé for Artists
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It helps artists learn how to do better at being business-like, marketing and selling their art and looking after their financial security.
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  • MARKETING
    • How to write an Artist's Statement >
      • What is an Artist Statement?
      • Why you need an Artist's Statement
      • TIPS How to write an artist statement
      • The Language of an Artist's Statement
      • What an artist statement should contain
      • Examples of Artists Statements
    • How to write an Artist's Resume or CV >
      • Social Media summaries
      • CV for Artists
      • Resume for Artists
      • Biography for Artists
    • How to sign a painting, drawing or fine art print
    • Business Cards for Artists
    • How to write a press release for an artist
    • The Private View Invitation
    • Publicity for Juried Exhibitions
    • Websites for Artists >
      • Why websites matter
      • Options for Websites
      • Web content for Artists
      • Web design for artists
      • Keeping Google Happy
      • Writing for the Web
    • Image & Video sizes for Social Media Sites
    • How to be mobile-friendly
  • SELL ART
    • Trading Law & Regulations for Artists (UK)
    • E-commerce for artists
    • Art Exhibitions & Competitions >
      • Juried Exhibitions & Art Competitions
      • Juried Art Exhibition Checklist for Artists
      • How to cost a juried exhibition entry
      • How to make labels for an art exhibition
      • Alternative Options for Exhibitions
    • A Guide to Art Agents and Consultants
    • A Guide to Art Dealers & Galleries >
      • How to find the right gallery
    • The Artist-run Gallery
    • The Vanity Gallery
    • Art Fairs
    • How to Sell Art from Home
    • Open Studios
  • FRAME ART
    • List of Recommended Picture Framers
    • Conservation Products
    • Framing for open exhibitions and art competitions
    • Framing Videos
    • How to hang a picture
  • SHIP ART
    • How to pack artwork >
      • How to pack and ship pastel paintings
    • Packaging materials
    • How to ship art internationally >
      • Rules of Origin
      • Export Licences for Cultural Goods
    • How to ship art to exhibitions
    • How to mail art - Post & Parcel Services
    • UK & Ireland: Art Transport Services
    • USA Art Transport Services
  • COPYRIGHT
    • Copyright and artists' rights
    • BASICS: Copyright Infringement and Fair Use
    • How to protect artwork online
    • How to do a reverse image search
    • What to do about copyright infringement - for artists
    • Global Conventions on copyright >
      • Copyright in the UK
      • Copyright in the USA
      • Copyright in Canada
      • Copyright in Australia
  • MONEY & TAX
    • How to work out profit from an art sale
    • How to Price Your Art >
      • How important is price when buying art?
      • Options for Pricing Art
      • Terminology and Formulas for Pricing Art
      • Art Experts on Pricing Art
      • How artists price their art
      • The price of affordable art
    • Payments to Artists >
      • Paying Artists
      • How to create an Invoice
    • VAT for Artists
    • Tax Tips for Artists >
      • Tax on prize money
      • UK Tax Tips for Artists
      • UK: Self-Assessment Video Tips
      • USA Tax Tips for Artists
      • Ireland: Tax for Artists
      • Australia: Tax Tips for Artists
    • Insurance for Art and Artists >
      • Insurance for Art Teachers
      • UK Insurance Policies for art and artists
      • USA & Canada: Insurance Policies for Art and Artists
    • Artists' Grants & Scholarships
    • Retirement and Pensions for Artists
    • The Art Legacy >
      • Estate Planning for Artists
      • Estate Planning for Art Collectors
      • Famous Artists Estates
      • Artwork Inventory
      • After the Death of an Artist
      • Copyright and Resale Rights after Death
      • Art and Inheritance Tax
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