An Art CV is specifically designed to meet the needs of creative professionals such as artists and designers. It highlights artistic achievements, including exhibitions, awards and collections, and includes sections on personal details, education, work experience and relevant skills.

The primary purpose of an arts CV is to present an artist’s professional achievements and credentials, making it an essential tool when applying for arts opportunities such as exhibitions, residencies and grants. This type of CV provides potential employers or collaborators with a detailed overview of an artist’s career, community involvement and contributions to public artistic discourse.

The arts are a competitive field, but the right application can help you land the job of your dreams. Take a look at examples of CVs from this and other fields to learn the techniques of a good CV.

Take a look at our extensive library of CV templates to find inspiration for your own job application.

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Art CV Examples By Experience

Depending on your level of experience and career stage, the structure and detail of your arts CV can vary greatly.

Customise your CV template to best showcase your strengths and distinctive qualities, ensuring that each section is tailored to the specific requirements of the role you’re applying for. This approach will not only highlight your skills, but also demonstrate your understanding of the specific requirements of the role.

Art CV with no experience

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If you are new to the professional art world, your CV should focus on your educational background, relevant coursework and any skills relevant to the arts. While you may not have extensive work experience or exhibition history, you may have volunteer experience or an existing portfolio of artwork.

Capitalise on this potential and highlight your strengths on your CV. Demonstrate your potential by detailing university or school-related projects or volunteer positions that demonstrate your artistic skills and commitment. List any artistic techniques you have mastered, as well as software and tools relevant to your art discipline to demonstrate your technical competence. Mention your participation in clubs, art groups or workshops to demonstrate your active involvement and initiative within the artistic community.

Mid-career art CV

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At this stage of your career, your CV should reflect the accumulation of professional experience, exhibitions and perhaps some publications.

Provide details of roles that have involved significant artistic skills, including freelance work or positions within organisations, highlighting notable achievements and contributions in each role. List both group and solo exhibitions, clearly stating the venue, date and scope of each, and include community and online exhibitions to demonstrate a wider engagement with different artistic platforms. Highlight any awards or grants received to underline your recognised reputation and validation within the art world. Note any relevant workshops, courses or conferences you have attended that have enhanced your artistic skills and professional knowledge.

Senior level art CV

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If you are an experienced artist, your CV should focus on leadership roles, major projects and significant contributions to the art world.

Highlight important solo exhibitions or prestigious group exhibitions, especially those held in prestigious galleries or institutions, that demonstrate your standing in the art community. Detail experiences in which you have served as a mentor, curator, art director, or in other leadership roles within the arts that illustrate your influence and leadership in shaping artistic discourse.

List your works that have been acquired by public collections or major commissions, demonstrating a high level of confidence and esteem in your artistic contributions. Include memberships in prominent arts organisations and any scholarly articles or books you’ve published, reflecting your role as a thought leader in the arts.

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Arts CV Sections

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A well-organised and structured CV in a professional CV format is essential for any artist looking to make a strong impression. Adhering to CV standards will not only help your CV pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) efficiently, but will also allow recruiters to easily scan your document for key information. Of course, you should start your CV with your contact information, including your full name prominently displayed at the top, followed by your address, phone number and email.

Here are some other key elements to include in your arts CV:

STEP 1

Open with a compelling personal statement

A personal statement on your CV should briefly introduce you and clearly articulate your artistic identity, setting the stage for your expertise. State your career goals to align your artistic aspirations with the potential employer’s goals, and show how you intend to contribute and grow. Don’t forget to highlight your active involvement in the arts community, demonstrating your experience and commitment to collaborative and shared artistic endeavours.

Personal Statement for an Artist

“Innovative visual arts professional with a solid background in creative design, adept at transforming client concepts into distinctive works of art using a wide range of styles and techniques. Highly skilled in creating unique, bespoke pieces to meet specific personal or commercial requirements. Dedicated and passionate, I focus on delivering bespoke, one-off creations that exceed expectations and resonate on a personal level with each client.”

Personal Statement for a Floral Designer

“Experienced floral designer specialising in high quality floral arrangements, conservatory and year round garden design for luxury hotels and restaurants. Has almost 10 years’ experience in the industry with many successful projects and an extensive portfolio. Fascinated with carnivorous plants.”

Personal Statement for a Photographer

“Accomplished food photographer with over eight years’ experience, skilled in both traditional and contemporary photographic techniques. Skilled in capturing and editing images to meet specific aesthetic requirements and functional uses. Committed to exceeding client expectations by delivering images with impeccable colour accuracy, clarity and precise framing.”

STEP 2

Outline Your Experience

The experience section of your CV is crucial in demonstrating your professional development and the specific skills relevant to the roles you are targeting. It’s important to highlight positions that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, such as studio assistantships, artist residencies, art teaching or your involvement in exhibitions. For each role, clearly outline your responsibilities and highlight any significant achievements to give potential employers a comprehensive view of your skills.

Organise this section in reverse chronological order, presenting your most recent roles first to provide immediate relevance and context. For each position, detail your responsibilities and key achievements, ensuring that these points reflect the qualifications potential arts employers seek. This structured approach not only illustrates your career progression but also highlights your evolving skills and achievements in the field.

Example of Experience Section for an Artist

Artist in Residence
ArtSpace Studios, Bristol
September 2021 – Present

  • Produced a series of acclaimed abstract paintings exploring themes of urban decay and regeneration, exhibited in two solo shows and several group exhibitions.
  • Led community painting workshops, introducing art as a therapeutic tool to local youth groups.
  • Collaborated with other artists on collaborative projects, resulting in mixed media works that received public and critical acclaim.

Studio Assistant
Jannis O’May Fine Art, Manchester
June 2016 – August 201

  • Assisted in preparing canvases, mixing paints and maintaining studio equipment, gaining in-depth knowledge of artistic processes and materials.
  • Assisted the lead artist in the production of a well-received exhibition series on environmental conservation, which travelled to five cities across the UK.
  • Co-ordinated logistics for gallery exhibitions, including artwork transport, installation and promotional activities, developing organisational and administrative skills.

Example of Experience Section for a Fashion Designer

Senior Fashion Designer
Vivid Fashion House, London
March 2019 – Present

  • Led the design and development of seasonal collections, overseeing a team of 10 junior designers and technicians to ensure high-quality production.
  • Worked closely with fabric suppliers to source sustainable materials, contributing to a 20% reduction in the company’s environmental impact.
  • Spearheaded the womenswear line for fashion week events, resulting in a 30% increase in brand awareness and subsequent sales.

Fashion Designer
Trendsetters Apparel, Manchester
August 2014 – February 2019

  • Designed and launched over 50 pieces per year for the casual wear line, closely monitoring market trends to guide the direction of the collection.
  • Managed the full lifecycle of garment production from sketch to store, improving supply chain efficiency by 15%.
  • Conducted consumer and market research to inform designs, resulting in a best-selling collection that accounted for 25% of the company’s annual profit.
STEP 3

Include Your Relevant Skills

The skills section of an arts CV is designed to demonstrate both your artistic ability and your professional aptitude.

Start by listing the technical, hard skills relevant to your field, such as proficiency with specific software for graphic artists or mastery of certain materials for sculptors. Next, mention your creative techniques, highlighting the unique artistic styles or methods in which you specialise.

Soft skills are also important. Include skills such as critical thinking, effective communication and adaptability to show how you handle creative projects and collaborations. If this applies to you, add business-oriented skills such as project management or budgeting, which are valuable for leadership roles or freelance work.

30 Technical Skills for an Artist

  1. Drawing
  2. Painting
  3. Sculpture
  4. Photography
  5. Printmaking
  6. Digital Illustration
  7. 3D Modelling
  8. Ceramic Techniques
  9. Textile Design
  10. Woodworking
  11. Metalworking
  12. Jewellery Design
  13. Glassblowing
  14. Engraving
  15. Bookbinding
  16. Calligraphy
  17. Video Editing
  18. Animation
  19. Graphic Design
  20. Web Design
  21. Adobe Photoshop
  22. Adobe Illustrator
  23. Adobe InDesign
  24. CAD Software
  25. VR (Virtual Reality) Art Creation
  26. AR (Augmented Reality) Development
  27. Sound Editing
  28. Installation Art
  29. Puppet Making
  30. Stage Set Design
STEP 4

Highlight Your Education

The education section is an important part of an arts CV as it is evidence that you have the skills and knowledge essential to your art form. Especially important when you’re starting out, degrees from recognised schools add credibility and demonstrate your commitment. Specialising in areas such as digital media or sculpture during your studies can make you more attractive to potential employers or galleries. Art schools are great for networking, offering connections that can lead to jobs and collaborations.

When listing your education on a CV, include the institution, degree, year of graduation, and any relevant coursework or achievements. This shows that you’re well-prepared and serious about a career in the arts.

Example of Education for a Gallery Assistant

Bachelor of Arts in Art History
University of London, London, UK
Graduated: June 2023
First Class Honours

Diploma in Museum Studies
London College of Communication, London, UK
Graduated: May 2021
Merit

Example of Education for a Fashion Designer

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design
Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, London
Graduated: July 2018

  • Final year collection showcased at the Graduate Fashion Show.

Diploma in Textile Design
London College of Fashion, London
Graduated: May 2015

  • Developed a textile collection featured in the annual exhibition.

Certificate in Digital Fashion Illustration
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, USA
Completed: December 2014

STEP 5

Enhance your CV with Additional Information

The additional information section is the perfect place to showcase your notable projects, awards, contributions and achievements.

This section allows you to highlight aspects of your career that may not fit neatly into other categories, but are crucial to demonstrating your unique qualifications and impact.

Include any significant projects that demonstrate your expertise and creativity, such as high-profile collaborations, exhibitions or special commissions. Awards and recognition can highlight your excellence and peer recognition in your field. Contributions to the industry, such as publications, presentations or involvement in professional organisations, can also be highlighted here. By including this additional information, you can paint a fuller picture of your professional journey and achievements, making your CV stand out to potential employers.

Example of Additional Information Section for a Photographer

Professional affiliations:

  • Member of the Celestial Photographic Society: Active in workshops and exhibitions.
  • Member, Interstellar Association of Photographers: Involved in professional development events and networking opportunities.

Exhibitions:

  • Solo exhibition, Starlight Art Gallery, 2021: Included the ‘City Echoes’ series, which attracted significant media attention and positive reviews.

Example of Additional Information Section for a Gallery Assistant

Volunteer work:

  • Community Arts Initiative: Volunteered with the Urban Arts Collective, helping to organise art workshops and local exhibitions to promote art in the community.
  • Youth Art Mentor: Mentored young aspiring artists through the Visionary Youth Programme, providing guidance and support to develop their skills and portfolios.

Awards and Recognition:

  • Excellence in Art Management Award, 2020: Awarded by Nova Gallery Network for outstanding contribution to exhibition planning and delivery.

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