Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

Artist CV template (text format)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Dedicated artist with [X] years of work experience. Seeking to use my expertise in [relevant artistic skills] to fill the [position name] position at [company name]. Achieved [mention an accomplishment here] in my previous role. Would like to put my artistic talents to work to help achieve [Company’s Name]’s goals.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Most Recent Job Title
Employer Name | Town/City | Start Date–End Date

  • Use the present tense if you’re still working here
  • Include a bulleted list of your duties and accomplishments
  • Add hard numbers to better illustrate your impact

Earlier Job Title
Employer Name | Town/City | Start Date–End Date

  • List relevant accomplishments from a position you held earlier
  • Assuming you no longer perform this job, use past tense verbs to describe your experience

EDUCATION

University, Town/City | Start Date–End Date
Degree / Degree Name (mention your degree classification for an honours degree, e.g., 2:1)

Key modules: List your job-relevant modules here
Project highlight: If you completed a particularly job-relevant art project, mention it here

Secondary School, Town/City | Start Date–End Date

A-Levels: List any A-Levels you achieved while in secondary school or college
GCSEs: Include all GCSEs you achieved Grades 9–4 in (or A*–C under the old grading system)

CERTIFICATIONS

  • List your relevant art/design certifications
  • Include the names of the certifying organisations and the dates you received them
  • Move this section closer to the top of your CV if you don’t have much work experience to show that you’re qualified for your target artist role

PROJECTS

Project Title
Your Title/Role, Company Name (20XX)

Brief description of the project to give employers a clear picture of what they can expect you to do for them

EXHIBITIONS

20XX   Most Recent Exhibit title, Name of Venue, City/Town (solo/group exhibition)

20XX   Earlier Exhibit title, Name of Venue, City/Town (solo/group exhibition)

PUBLICATIONS

If relevant, list your publications using the citation format common in your field of art. Here’s an example you can follow using the MLA method:

James, David P. and Jane R. Jenkins. “The Future of Art in a TikTok World.” UK Art Journal 45.13 (20XX): 45-58. Print.

SKILLS

  • List your relevant skills
  • Include a mix of technical skills and soft skills
  • Be specific (for instance, state the names of software tools you use or art techniques you specialise in)

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

  • List some of your relevant or interesting hobbies
  • For example, mention that you enjoy keeping up to date with the latest AI innovations in your medium

How to write an artist CV

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.

You have a great portfolio that shows off your artistic skills. But to get the artist role you want, you’ll need to make a CV that outlines your experience and achievements.

Here are 3 tips on writing an artist CV that lands you creative work:

1. Write a creative and engaging CV personal statement

Write a personal statement that stands out by following these examples written by various artists at different stages of their careers:

Entry-level artist

Budding artist freshly graduated from The Royal College of Art with a BA in Fine Art. Specialising in digital illustration with a passion for storytelling, I have developed a robust portfolio that demonstrates my creativity and ability to capture viewers’ imaginations. Ready to contribute my artistic talents and fresh perspectives to the dynamic team at [Company Name] as an Assistant Illustrator.

Mid-level artist

Passionate digital artist with 5+ years of experience in the gaming industry. Contributed to the successful launch of multiple AAA titles, offering expertise in 3D modeling, texture art, and animation, complemented by a strong proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya and Adobe Creative Suite. Seeking to leverage proven skills to push the boundaries of digital art and contribute to innovative gaming projects.

Senior-level artist

Innovative senior artist with 10+ years in the visual arts sector, specialising in digital art and animation for leading film and game studios. Track record of directing and mentoring creative teams to achieve excellence, delivering ultra-quality visuals that drive engagement and have generated £14 million in sales to date. Known for a strategic approach to creative direction, combining cutting-edge technology with storytelling artistry. Already energised by the challenging Art Director role you’ve opened at [Company Name].

Makeup artist

Dynamic makeup artist with over 3 years of experience in bridal, editorial, and commercial makeup. With a foundation in cosmetology from London Beauty Academy and a passion for enhancing natural beauty, I specialise in creating bespoke looks that reflect each client’s personality and needs. Looking for opportunities to bring individual visions to life, whether for special occasions, fashion shoots, or everyday glamour.

3D artist

Creative 3D Artist with 5 years of experience in the gaming and animation industry, specialising in character modeling and environmental design. Proficient in Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. Adept at bringing fantastical worlds and characters to vivid life. Excited to contribute to impactful projects and collaborate with like-minded creatives as a 3D Art Lead at [Company Name].

Concept artist

Imaginative concept artist with a talent for developing compelling visual stories that inform and inspire character and environment design for games and films. With over 4 years of professional experience, my work combines strong narrative-driven design with a versatile art style. Skilled in using Photoshop and Procreate to develop concepts from initial sketches to full-color illustrations. Ready to bring new worlds to life as a Concept Artist at [Company Name].

2. Add your artist qualifications

Putting art-related qualifications like the following on your CV shows employers you’re committed to your craft:

3. Emphasise your role-relevant skills

If you have them, write a CV that highlights these top hard skills and soft skills we sourced from real artist job adverts:

 

  • Artistic mediums (oil, acrylic, sculpture)
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Project management
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Portfolio development
  • Professionalism and reliability
  • Creative technology (Adobe Creative Suite, Unreal Engine, Blender)

 

Takeaways

Here are the main points to remember when writing your artist CV:

  1. Summarise your main achievements in a few sentences at the top of your CV to ensure skimming recruiting managers see them
  2. Emphasise your suitability and passion for the role by including your art qualifications
  3. Highlight skills from the job advert to tailor your job application to the employer

Our editorial process

This artist CV example was created in line with CV Genius’s editorial process. We’re committed to creating the highest-quality UK job search resources so that you can get a job as quickly and easily as possible.

Aaron Case, CPRW
Written by

Aaron Case

Aaron Case is a CPRW & Senior Staff Writer at CV Genius with 8+ years of experience in writing and career resource spaces. Job seekers around the world and in various stages of their vocational journeys have landed fulfilling work thanks to his thoughtful career advice, which has also been showcased in publications like Forbes, MSN, CareerAddict, Ladders, Best Colleges, Ivy Exec, Capitalism.com, and vidIQ. Aaron has a BS in English & Communications from Liberty University bolstered by a professional credential from UC Berkeley. He’s collected practical experience while following various career paths, and he enjoys sharing the resulting insights with everyone. You can contact him through his LinkedIn profile or on Twitter. Please note, we don’t accept guest posts, and all such requests will be ignored.