8 Freelance Artist Resume Examples for 2024

In this article, we'll show strong resumes for freelance artists. You'll learn key strategies to highlight your skills, projects, and achievements. We'll also cover how to format your resume to catch a hiring manager's eye.

  Compiled and approved by Marie-Caroline Pereira
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in top freelance artist resumes.

  • Show Impact With Numbers: Use numbers to show your impact. Mention metrics such as project completions, client retention rate, commissioned artworks, and increase in follower gains. Metrics are key to show your success.

  • Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Popular ones are Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, digital painting, 3D modeling, and animation. Choose skills you have, and are in the JD.

  • Stay Current With Trends: Be aware of trends in digital and traditional art. Mention buzzwords like NFTs or virtual reality art. Highlighting such keywords can catch the eye of employers.

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Position your education wisely

For freelance artists, where you place your education on the resume can vary. If you have recently finished a relevant degree, such as fine arts or graphic design, place your education section at the top. This shows you have up-to-date training. Include any specialized coursework that relates directly to art and design, as this can set you apart.

If you have been working as a freelance artist for some time, your experience should come first. Detail projects and clients you've worked with. In this case, list your education after your experience. Remember to keep this section short and directly related to art. Any workshops or artist residencies you've completed can be included here as well.

Show your portfolio

Include a link to your online portfolio at the top of your resume. Employers need to see your work.

Highlight special projects or collaborations in your experience. This displays your range and ability to work with others.

Right length for impact

As a freelance artist looking for work, your resume should be just long enough to show your strong skill set and experience. A single page is often enough, especially if you have less than ten years of art-related experience. Keep it concise to make a good impression.

If you need to go into detail about big projects or a long career, use two pages. Prioritize your most significant works and experiences on the first page. Make every line count to show that you can communicate well and value the hiring manager's time. For freelance artists, visuals matter a lot. Consider including a link to an online portfolio, which will not take up space on your resume and will let your work speak for itself. Remember, readability and prioritizing are key, so your resume is easy to look at and understand.

Skills section specifics

List technical skills you use, like Adobe Creative Suite or other art software. This shows your technical proficiency.

Include soft skills like time management and client communication. These skills are important for a freelance artist.

Beat the resume scanner

When you apply for work as a freelance artist, your resume might first be read by a resume screener, often called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems sort and rank resumes before a hiring manager looks at them. To get past these screeners, follow these tips.

  • Use clear, simple job titles and skills that match the job posting. For example, if the job asks for a 'graphic designer,' make sure you include 'graphic designer' in your resume.
  • Show your work experience with specific examples. Instead of just saying 'designed logos,' you can say 'designed logos for 10+ small businesses, increasing their brand recognition.'

Make sure your resume uses words that are in the job description. This helps the ATS see that your skills fit the job. Keep your resume format simple so the ATS can read it easily. Avoid tables and images in the main sections, as they can confuse the system.

Match skills to the job

You need to show the skills on your resume that the job asks for. When you do this, the person reading your resume can see you're a good fit. Here's how you can tailor your resume for a freelance artist position:

  • Look at the job post and use the same words for skills they want. If the job needs someone who is good with digital drawing software, make sure your resume says you're good with programs like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate.
  • List projects where you used your creativity to solve problems. For example, add Developed unique character concepts for a children's book. This shows you are creative and can work on different projects.
  • Include any times you worked with others on a project. For instance, write about when you've worked with writers, designers, or other artists. Use phrases like Collaborated with a team of five on a comic series.

Highlight your artistic toolkit

When you're a freelance artist, showing what you can do is key. Your resume should clearly list the tools and techniques you master. This helps employers see your skills at a glance.

Here are some skills you should consider:

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Storyboarding
  • Graphic design
  • 3D modeling
  • Drawing and Illustration
  • Photography
  • Motion graphics
  • User interface (UI) design
  • Printmaking
  • Color theory

Include these skills in a dedicated section, so they stand out. Also, tailor your skills to match the job you want. You don't need to list every skill you have, just the ones relevant to your work. If you're applying for a job in graphic design, focus on those skills. Remember, some companies use software to sort resumes. These systems look for keywords. So, use the exact terms from the job description.

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