When you’re ready to take your art career to the next level and start selling your work, having a well-crafted artist CV is essential.
Think of it as your professional roadmap—a clear and concise document that tells galleries, curators, and collectors exactly who you are as an artist and what you’ve achieved so far.
If you’re looking to get into galleries, they’ll often request your CV before considering your portfolio. This isn’t just a list of accomplishments; it’s a way to communicate your growth, your dedication, and the professional journey you’ve taken as an artist.
In this article, we’ll break down how to create an artist CV that not only reflects your unique artistic path but also strengthens your credibility in the eyes of potential buyers and galleries.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, a polished CV can be a powerful tool in helping you sell your work and get noticed by the right people. Let’s dive into the essentials that will make your artist CV stand out from the rest.
Many artist calls and art commission opportunities ask for an artist bio, an artist statement and a CV. An artist CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive document that lists your professional accomplishments, including education, exhibitions, residencies, awards, and publications.
Unlike a resume, which is a brief summary of your qualifications, an artist CV is more detailed and can be several pages long in list format. It’s an essential tool for applying to exhibitions, grants, residencies, and academic positions.
If you are new to the art world, you may question that you don’t have enough relevant experience to list. Every profession requires creativity at times. Maybe you are a customer service representative needing to think on your feet to resolve customer issues. Or you are a lawyer who often needs to craft persuasive arguments that present their client’s case in the most favorable light. Or even an IT specialist might creatively code a script that automates a repetitive task, saving the company significant time and resources.
Be creative with your language and pull from your past work, and list those individual projects as experience on your CV. It might feel like a stretch, but many times, the CV is more about showing consistency, that you can be trusted over time.
An artist CV matters because it’s more than just a list of your accomplishments—it’s a snapshot of your professional journey.
When you're approaching galleries, applying for grants, or seeking residencies, your CV is often the first impression you make. It shows curators, collectors, and decision-makers that you take your art practice seriously and have a track record to back it up.
Beyond the prestige, an artist CV demonstrates your growth, skills, and experiences in the art world. It's a way to highlight your exhibitions, education, awards, and professional work, helping others see the depth of your career and commitment. And when it comes to selling your art, a well-crafted CV can give potential buyers the confidence that they’re investing in a dedicated and professional artist.
Whether you're aiming for solo exhibitions or collaborations, your CV plays a vital role in opening doors and legitimizing your place in the industry.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to articulate your journey and harness your superpower, listen to our Light Movement Podcast episode on “Transforming Pain into Creativity” with Story Worthy author Matthew Dicks. It’s a powerful reminder that your experiences—especially the painful ones—can become a source of strength and creativity.
The podcast explores how every story, including your own, has the potential to transform the way others view your art and connect with your journey.
Your artist’s CV should be a detailed record of your professional achievements. Here’s what to include:
Example: "MFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2015."
Example: "Solo Exhibition: 'Transient Echoes,' Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA, 2023."
Example: "Artist Residency, Yaddo, Saratoga Springs, NY, 2022."
Example: "Featured in 'Contemporary Artists to Watch,' Art in America, March 2023."
Example: "Adjunct Professor of Fine Arts, University of Southern California, 2018–Present."
Contact Information:
Name ____________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________________________________
Email ____________________________________________________
Website __________________________________________________
Education:
Degree(s) ________________________________________________
Institution_________________________________________________
Location__________________________________________________
Year of Graduation ________________________________________
Additional Training (workshops, masterclasses, etc.):
Workshop/Program Name _________________________________
Instructor/Institution _______________________________________
Year _____________________________________________________
Exhibitions:
Solo Exhibitions ____________________________________________
Exhibition Title _____________________________________________
Venue ____________________________________________________
Location __________________________________________________
Date _____________________________________________________
Group Exhibitions:
Exhibition Title _____________________________________________
Venue ____________________________________________________
Location __________________________________________________
Date _____________________________________________________
Awards and Honors:
Award/Grant/Residency Name ______________________________
Institution/Organization ____________________________________
Location __________________________________________________
Date _____________________________________________________
Publications:
Title ______________________________________________________
Author/Editor ______________________________________________
Publication Name __________________________________________
Date _____________________________________________________
Professional Experience:
Position ___________________________________________________
Institution/Organization _____________________________________
Location ___________________________________________________
Date ______________________________________________________
Position ___________________________________________________
Institution/Organization _____________________________________
Location ___________________________________________________
Date ______________________________________________________
When you’re ready to take the next big step and get your art out into the world, preparation is everything. Your passion and hard work have brought you to this point, make sure your professional materials are in place.
This process of creating a CV can help you determine what areas you may need more experience in. For example, If you haven’t had a solo show, it might be time to make one.
This could be as simple as partnering with your local coffee shop for a solo show or be as elaborate as renting out a space for a show. You may want to take a course to beef up your education. For example, take a masterclass on acrylic painting.
Having a strong artist CV, bio, headshot, portfolio, and artist statement ready will ensure you’re not just showing up, but showing up prepared to make an impact.
A polished headshot is equally important, as it humanizes your presence in a professional way. Whether you're submitting your portfolio online or applying for a show, your image gives a face to the name and creates a personal connection.
As for your portfolio, this is where your art speaks for itself. Make sure it’s thoughtfully curated, representing the range and quality of your work while staying cohesive.
And finally, your artist statement should be a clear reflection of why you create. It’s your chance to explain the deeper purpose behind your art—what drives you, what you hope your audience will experience, and how your work fits into the broader artistic conversation.
Being ready with all of these materials ensures that when opportunities arise, you can respond professionally and with confidence. It shows that you’re serious about your art and are ready to take it into the world with intention and purpose.
Your story matters because it’s the foundation of your art. At Milan Art Institute, we believe every artist has a unique voice, shaped by their personal history and perspective, and only you can express it.
Your journey—every experience, challenge, and triumph—fuels the creativity that pours onto your canvas. Art isn't just about mastering techniques; it’s about making genuine connections. The most powerful art comes from the heart, from the stories that have shaped who you are.
People don’t just buy art—they connect with the artist behind it. When you embrace your story, you give collectors, galleries, and audiences a chance to resonate with your work on a deeper level.
Whether you’ve overcome adversity, found healing through art, or draw inspiration from everyday moments, your story is the key to unlocking your authenticity. And if you’re ever unsure of how to dig deeper into your own journey, turn to some of the great modern art books that focus on contemporary artists navigating their unique paths.
By owning your story and seeking inspiration from today’s most influential art books, you’ll find the confidence to express yourself fully and create work that speaks directly from your soul.
Sharing your story makes you more than just another artist; it makes you unforgettable. It sets you apart in a world filled with talent, giving your art context and emotional depth.
That’s why, at Milan Art Institute, we encourage every artist to embrace their past, their passions, and their struggles. Your story is the heartbeat of your art, and it’s what makes your work truly unique.
In our online Mastery Program, artists learn to uncover their unique voice in art and share their story with visual excellence. Our one year program helps artists master techniques, develop their own style, and teaches proven art business skills.
Join the Waitlist for the Mastery Program, and you will be one step closer to becoming a professional artist who thrives!