How to Create an Artist CV for Your Website

If you’re an artist trying to land exhibitions, connect with galleries, or work with collectors, your art will speak for itself—but your Artist CV (Curriculum Vitae) will do the talking before they even see your work in person. Think of it as your professional biography on paper: a clear, concise record of your artistic journey, achievements, and credibility.

When someone visits your website, they’re not just looking at your portfolio—they’re looking for proof of your professional standing. A well-structured Artist CV can build trust, open doors, and show that you’re serious about your career. Here’s how to create one that makes an impact.

1. Understand What an Artist CV Is (and Isn’t)

An Artist CV is not the same as a regular job résumé. While a résumé focuses on employment history and skills for traditional jobs, an Artist CV highlights your creative career—exhibitions, residencies, education, awards, publications, and more.
Your CV should answer:

• What have you achieved artistically?
• Where has your work been shown?
• What recognition have you received?

2. Start with Your Contact Information

Your contact details should be at the top—easy to find and professional. Include:

• Full name (as you use professionally)
• Email address (avoid personal nicknames—use something clean and businesslike)
• Website URL (if someone’s reading it offline)
• Social media handles (only if they’re dedicated to your art)
• Location (city and country; no need for full address)

3. Write a Brief Artist Statement or Bio

Right after your name and contact details, include a short paragraph summarizing your artistic practice.

• Focus on your medium, themes, and inspirations.
• Keep it between 3–5 sentences.
• Write in the third person for a more formal tone (“Jane Doe is a painter…”).

This section helps readers quickly understand your style and artistic direction.

4. Organize Your Exhibitions

Exhibition history is often the most important section of an Artist CV. Break it into categories:

• Solo Exhibitions – Shows where you were the only featured artist.
• Group Exhibitions – Shows with multiple artists.
• Juried Exhibitions – Shows where participation was competitive and curated.

List each exhibition in reverse chronological order (most recent first) and include:

• Year
• Exhibition title
• Venue name
• Location (city, country)

Example:
2024 — “Shadows & Light,” Solo Exhibition, ArtSpace Gallery, New York, USA

5. Include Education and Training

This section covers your formal art education, workshops, and specialized training.

• Degree(s) earned (e.g., BFA, MFA)
• Name of institution
• Year of graduation
• Relevant non-degree programs, residencies, or masterclasses

If you’re self-taught, you can skip this section or replace it with “Professional Development” to list significant learning experiences.

6. Highlight Awards, Grants, and Residencies

Awards and grants show that others have recognized your talent. Include:

• Year
• Award or grant name
• Granting organization
• Location (if relevant)

Residencies are also powerful credibility builders—list them with dates and locations.

7. Feature Publications and Press

If your work has been featured in magazines, books, newspapers, blogs, or podcasts, this is the place to mention it.

• Include publication name, article title (in quotes), and date.
• For online features, link directly to the source on your website version of the CV.

8. Add Professional Affiliations

If you’re a member of professional art organizations, guilds, or collectives, list them here. These memberships can strengthen your professional profile.

9. Keep the Design Simple

Your Artist CV should be clean and easy to read.

• Use a consistent font (sans serif like Arial or serif like Times New Roman).
• Avoid decorative layouts—your art is where the visual creativity belongs.
• Use headings and subheadings to break up sections clearly.

Remember: this is about professionalism, not flashy design.

10. Keep It Updated

Your CV is a living document. Update it every few months as you add new shows, awards, or publications. On your website, make sure visitors can download it as a PDF.

Pro Tip: On your website, place your CV in a dedicated section under your “About” or “Bio” page. Include a downloadable PDF version for galleries, curators, and collectors who may want to save it for reference.

Your Artist CV isn’t just a list—it’s a record of your growth, achievements, and seriousness as a creator. Done right, it can be the bridge between your art and the opportunities you’re aiming for.