Writing a CV
One of the essential items in your toolkit as a creative professional is a curriculum vitae (CV), and here is our guide to what you should consider when creating one.
A CV is different to a biography or artist statement. It should be written in a list format, not in a narrative style.
When you are applying for any opportunity you will most likely be asked to provide a copy of your CV, which should include a summary of your educational and academic history, employment, teaching and research experience, and may also include details of other career highlights including publications, presentations, awards, honours or affiliations.
One CV will not be suitable for every opportunity that you apply for, and should always be amended to highlight relevant achievements. If you are an emerging artist list what you have been doing over the duration of your practice, including any education, training, research or volunteer work you have been involved with that is relevant to the development of your practice/career.
As your career progresses you can be more selective with the details you include. Established artists with a longer history should focus on current or more recent work and only include a few select highlights.
TIP:
We’ve included a CV template here to guide you in laying out your CV. Chronology is important. Start with the most recent relevant entry in each section and work your way back.
You will want to include:
Personal Details
- Name
- Website (if applicable)
- Address and phone number(s) are optional, depending on where your CV is going. You may wish to exclude those details if you are uploading your CV to a website.
Education and Training
Only include your relevant education and training. Training may include master classes, workshops and work-related courses.
Professional Experience
Work experience directly relating to your practice.
Exhibitions List
- Create separate sub-headings for solo and group exhibitions.
- List exhibitions by date, exhibition title and venue.
Commissions
Have you worked either as an individual or collaboratively on a commissioned project such as designing something for inclusion in the built environment, a park, a public space, or a private commission? If the commissions are highly prestigious, name them individually. If not, group them chronologically, eg: 2005 – 2001
Grants/Awards
Only include those relevant to your practice.
Collections
Has your work been purchased and included in public or noted private collections? List both private and public separately, including the country in which collection is held.
Publications and reviews
List here any exhibition reviews or reviews of your work. Always include author, publication name, article title, publication date and page numbers or website link where relevant.
Representation
If you are represented by a gallery or galleries then list their details here, including gallery name and website link.
TIP:
It can also be worthwhile looking at how other artists develop their CVs. Here are a few to get you started:
Guildhouse financial members are able to obtain one on one professional development support about many areas of their practice. Contact us for more information.