How to Write a Curriculum Vitae

I've met a lot of wonderful artists and crafters at shows since graduating Sheridan College. I don't know why, but somewhere along the way I started asking if the better established folks had Curriculum Vitaes (CVs), and astoundingly, none of them did. In fact, no one had a clue to what a CV might be - I guess a benefit to a traditional education is 'insiders information'.

WHY do you want it?
-Some exhibitions, residencies, awards and projects require you to submit a one (1) page CV with your application.
-Artists don't usually fit into a traditional resume. There's not often a, "Two years at McDonalds, FT."
-Furthermore, artists can run their lives very differently. A CV allows you to curate a list of the individual experiences you have.
-After a long, wonderful career as an artist (especially if you start off thinking you'll just be a hobbyist), a long-form CV is wonderful to look back on.

My Curriculum Vitae

HOW do you write it?
It's pretty easy. Just figure out what categories your art experience fall under, and then list them in the way you find most appropriate. I rearrange my layout depending on what will be most important to the people I'm sending the CV to.

You can include information such as (but not limited to);
-Self-employment
-Art shows
-Collaborations
-Exhibitions
-Residencies
-Teaching Experience, and
-Guild Memberships

You also list more obvious things like;
-Education
-Awards, and
-Volunteer Experience

By the way, you want two versions:
First CV: A one (1) page CV suitable for sending out with applications.
-This is a trimmed down version that includes only your best and/or most relevant experience.

Second CV: A long CV that includes everything you've ever done.
-As you gain more experience you may find yourself deleting certain entries, and that's okay too.

So that's it! I suggest you Google some examples (perhaps of your favourite artists!) if you're still feeling a little bit stuck. (: