Artist Resumes and Bios
Just as an employment resume outlines employment history, experience, and skills, an artist resume details the accomplishments, endeavors, knowledge, and abilities of an artist. There are many common conventions that all professional resume should follow. Remember, an artist resume is not an “artistic” resume. You want to present yourself and your accomplishments in a professional manner.
Artist resume are organized by headings or categories that outline your particular artistic activity. Under each heading—listed by date with the most recent event first—list and then summarize the necessary information. Headings should stand out and can be bulleted, bold, underlined, or italicized. The specific categories you include depend upon the artistic discipline with which you are involved.
Typically, an artist resume is one to four pages in length. Most artists have two versions of their resume prepared: a long version and a one- or two-page version. Your resume should be easy to read, typed, and printed on quality paper. Resume paper should be muted in color. I prefer to see resume printed on white, off-white, or ivory. Font size should be no smaller than 10 pt., and should be a font type that is easy to read. I find it helpful to include a date in the upper right-hand corner of my resume. The date helps remind me when I last updated my resume , and it also lets others know if my resume is current.
The artist resume is different from a curriculum vitae or artist bio. The c.v. is a record of all professional activities within academic careers, and is intended for use in academic situations only. An artist bio, while containing information similar to the artist resume, is presented in a different format than the resume. An artist bio is most often written in the third person and in paragraph form, and it highlights the information present on your resume.
Artist Statements
Many artists are downright intimidated by the thought of writing an artist statement. We have all read too many bad artist statements. In addition, I think artists hear a lot of different advice when it comes to writing about their work. The best statements I have read are written by the artists themselves. Statements written by those with a commercial interest tend to be more marketing pieces than informative statements—which in certain situations is appropriate. So again, know your audience.
In some instances you will be asked for a general artist statement, and in other circumstances you may be asked to provide a statement about a particular artwork. The best tip to start with is to limit the length of your statement to one double-spaced page maximum. Your artist statement should discuss both the conceptual (your ideas, concerns, and how they manifest themselves in your work) and technical or formal aspects of your artwork. Your statement may include information on any influences you feel inform your work. Keep it simple, concise, and straightforward.
Work Samples
Your work samples are the most important component of your portfolio. Work samples can range from slides and photographs to manuscripts, disks, and videos, depending on your artistic discipline. You have seconds to impress a panel, juror, agent, producer, or other professional with your work! Ideally, most artists should have their work documented and/or edited professionally.
All artists should supplement their work samples with a work sample description sheet. This sheet should include all pertinent information such as titles, dimensions, materials, date completed, length of performance, where preformed, your role in the performance, and any other technical, synoptic, or descriptive information that can inform your work. If submitting work samples to a competitive application process, ask the sponsoring organization how your work will be viewed, how much time the panel or judge will spend reviewing your work samples, and what the selection process is like. These types of questions can help you select the appropriate work samples to include in your application. It is the administrator’s job to answer these types of inquiries and to assist artists in preparing their applications.
Other Written Materials
Artists also use their portfolio to apply for specific projects, funding programs, residencies, or other competitive opportunities. In these circumstances, you may be asked to submit a project description, statement, proposal, or cover letter. These written materials should be focused and relate to the requirements of the particular opportunity. Be passionate and sincere in the presentation of your work, and always conclude with thanking the panel, juror, and/or organization for their time and consideration.
As I stated at the beginning of this essay, your portfolio is often the first opportunity you have to impress and influence those in charge of making the decisions and choices that affect you and your work, so remember that presentation matters. Spelling, obvious grammatical mistakes, and a sloppy presentation will make you appear unprofessional.
Be sure to proofread your entire portfolio carefully. You may find it beneficial to have a friend or colleague read over your written materials and provide suggestions or input. Be sure to label all the contents of your portfolio. If you are mailing out your portfolio, send it in a suitable container that will protect your materials in transit. If you expect your portfolio returned to you, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you state in your cover or query letter that you will follow-up the distribution of your portfolio with an in-person visit, telephone, or email, make certain you do so. Also, update the materials in your portfolio regularly. There will come a time when you will need to edit out old or irrelevant information. Your portfolio should evolve along with your development as an artist.
Many artists today are supplementing their physical portfolio with a digital version either on the Web or presented on CD-ROM or DVD. Consult with other artists in your field concerning new conventions and ways to represent yourself. Keep an eye out for portfolios you feel are successful or include interesting components and materials. I find it helpful to keep a collection of these items for my own reference. Also, make note of what you don’t like. With more and more artists graduating from undergraduate and graduate programs each year, artists must take responsibility for the development of their career by preparing a professional portfolio that stands out among those of their peers.
Written by Art Bistro.com, it’s a site, where you can chat with other artists, post your portfolios, create your own gallery all just for being a member.
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