How to Write an Artist Resume: All Parts with Examples

August 3, 2023 Gavin Coates

An artistic resume is a crucial tool for any artist looking to showcase their creative activities, portfolios, and exhibitions to potential employers, galleries, or other exhibition opportunities.

Write an artist resume with your name, contact info, education, exhibitions, publications, teaching, curatorial projects, gallery affiliations, and optional references. Keep it concise and showcase your artistic achievements.

In this article, we will guide you through the essential components of an artist's resume and provide tips on how to create an effective and well-organized document. We'll also present a sample artistic resume to give you a clear understanding of how it should be structured.

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Name and Contact Information: Start your artistic resume with your name and relevant contact information, including a professional email address, phone number, and a personal website (if applicable). Avoid using elaborate fonts or images and keep it simple and easy to read.

Example: John Smith Email: john.smith@email.com Phone: (555) 555-5555 Website: www.johnsmith.com

Education: List your academic qualifications, relevant degrees, and any certifications related to your art practice. Include the name of the institution, degree, major/concentration, and the expected or graduation date (if applicable).

Example: Education:

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture, California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA (Expected graduation: May 2023)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (2010)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) cum laude in French, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX (2005)

Exhibitions: Present a list of your recent and significant exhibitions, including the exhibition title, venue, location, and date. You can also mention any awards or honors received during these exhibitions.

Example: Exhibitions:

"Sculpture Showcase," XYZ Gallery, New York, NY, May 2023
"Emerging Artists: A Journey in Sculpture," ABC Art Center, Los Angeles, CA, October 2022 (Honorable Mention)

Publications and Reviews: Highlight any publications, critical writings, reviews, or blogs related to your work. Include the title, publication name, date, and a link (if available) to the content.

Example: Publications as Author:

"A Day in the Life: Editing and Writing for the New Art Examiner," The Essential New Art Examiner, Terri Griffith, Kathryn Born, and Janet Koplos, eds. (DeKalb, IL: Northern Illinois University Press, 2011): 259–264.
"What does it mean to kill an animal in the name of art?," Quodlibetica, Constellation #5 Death, November 2009. www.quodlibetica.com/author/jestep/

Teaching or Related Experience: List any teaching experiences, workshops, or related work experiences in the field of art. Focus on experiences that are relevant to your artistic career.

Example: Teaching Experience:

Visiting Assistant Professor, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, 2009–2010

Curatorial Projects: If you have been involved in curatorial projects, exhibitions, or collaborations, mention them in this section.

Example: Curatorial Projects:

5th Annual Rites of Passage, Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2009
Make it Real (co-curated with Alison Gerber), No Name Exhibitions at The Soap Factory, Minneapolis, MN, 2003

Gallery Affiliation(s) or Client List: Include any current gallery affiliations or a client list (for designers). Make sure to list only the relevant and current affiliations.

Example: Gallery Affiliation:

Hodges Taylor Gallery, Charlotte, NC

References (optionally required): If requested, include a list of references who can vouch for your skills and artwork. List their names, titles, institutions, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Example: References:

Jane Doe, Chair and Professor of Art, Department of Art, XXX College, City, ST ZIP, Phone: 555.555.1212, Email: jane.doe@xxx.edu
John Doe, Director, Printworks Gallery, 311 W. Superior St., Suite 105, Chicago, IL 60654, Phone: 312.555.1212, Email: johndoe@printworks.com

Remember, an artistic resume should be concise, well-structured, and tailored to your specific career goals. Keep it professional and focused on your artistic achievements, and you'll have a powerful tool to impress potential employers, galleries, and exhibition venues.

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