11 Artist Resume Examples for 2024

For artists, a resume should showcase creativity and technical skills. This article includes proven examples and strategic tips for making your artist resume strong. Learn how to highlight your experience, showcase your portfolio, and use industry-specific jargon to stand out in a competitive field. Find out what hiring managers look for in a successful artist resume.

  Compiled and approved by Jason Lewis
  Last updated on See history of changes

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At a Glance

Here's what we see in top artist resumes.

  • Focus On Numbers And Impact: The best artist resumes show impact with metrics like % increase in project completion, % reduction in errors, growth in user engagement by %, and sales increase by %.

  • Highlight Relevant Skills: Include skills that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, 3D modeling, and animation. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Show Diversity In Projects: Resumes that show project diversity stand out. Use phrases like varied project scope, collaborative projects, and cross-discipline work.

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Place education wisely on your resume

As you look to show your qualifications as an art professional, the placement of your education can be key. If you have recently earned a degree in a field such as fine arts, graphic design, or art history, or if you're new to the field, place your education at the top. This highlights your academic background and specialized training, which is important in creative fields.

If you have several years of art-related experience, your creative work should take center stage on your resume. In this case, place your education after your experience. Ensure that any art degrees or relevant coursework are listed, as this can be crucial for roles requiring specific skills or artistic techniques. Remember, as you progress in your career, the need to showcase practical achievements often outweighs academic credentials.

Section Example Education for Artist
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Technical skills

For artists, technical skills like software knowledge are important. List programs like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

Place these skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This helps hiring managers see your capabilities quickly.

Ideal resume length

Artists should aim for a one-page resume, especially if you have less than ten years of related experience. This length is enough to show your skills, projects, and exhibitions without overwhelming the reader. Prioritize recent and relevant work to keep it short and impactful.

If you are a senior artist with extensive experience, a two-page resume can detail your professional journey effectively. Always ensure your most compelling work and achievements are on the first page, as this is where hiring managers focus their attention initially.

Portfolio link

Include a link to your online portfolio. This allows employers to see examples of your work and creativity.

Place it at the top so it is easy to find. Make sure it is up-to-date and highlights your best pieces.

Optimize for ats

When you are writing a resume for an artist position, remember that many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems screen resumes before a human even looks at them.

To make sure your resume passes through ATS, follow these tips:

  • Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Fancy fonts might not be readable.
  • Include important keywords from the job description in your resume. If the job description asks for skills in digital illustration, make sure 'digital illustration' is in your resume.

Make your skills shine

When you apply for artist jobs, show your strong skills. How? Pick projects where you shined and list them. This makes your resume stand out to hiring managers. Use plain words to talk about your art skills and work.

  • Use bullet points to talk about specific art techniques or media you have mastered, like oil painting or digital illustration.
  • For jobs where you need to lead, list any times you have guided a project or led a team. Example: Managed a team of five in a gallery installation.
  • If new to artist jobs, find parts of your last job that show art skills. Example: If you made slides or posters, talk about your design skills. Like: Designed 10+ engaging PowerPoint presentations for company meetings.
Bullet Point Samples By Job Title for Artist
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Highlight your artistic skills

As an artist, your resume should showcase the technical skills and tools that you are proficient in. When listing your skills, think about the specifics of the job you want. You don't need to list every skill, just those that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Here are some skills that are often important:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpting
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Graphic design
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Illustration
  • Ceramics
  • Digital art

It is also a good idea to include knowledge of art history and contemporary art trends, as these can show a deep understanding of your field. Place these skills in a dedicated section on your resume for clarity. This makes it easier for hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to spot your qualifications quickly. Remember, a well-crafted skills section can set you apart from other candidates.

If you specialize in a certain area, such as animation or 3D modeling, make sure to highlight these skills. It tells employers that you have the specific expertise they may be looking for. Always tailor your resume to the job description, matching your skills with the ones sought by the employer. This targeted approach can greatly improve your chances of getting noticed.

Section Example Skills for Artist
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Quantify your artistic impact

As an artist, it's important to show the value you bring through numbers. Think about the times you've made a strong impact and try to put a number to it.

Here are some ideas:

  • Did you work on a project that sold a certain number of pieces? Mention the quantity sold.
  • Did you help an exhibit increase its visitors? Note the percentage increase in attendance.
  • Have you worked on a team project? Describe the number of collaborators.
  • Did your art lead to positive reviews or awards? Count them and list as awards won or 5-star reviews.
  • If you've taught workshops or classes, include the number of students taught.
  • Have you completed commissioned work? Indicate the number of commissions.
  • Did your work result in media coverage? Add the number of features in publications or on TV.
  • If you sell prints or merchandise, you can include revenue generated from sales.

Even if you're unsure about exact figures, estimate as best as you can. For example, if you don't have exact sales numbers, think about the average price of your pieces and the frequency of sales. Use these numbers to create an estimate that shows your success. Remember, numbers help employers understand your impact more clearly.

Adapting your resume for company size

When applying as an artist, the type of company can guide how you shape your resume. If you target small firms or startups like indie game studios or local galleries, show how you can wear many hats. They value flexibility. Mention projects where you've handled multiple roles, like creating and marketing your work.

For larger companies such as Pixar or Adobe, highlight specialized skills. Show you can work in big teams. Here you might write, 'Collaborated with a 10-person team to develop an animated short.' Big companies look for deep expertise and experience in working within structured environments.

Remember to keep the layout simple. Use clear, short sentences. Describe your skills and experience directly. Whether it's a small studio or a major corporation, make it easy for them to see you're a good fit.

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