Fine arts
Artist painter CV: example and template
This example is for painters who apply to galleries, competitions, residencies and grant programmes, and for artists looking for work as illustrators, muralists, drawing and painting teachers or painting studio staff.
A curator, a gallery or a competition jury wants to see where you have exhibited, which collections hold your work, which awards and grants you have and where they can view your portfolio. We show you how to prepare an artist CV that can be read in a minute.
How to write an artist painter CV
Professional summary
Write what you do as an artist, since when you have exhibited and what your greatest achievement is: an exhibition, a collection, an award. For galleries and competitions add a short note on your themes and techniques, and for work as an instructor or muralist describe your commissions and classes. Put the portfolio link in the header.
Painting graduate whose diploma was distinguished at the academy's diploma show. I have had 2 group exhibitions and one solo exhibition at a student gallery. I am looking for an artist residency and a gallery to work with.
Experience: duties and achievements
On an artist CV list solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, collections, residencies and commissions instead of job titles, starting with the latest. Give the year, title, gallery and city. If you combine art with paid work, describe that work separately as ordinary job experience.
Weaker: Exhibitions.
Better: 6 solo exhibitions at galleries in Poland and Germany.
Weaker: Painting murals.
Better: 9 murals on buildings and in company interiors.
Weaker: Teaching painting.
Better: Painting classes for adults, two groups a week.
Skills worth listing
List techniques, formats, work in public space and teaching skills. In your soft skills show independence and meeting deadlines, because commissions and exhibitions have fixed dates.
Professional skills
- Painting techniques
- Murals
- Drawing
- Preparing exhibitions
- Teaching
- Documenting work
Personal skills
- Independence
- Meeting deadlines
- Contact with clients
- Perseverance
- Creativity
Awards, grants and residencies
List awards, distinctions, artist grants and residencies with the year and name. For galleries and juries attach a separate portfolio and a short artist statement, because a CV alone will not show your paintings.
Artist CV with no exhibition record
Describe your diploma, student shows, plein-air workshops and exhibitions at student galleries. Every public presentation of your work counts.
Apply to competitions, open calls and residencies for young artists. Build a portfolio of your 10 to 20 best works.
Tailoring your CV to the job offer
A gallery looks for a coherent body of work and exhibitions, a grant committee for a project plan and a track record, and a company commissioning a mural for work in public space and meeting deadlines. Move to the top what the application is about.
Questions and answers
What should an artist painter put on a CV?
Education, solo and group exhibitions, collections, awards, grants, residencies, commissions, teaching and a portfolio link.
How does an artist CV differ from a regular CV?
Instead of job titles it lists exhibitions, collections and awards, and a portfolio and artist statement are attached to it.
Can an artist with no exhibitions write a CV?
Yes. List your diploma, student shows, plein-air workshops and competitions you have entered.
Should paid work go on an artist CV?
Not for a gallery. For work as an instructor or muralist describe it separately.