Crafting an Impressive Artist Resume

An artist resume, unlike a traditional corporate resume, emphasizes your creative achievements, exhibitions, and artistic skills. It’s a crucial tool for securing gallery representation, grant applications, residencies, commissions, and teaching positions. A well-crafted resume showcases your artistic journey and professional accomplishments in a clear and compelling manner.

Key Sections for an Artist Resume

While flexibility is key, these core sections are essential:

Contact Information

Include your name (artist name if different), address, phone number, email address, and website or online portfolio link. Make it easy for potential employers or collaborators to reach you.

Artist Statement (Optional but Recommended)

A brief, concise paragraph (around 100-150 words) articulating your artistic vision, themes, and the core ideas behind your work. This gives context and helps the reader understand your artistic philosophy.

Education

List your formal art education, starting with the most recent. Include the degree, institution, and graduation date. Mention any relevant honors or awards received during your studies. If you are self-taught, consider mentioning workshops, mentorships, or significant independent studies.

Exhibitions

This is a critical section. Divide it into:

• Solo Exhibitions: Dedicated shows featuring your work alone.
• Group Exhibitions: Shows with multiple artists participating.
• Juried Exhibitions: Shows where a panel of judges selected your work.

List each exhibition with the title, gallery or venue name, city, and year. Use reverse chronological order (most recent first). For juried exhibitions, mention the juror(s) if possible.

Awards, Grants, and Residencies

Highlight any recognition you’ve received for your art. Include the name of the award/grant/residency, the awarding organization, and the year. These demonstrate external validation of your work.

Commissions

List any commissioned artworks you’ve created. Include the client (if permissible), a brief description of the artwork, and the year.

Publications

Mention any articles, reviews, or catalogs where your work has been featured. Include the title of the publication, author (if applicable), and date.

Collections

If your work is part of significant public or private collections, list them here. This adds credibility and prestige to your resume.

Professional Experience (Optional)

If you have relevant professional experience (e.g., teaching art, gallery work, museum internships), include it here. Focus on roles that demonstrate skills applicable to the art world.

Skills

List your technical skills, such as specific mediums (painting, sculpture, photography, digital art), software proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator), and other relevant abilities.

References (Optional)

You can include “References available upon request” or list 2-3 references with their contact information (get their permission first).

Formatting Tips

• Keep it concise: Aim for 1-2 pages.
• Use a clean, professional font: Avoid overly decorative fonts.
• Be consistent: Use the same formatting throughout.
• Proofread carefully: Errors can detract from your credibility.
• Tailor it: Customize your resume for each specific opportunity, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills.

Remember, your artist resume is a dynamic document that should evolve as your career progresses. Regularly update it with new achievements and experiences.