"Creating an Artist's Resume"

Building an artist resume can seem like a daunting task. Remembering dates, shows, gallery or cafe names, remember the name of a show you participated in; the list goes on. But some artists might not know where to start to build a resume. "What's supposed to be in it? How far back do I go? Do I have to list everything I've done as an artist? What if I have done nothing and am just starting out?" These are some of the questions you might be asking. I know I asked those questions while perusing internet sites and magazines for shows to participate in. Almost all of them required an "artist's resume". I had no idea where to start. Hopefully this article will help you break down the necessary components of the resume to make it seem less intimidating.

Remember these points:

• You are not seeking a job. This resume will not be like the usual employment resume as it has it's own special structure.
  
• This resume is about achievements as an artist and not a thesis or what you hope to accomplish, the special meanings behind your work
• You are writing this resume to sell yourself as an artist to potential gallery owners, jurors of shows, curators.

Carol Michels, states in her book "How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist (selling yourself without selling your soul)" 'The following are suggestions for structuring a resume and the order in which categories should be listed:

Name, address, phone number-how else would they contact you if they are indeed interested?

Place of Birth-possible good icebreaker, you never know where people have been!

Birth Year-if someone judges you and your work by your age, you might want to think twice about being involved with them on a professional level.

Exhibitions- List the most recent first and working backward. If you were awarded, list that in the awards section. This will list all shows you have been involved in. Was it invitational or juried? If there have been more than three solo shows, start the Exhibitions category with those. Cafe exhibitions or shows would be included here and if you participated alone, it would be considered a solo show.

Commissions-List the name of the project, the sponsor (institution, person or company) and the date of the commission.

Collections- List the names of the institutions, companies, museums, or galleries that own your work as part of a collection.

Bibliography-Any and all publications that have mentioned you or featured your work including blog features and blog mentions.

Awards and Honors- Any awards or honors you have received for your work.

Lectures/Online courses- List any and all workshops, courses anything you may have participated in as an instructor, no matter how small you think it is.

Education- Any and all art related education you have acquired. Make this the LAST category to convey the message that your accomplishments have meant more than that piece of paper that states you've passed classes.

There are many different kinds of resumes depending on your experience and background. If you do not have a degree, but have a lot of experience in the art world, do not include education as a component of the resume. Use your best judgment and knock them over with your presentation!

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them on the blog under comments. I would love to hear from you all!