Artists Unleashed: Decoding the Curious Case of CVs and Resumes

If you’re anything like me, you wrote up a resume ages ago and then you ended up in art school being told that you now needed a CV, the first thing that went through my head was, what’s a CV? Why do I need one? And, will someone please tell me what the hell the difference is!

Once upon a time, in the quirky realm of professional documents, lived two distinct creatures: the CV and the resume. For artists, these odd entities often spark confusion, much like trying to paint a masterpiece with a potato. So, let's dive into this artistic adventure and uncover the delightful madness behind CVs and resumes, and why, as artists, we're supposed to rock the CV.

Picture this: you're an artist, juggling brushes, colors, and your cat's attempts to paw-paint your canvas. The CV waltzes in, throwing its weight around like an overstuffed portfolio. It's like a detailed mural of your journey, from that first finger-painting in kindergarten to your recent art residency where you pretended to understand abstract quantum art.

On the other hand, the resume sneaks in, acting all minimalist and sophisticated. It's the art of condensing your life's work into a single-page haiku, leaving you to wonder if you've been secretly crafting iambic pentameters instead of oil portraits.

Now, why does the art world nudge us to embrace the CV? Well, think of it as a backstage pass to your artistic circus. It's not just about the exhibitions you've graced, but also the workshops you've hosted and the fancy art magazines that grudgingly printed your musings about avant-garde macaron sculptures.

So, let's talk about the crucial CV vs. resume showdown, artist style.

CV: The Behemoth Canvas

In the realm of art, size does matter, at least when it comes to showcasing your journey. The CV, like an overenthusiastic exhibition, flaunts everything. From the time you won a crayon contest in second grade to your recent collaboration with a robot artist (it's the future, folks), the CV leaves no artistic stone unturned.

The CV's got space. More space than a small-town art gallery owner trying to fit an elephant sculpture. It's not just about your art. It's about your artistic soul. The residencies, the grants (if you've been lucky enough to catch some), the publications where your artwork actually outshone the clickbait article titles - it all finds a cozy home on this sprawling canvas.

Resume: The Minimalist Masterpiece

Ah, the resume - the fine art of encapsulating your existence into a document that wouldn't cause a printer meltdown. It's like painting with a single brushstroke. A ballet dancer pirouetting across the stage while carefully avoiding the paint puddles.

Resumes are concise. So concise that if you're not careful, you might end up listing "Crayon Connoisseur, Age 5" under your achievements. It's all about capturing the essence of your artistic journey, like trying to paint a sunset using just three colors. It's your elevator pitch, your pièce de résistance, your Mona Lisa smile captured in text.

Why CVs, Though?

So, you might be thinking, "Why do we need this CV monstrosity?" Well, imagine the art world as a vast, eccentric garden party. You've got the painters, sculptors, installation artists, and that one guy who insists on performing interpretive dance with flaming hula hoops. Among all these creative souls, the CV serves as your golden ticket to stand out.

Your CV isn't just a bland list of art-related stuff; it's your creative résumé. It screams, "Hey, world, I didn't just draw stick figures on napkins during boring meetings! I've exhibited my work at more places than I've forgotten my coffee cups!"

The CV's Secret Ingredient: Diversity

You know what's more colorful than your palette? Your artistic journey. The CV is like a vibrant patchwork quilt stitched together with residencies, workshops, collaborations, and the occasional adventure into the wild world of crochet art. It's proof that your creative mind is as dynamic as a chameleon on a Jackson Pollock painting.

Diversity is the artist's superpower, and the CV is your shield against the doubters who think artists are just brooding souls with an obsession for berets. Your CV shows that you're not just a painter, but also a curator, an instructor, and an accidental acrobat during your last outdoor installation.

In Conclusion: Masterpiece Manifesto

So, dear artists, it's time to embrace the CV with open arms (and perhaps a flourish of artistic flair). It's not just a document; it's your creative manifesto. It's your chance to let the world know that you've been more than just a person who splatters paint on canvases and calls it art.

Remember, the CV isn't just about listing your achievements; it's about celebrating your artistic journey. Whether you've painted with oils or created sculptures from recycled flip-flops, your CV is your story, your legacy, and your splash in the vast ocean of creativity.

So, go forth, you fabulous artists, and let your CV be the canvas that captures the brilliance of your ever-evolving artistic adventure. After all, art is meant to be seen, felt, and celebrated. And with the CV as your trusty sidekick, your artistic story will radiate like a neon masterpiece in the grand gallery of life.

Denise "The Vamp DeVille" Zubizarreta is a neurodivergent artist of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, with over a decade of experience in various creative fields. She is currently an arts and culture writer for Hyperallergic and Southwest Contemporary , two leading online publications that offer curated and critical perspectives on contemporary arts and culture.

Denise holds a B.F.A. in Fine Art from the esteemed Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) , and is pursuing her M.A.L.C.M. at Colorado State University . Her passion for arts and culture drives her to explore and challenge the intersections of post-colonial theory, identity, and tradition in her writing and mixed media works. She is also a founder and CEO of Bohiti Botánica, an organic skincare company that reflects her commitment to sustainability and wellness.