An artist CV is an essential tool for any creative professional looking to showcase their skills, experience, and achievements.

Whether you're applying for exhibitions, grants, or residency opportunities, a well-made curriculum vitae template can make all the difference in getting noticed.

In this article, we'll walk you through the key elements of an effective CV for an artist and provide tips on how to make it stand out in a competitive industry.

What is an artist CV?

An artist curriculum vitae is a detailed document that outlines your professional experience, education, exhibitions, and achievements.

Unlike a standard resume, it highlights important milestones such as solo and group exhibitions, awards, grants, residencies, publications, and skills.

This document serves as a comprehensive overview of one's career, showcasing their qualifications and artistic journey to potential employers, galleries, museums, or other institutions. It is an essential tool for establishing credibility and advancing in the industry.

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How to write an artist CV?

1. Contact Information

Include your full name, address, phone number, email, and website (if available). You can also add relevant social media profiles.

Example

  • Name: Jane Moore
    Address: Austin, TX
    Phone: +123 456 7890
    Email: jane.moore@email.com
    Website: www.janemooreart.com
    Instagram: @janemoore_art

2. Professional Summary

Write a concise opening statement overviewing your journey, focusing on your core themes, mediums, and creative focus. This part allows you to quickly communicate your unique perspective.

"Jane Moore is a contemporary artist whose practice investigates the relationship between nature and modern technology. Her mixed media works challenge viewers to rethink the impact of digital innovation on the environment."

3. Exhibition History

Detail your solo and group exhibitions, providing the gallery name, location, and year.

Solo Exhibitions:

“Fragments of a Forgotten City” – The Urban Gallery, New York, 2025
A series of large-scale mixed media works exploring abandoned buildings in urban spaces.

“Echoes of Nature” – Greenfield Arts, London, 2023
Focused on the relationship between industrialization and nature, incorporating photography and recycled materials.

Group Exhibitions:

“Contemporary Women in Art” – MoMA PS1, New York, 2024
A curated exhibition featuring prominent female artists addressing environmental issues.

“Global Voices” – Art Basel, Miami, 2022
A diverse showcase of international artists working across multiple mediums.

“Reclaiming Space” – Contemporary Art Fair, Berlin, 2021
A group exhibition of artists focusing on social and political themes in the urban landscape.

4. Education

List relevant academic qualifications, such as degrees or certifications, from recognized institutions. Mention the program and year of completion.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts
School of Visual Arts, New York, 2020

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sculpture
University of the Arts, London, 2017

Workshops and Residencies:

  • “Sculptural Practices: From Concept to Execution” – Art Academy, Berlin, 2023
  • Artist-in-Residence – The Contemporary Arts Center, New York, 2021

5. Skills

Highlight the materials, methods, and artistic processes you use. This block demonstrates your versatility and technical abilities.

Example:

  • Mixed media (acrylics, oil, and ink on canvas) -Sculpture (wood, metal, recycled materials)
  • Photography and digital manipulation
  • Installation art and site-specific works
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Lithography and screen printing

6. Awards and Grants

Recognize any honors or financial support you've received for your work. Write the name, organization, and year.

  • “Best Emerging Artist” Award – The Contemporary Art Foundation, New York, 2023
  • Artist Grant for Environmental Art – Green Arts Fund, 2022
  • “New Horizons” Fellowship for Innovative Artists – National Art Council, USA, 2021
  • “Sculpture of the Year” Award – Art Magazine, London, 2020

7. Publications

Include mentions in journals, magazines, and other media outlets. This highlights your visibility and reputation in the industry.

Example:

  • “Urban Decay: The Art of Capturing Time” – Art Review Magazine, December 2023
  • “Artist Focus: Jane Elizabeth Moore” – Sculpture Today, June 2022
  • Featured in “Women Artists to Watch” – The New York Times, April 2021
  • Interview on "The Art Movement Podcast", discussing the intersection of nature and technology, February 2020

8. Professional Experience

Outline roles that relate to your creative career, such as teaching, curating, or other art-related positions.

9. References

Provide contacts who can vouch for your professional character and creative abilities. This section is optional but useful for certain applications.

Anna Johnson – Curator, The Contemporary Arts Center, London

anna.johnson@contemporaryarts.com

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Artist CV examples

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Visual artist CV sample

Jane Elizabeth Moore
Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA | Email: jane.moore@artworks.com | Website: www.janemooreartworks.com

Professional Summary

Contemporary visual artist working with mixed media, focusing on urban decay, environmental issues, and the human-nature relationship. Known for large-scale installations and site-specific public art, combining materials like acrylics, found objects, and photography to explore themes of sustainability and transformation. Exhibited internationally in solo and group exhibitions across major art fairs, galleries, and public spaces.

Exhibition History

Solo Exhibitions:

  • “City of Ruins” – The Urban Gallery, New York, 2023
  • “Wasted Spaces” – Modern Art Center, Berlin, 2022
  • “Echoes of Industry” – Greenfield Art Space, London, 2021

Group Exhibitions:

  • “Future of Art” – Art Basel, Miami, 2022
  • “Public Art and Social Change” – The National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C., 2021
  • “Urban Artists of Tomorrow” – Contemporary Art Fair, Berlin, 2020

Education

  • MFA in Visual Arts – School of Visual Arts, New York, 2020
  • BA in Fine Arts – University of the Arts, London, 2017

Professional Experience

Freelance Installation Artist – New York, 2018–Present

  • Design and execute large-scale public installations that interact with urban landscapes and abandoned spaces.
  • Secure funding and sponsorship from arts organizations, ensuring projects aligned with community and environmental initiatives.
  • Collaborate with architects and city planners to integrate artistic elements into existing public spaces and buildings.
  • Present artist talks and workshops, engaging with local communities to increase accessibility and understanding of public art.

Skills and Techniques

  • Mixed media: Acrylic, oil, photography, found objects
  • Installation art and sculpture
  • Digital image manipulation (Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom)
  • Public art project planning and coordination
  • Site-specific installations

Awards and Grants

  • Best Contemporary Artist – The Art Foundation, 2023
  • Sustainable Art Grant – Green Arts Initiative, 2022
  • Public Arts Fellowship – City of New York, 2021

References

  • John Smith – Director, The Urban Gallery, New York | john.smith@urbangallery.com
  • Michael Clark – Curator, Modern Art Center, Berlin | michael.clark@modernartcenter.com

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Example of digital artist CV

Liam Scott
Location: San Francisco, California, USA | Email: liam.scott@digitalscapes.com | Website: www.liamalexanderscott.com

Professional Summary

Digital artist and graphic designer specializing in immersive art, 3D modeling, and animation. With a keen eye for detail and storytelling, Liam combines traditional art techniques with cutting-edge technology to create digital landscapes and interactive art installations. His work has been featured in both virtual and physical gallery spaces, focusing on themes of technology, fantasy, and the human experience in a digital world.

Education

  • BFA in Graphic Design – California College of the Arts, San Francisco, 2018
  • Certificate in Animation – Academy of Digital Arts, 2019

Professional Experience

Freelance Digital Artist – Self-employed, 2018–Present

  • Design 3D models and animations for video games, film studios, and virtual exhibitions.
  • Create interactive installations using VR and AR technologies for art festivals and brand collaborations.
  • Develop digital assets for commercial projects, working with major tech companies on branding and visual storytelling.
  • Provide consultation services for emerging digital artists, offering guidance on tools, techniques, and career development.

Graphic Designer and Animator – Digital Arts Studio, San Francisco, 2019–2021

  • Created branding materials, motion graphics, and social media content for a variety of high-profile clients.
  • Developed animated promotional videos, collaborating closely with marketing teams to enhance brand identity.
  • Worked on UI/UX design projects, ensuring seamless integration of visual elements into user-friendly applications.
  • Assisted in launching digital campaigns, incorporating original artwork to boost engagement and visibility.

Skills and Techniques

  • 3D modeling and animation (Blender, Maya)
  • Virtual and augmented reality art
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
  • Motion graphics and interactive media design
  • UI/UX design for digital platforms

Awards and Grants

  • Best Digital Artwork – Interactive Art Festival, 2022
  • Innovation Award – San Francisco Design Awards, 2021
  • Digital Artist of the Year – TechArt Network, 2020

References

  • Carlos Mendez – Creative Director, Digital Arts Studio | carlos.mendez@digitalartsstudio.com
  • Tanya Jacobs – Curator, The Digital Gallery, San Francisco | tanya.jacobs@thedigitalgallerysf.com

Conclusion

Writing an artist CV can be a crucial step in advancing your career as a creative specialist.

By focusing on key elements like your exhibition history, education, and professional experience, and ensuring the format is clear and concise, you'll be able to create a curriculum vitae that effectively highlights your talents.

A strong CV not only showcases your artistic achievements but also helps you take the next step in your career.

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