Creating a good resume for a visual artist is tough. This article offers proven examples and advice to help you succeed. Learn how to layout your skills, experience, and portfolio. Find out which industry terms to use and how to show your creativity while staying professional. Use the given examples to make a strong resume and improve your chances of getting hired.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes as hiring managers:
Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show impact using numbers like
Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Show Portfolios With Context: Include portfolio links with context like
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If you have recently completed a significant educational program, such as a master's degree in fine arts, place your education section at the top of your resume. This shows employers why there may be a recent gap in your professional experience. For instance, if you have studied advanced painting techniques or specialized in digital illustration, highlighting this education early on helps employers understand your recent focus and advanced skills.
If, however, you are a seasoned visual artist with a strong work history, list your relevant experience first. Your work showcases your talent and execution of various artistic projects. Only include higher education that pertains to your artistry, such as a bachelor's degree in graphic design or specialized art courses that showcase significant skills like animation or sculpting.
As an artist, include a link to your online portfolio. This shows your best work and gives employers a closer look at your skills.
Avoid generic portfolio links. Customize your portfolio for each job application to highlight your most relevant pieces.
As a visual artist, it's essential to keep your resume concise. Aim for one page if your experience is less than 10 years. This means you must select your best work to display. Show your ability to prioritize by including only the strongest examples of your art and experience.
If you have more than 10 years of work or significant projects, a two-page resume is acceptable. Put your most notable achievements on the first page. Ensure they stand out immediately to catch a hiring manager's eye. Remember, readability is key, so avoid small fonts and tight margins. If needed, find a template that helps include all crucial information in an organized way without making your resume look crowded.
List any exhibitions where your work appeared. Include dates and venues to show your experience in the art world.
If you have received any reviews, include quotes or links. Positive reviews add value to your resume and show your credibility.
When you apply for a visual artist role, your resume might first be read by a computer program. This is called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). You need to make your resume in a way that these systems can read it well. Here are two key things you should do:
Keep your layout simple. Do not use images or text boxes because the ATS might not read them. Instead, use standard text and bullet points to list your skills and experiences. This helps ensure that the computer can understand your resume and show it to the hiring manager.
You need to show how your skills fit the job you want. Look at the job description and think about what the employer needs. Then, make it clear on your resume that you have these skills. This helps the employer see you are a good choice for the job.
As a visual artist, your resume should highlight your technical and practical skills. These skills show your expertise and your ability to handle various tools and techniques. Make sure you include skills that match the job you're applying for, as there are many types of roles within visual arts.
Include these skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This makes it easier for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to find them. ATS are used by many employers to scan resumes for relevant skills. If you're applying for a job that requires specific software knowledge, like
Remember to provide examples of how you've used these skills in your work experience section. This can help you show what you can do, instead of just telling. For instance, if you list
As an artist, you might think your work speaks for itself, but on your resume, numbers can speak volumes. When you use metrics, you make it easy for hiring managers to see your value. Think about how you can measure your work.
Start by considering these questions: How many pieces have you sold? What was the total value of those sales? How many exhibitions have you featured in? Did your work lead to a significant number of people attending an event? Use numbers to show your impact. Here are specific ideas:
Remember, you might have to estimate some of these numbers, but always be honest. If you're unsure, think about the average number of people at shows you've participated in or how many artworks you typically sell in a year. Use these figures to show your impact.
When you're applying for a visual artist position, the size of the company can greatly influence what you highlight in your resume. For small companies or startups, such as independent game studios or boutique design firms, you'll want to show you're adaptable and can wear many hats. Mention specific skills like 'collaborated closely with a small team to develop branding materials' or 'led a grassroots marketing campaign for local art events.'
In contrast, when targeting larger corporations like Adobe or Pixar, focus on specialization and the ability to scale your work. You might say, 'developed high-impact visual content consistent with corporate brand guidelines' or 'managed large-scale digital art projects within cross-functional teams.'
In both cases, ensure you show good project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines, as these are key in any company you look to join.