how to make an artistic resume for college

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The Artist Resume and CV

Artist resume.

Writing an artist resume requires different content, organization, and formatting than the standard resume. Depending on the particular job and field of interest, artist resumes will highlight a number of skills and include  some sections that are not present in a standard resume or academic CV. For this reason, an artist resume may be slightly longer than the standard one-page resume. Some artists might include a link to their portfolios in their contact information. Keep in mind that the resumes discussed here relate primarily to positions within commercial galleries, museums, exhibition opportunities, and  grant applications. 

 In addition to the standard Education, Experience, Honors and Awards, and Skills sections, the artist resume may include some or all of the following sections:

• Bibliography:  Includes articles on your work, media interviews, and reviews of your art work
• Exhibitions:  List the exhibitions you have participated in along with details such as the name of the exhibit, place, and space. You can divide this section into separate categories such as group shows, solo shows, and invitational exhibitions
• Collections:  This section can be divided into corporate collections, private collections, and permanent public collections. Seek permission before referencing the name of the private owner of your work in your resume.
• Publications, Productions, Shows : For authors and performing artists, you may include a list of your publications, productions, and performances.

For more tips on writing an artist resume, see the  College Art Association’s “Artist Resume: Recommended Conventions.”

Resume for A “Day Job”

Artists may use a standard resume format when applying for positions outside of academia, and possibly unrelated to your art discipline (administrative positions or other office jobs). Using a standard resume in such cases will give potential employers relevant information about your transferable and administrative skills. Keep in mind the following strategies and tips for writing this version of your resume:

• Keep it to one page.
• Focus on skills that are relevant to the position and highlight the transferable skills you use as an artist.
• Use strong action verbs (listed in our 200+ Action Verbs to Spice Up Your Resume resource) to start your bullets.
• Keep the information clear and concise and include relevant details that create impact.
• List sections and headings strategically to showcase necessary skills sets.
• Highlight volunteer activities and memberships (clubs, associations, and student organizations) to demonstrate leadership and involvement outside of school.

For tips on writing a standard resume, see our Writing a Resume: Getting Started resource.

Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV)

You will want to create a CV when applying to academic employment in higher education. There are several key differences between an artist’s academic curriculum vitae and an artist’s resume. Primarily, the CV is a record of all of your professional activities and is intended for use in applying for academic positions. whereas the artist resume is an abbreviated document used to apply for non academic jobs.  As your career progresses, you will need to add to the list, create new categories or make changes in your CV format. 

Keep in mind the following strategies and tips for writing a CV:

• Try to keep it to 3-4 pages.
• Highlight your most significant achievements as a student, teacher, and scholar.
• Use headings such as “Selected Solo Exhibitions” or “Selected Bibliography” to organize numerous shows or a lengthy bibliography.
• In addition to Exhibitions, Bibliography, and Collections, section headings can include, but are not limited to : Education, Honors and Awards, Grants and Fellowships, Teaching Experience, Visiting Artist Lectures and Presentations, Research Experience, Relevant Work Experience, Skills, Presentations, Publications, and Professional Affiliations.

For tips on writing an Artist’s Academic Curriculum Vitae and for a number of additional sections that can be included, see the  College Art Association’s “Visual Artist Curriculum Vitae: Standards and Conventions.”

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Artist Resume

• Artist Resumes A-M
• Artist Resumes N-Z
• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Art is a universal language. No matter what medium you use or the type of art you create, your creative abilities, professionalism, and overall talent make the world a brighter, more beautiful place.

If you’re ready to embark on your next career adventure, you may be wondering whether a cover letter generator really works and how to write a compelling resume . How are you supposed to know what hiring managers want in an ideal candidate?

We know that writing resumes isn’t easy, which is why  we’ve scoured through hundreds of resumes to determine what gets you a job versus what doesn’t.  Our seven sample artist resumes are the culmination of our research to help you get inspired and create a resume that gets you hired.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you have any certifications or special achievements, now is the time to mention them! You should also list your years of experience and the title of the employer. 
• For example, good metrics for your artist’s resume might include increases in art sales, the amount of recurring business, or the amount of money you saved.

Animator Resume

• Show, with support of numbers, in both your artist cover letter and resume how your animation projects delivered the most realistic experiences and you’ll be the candidate that recruiters will be after.

Fine Artist Resume

• Always tailor this section to the job description by including the company name and position. If you don’t have time to tailor it, omit it in favor of more work experience instead.
• Even if you only have a high school diploma, employers want to know that you’ve completed some higher education. If you have a college degree, you can omit your high school diploma (although if you have a graduate degree, include both your undergrad and graduate degrees separately).

Freelance Artist Resume

• Use sentence fragments for your work experience bullets and don’t worry about ending punctuation (although commas are encouraged).
•  Avoid using adjectives or the word “skills” in your skills section since they’re redundant.
• If it comes between adding an optional section (like an objective or summary) and adding more work experience,  add work experience .
• To make sure your resume is easy to skim, choose margins that are one inch around and keep your font size big (but not massive).

Graphic Artist Resume

• Action words cut out the fluff and highlight your achievements from the get-go.
• Words such as “founded,” “directed,” “awarded,” “managed,” and “created” are great examples of action words.
• Before you submit your application,  check your resume  for grammar errors, typos, and inaccuracies. If you can, ask a co-worker to review your resume, too, as they’ll be able to catch mistakes that you and AI might have missed.

Makeup Artist Resume

• Good skills to add would be “color theory,” “makeup application,” “skincare,” and “collaboration.”
• For example, if the job description repeatedly mentions makeup application for special occasions, you should include your experience applying makeup for significant events like proms, weddings, and birthdays.
• You should also include repeated keywords you see in the job description, such as “product knowledge” and “achieve sales objectives,” try to incorporate similar keywords in your makeup artist resume .

Painter Resume

• To ensure that potential employers get a taste of your abilities, highlight your increasing numbers in sales.

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What should an artist put on their resume?

“Every artist was once an amateur." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Like how making drawings, paintings and collages is an art, so is making a resume. As a painting needs to be perfect in order to sell, so does a resume to get you interviews.

The functions of an artist comprise duties like generating and developing ideas, making sketches and models, developing or creating a piece of work according to a commission or brief, and many more.

An artist needs to cultivate relations with suppliers and source materials to create quality pieces. They must conduct research and interviews, visit locations, and make use of libraries and the internet. They also manage administrators and correspondents while creating publicity.

Artists will see perpetual growth in their profession in the coming years due to their increasing demand by private art collectors, museums, electronic magazines, etc. According to CollegeGrad , the demand for painters, sculptors, and illustrators is expected to rise by 8% in the next 10 years.

Here is what you will know by the end of this definitive guide:

• What is an artist resume?
• How to write an artistic resume
• How to write an artist resume with no experience?
• How to write an art resume skills section?
• What is the difference between artistic resume and CV

What Is An Artist Resume And Why Do You Need It?

An artist resume illustrates the skillfulness of an artist in their field by showcasing their work experience and tangible talent.

An artist resume will give the recruiter a deeper insight into your proficiency level as an artist. Artist resumes give the recruiter a brief about your educational and professional background.

The starting salary of freshers in this field is approximately $1,100. If you want to get to the hire-paid salary slot, you need to update your artist resume every time you switch a job, so that you showcase your entire career history.

Also read : How can you tailor your resume to a specific job?

How To Write An Artist Resume?

An artist resume will have distinct resume sections that follow a certain format. You would have to begin by writing your professional experience, educational qualifications, installations, and so on.

You can either submit your resume directly to the firm you are applying to or choose to float your artist resume in a network. Make sure you make appropriate choices regarding which resume style to choose for each occasion.

Also read : How to choose an appropriate resume format?

Artist Resume Sections

You have to segregate your information into legible sections to enhance readability and include details that recruiters usually demand. Here are a few sections you can include:

• Personal Information
• Professional Experience
• Certifications and Training
• Awards and Recognition

However, you can customize your art resume to your liking if you have extra information that you think would make a significant impact.

Also read : What extra sections can you add to your resume?

Include an Artist Resume Header

It is the very first section of the artist resume and comprises your name.

So, you must be thinking, what is the point of making a header?

Well, it differentiates your art resume from other artist resumes. It is the biggest text in your art resume. It is written between the font size of 14-16 points. Also, it is very important to have correct spacing between your first and last name.

In addition to this, there is a proper way to write a middle name if you have one. The proper format is Bella K. Hadid. You will only write the first initial of your middle name and then a full stop after it.

If you have decided to make your artist resume on your own, then look at the below-given example to know how you should do it.

Also read : How to draft an appropriate header for your resume?

Include Your Personal Information Artist Resume

The second section consists of your personal information like your phone number, professional e-mail ID, and your current location in the city, state or city, country format.

Personal Phone Number

The first thing to be written is the International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) code where you live followed by a plus sign (+). After writing the ISD code, give a single space and add your phone number.

Personal E-mail ID

The second thing to go into the personal information section is your personal e-mail ID. In the case you have multiple e-mail IDs, then choose the one you use the most often.

In addition to this, you can add links to any of your social media sites like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook if they support or demonstrate your work in any capacity.

Further, you can give hyperlinks to your personal website or portfolios that support your work or if you have any.

Current Location of Residence

The third thing that goes into your personal information section is your current location of residence. It will be written on the right corner of this section, which is right next to the e-mail ID.

Do not write the whole of your address as it consumes unnecessary space and is of no use to the recruiter. Write only the city name and the country code to give the recruiter the idea if you'll be relocating if you joined that company or not.

Take a brief look at the artist resume sample given below to get a better understanding of how to make the personal information section.

Also read : How should you add contact information to your resume?

Add a Profile Title to Your Artist Resume

The third section tells the recruiter which profile you have applied, be it Multimedia Artist, Animator, Graphic Designer, etc. It should be written in the font size of 12-14 points.

Take a glance at the example below to have more clarity on how to write the profile title.

Draft an Impeccable Professional Experience Section in Your Artist Resume

The professional experience section is of prime importance in an artist resume. You can include all the work experience you've had in this section.

For people who have extensive work experience, this is of utmost importance.

Make use of the below-given format to write your professional experience section:

Name of the company | Location of the company in city, country format | Dates in mm/yy-mm/yy

Also, group your work functions within your professional experience section and write your points pertaining to the professional experience section in STAR format. STAR format stands for:

• Situation: what was the environment that you had to work in?
• Task: what were the tasks that you were assigned?
• Action: what actions did you take to solve it?
• Result: how did it affect the team?

Let's see it with an example:

Professional Experience Section without grouping and STAR points:

Working with game designers, developers, artists, and testers Creating low ploy assets Deploying Optimization Techniques in unity scene Exporting and assembling images from art files Applying textures via UVW mapping Creating and importing machines

Here is a sample professional experience section with grouping and STAR points:

Designing & Coordination

Working closely with game designers, developers, artists, and testers to reach a common goal Exporting and assembling images from art files within prescribed technical parameters and protocols Creating and importing animations and state machines

Import & Optimization

Applying textures via UVW mapping with PBR workflow and rendering realistic environments and artistic product designs Deploying Optimization Techniques in unity scene such as light optimization, culling, & performance profiling Creating and importing animation and state machines

You can see from the artist resume examples above how grouping and the STAR format have improved the readability of this art resume.

Take a glimpse of the below-given artist resume sample to get greater clarity on how to encompass the information related to your work experience in this section.

Also read : Beginner's guide to drafting a professional experience section

Include Your Educational Details in Your Artist Resume

The education section is the second most important section after the professional experience section. The information in this section includes course name, university/school name, location, dates of enrolling and graduating, along with your CGPA.

The recruiter decides based on this section whether you are qualified for the position or not. So, the information that goes into this section must be true to the best of your knowledge.

The below-given artist resume samples will give you a better idea of how to make this section.

Also read : Should you include multiple educational details in your resume?

Add any Certifications, Training, or Projects

This section consists of any and every certification or training that adds value to your artistic resume. The following things are written in this section:

• Name of Certification/Training
• Name of Affiliating Institute
• The completion date

You can use the below-given format to write this section:

Certification/Training Name | Affiliating Institution Name | Dates in mm/yy

See the example below to get more clarity on how to write this section.

In this section, you will write all the value-adding awards and recognition that you got in school, university, or in your previous work engagements. Also, make sure that the awards are relevant to your target profile.

Artist Resume: Projects

Another section you can include is the kind of projects, academic, personal, or freelance work. It can be extremely helpful in deciding your worth.

You can do so by answering these vital questions:

• What were your key roles and responsibilities specific to that project?
• What were some key project deliverables that you were responsible for?

Mention a list of significant achievements for every project, with performance figures if possible.

In case of no non-disclosure agreements, you should mention the client in the project header and the professional experience section. Consequently, you do not need to repeat the same while drafting your resume points.

Also read : How many projects should you add to your resume?

Add Key Skills to Enhance Your Artist Resume

The skills section is fifth in the order of artic resume sections, but it will be the second last section that you will write. You must scan the rest of your artist resume to look for skills and then pick those skills to include in the key skills section.

This process will give you more skills to write in the art resume key skills section. For example:

• Design Creation
• Articulating Designs

The skills section should be only three sentences long and not more. Also, when you are done making this section, bold the whole section. By doing so, you will be able to direct the recruiter's attention towards it.

Here is how you can draft you can draft the key skills section of your artist resume:

Create a Technical Skills Section

Artistic resume skills like Unity 3D, Blender, and Auto Desk Maya, will be included in a separate section. You can create a Technical Skills section that will comprise all the technical skills/tools you are familiar with.

Doing this will separate it from the key skills section and increase its readability.

To get a clearer idea of how to make this section, look at the artist resume sample given below.

On average, the recruiters scan a resume only for 6 seconds. So, you have to hook the recruiter to your artistic resume in that short span.

Create an Artist Resume Summary

The summary section is the fourth section of your artist resume, but it is more impactful to write it at the end of your resume-making process. You will be able to scan the whole of your artistic resume and pick out the highlights of your career.

Here are a few tips you can follow while crafting this section:

• Start your sentences with power verbs to create an impactful introduction
• Maintain a cause-effect relationship to establish a background context for your work functions
• Quantify your achievements to show the impact of your work
• Try not to write a lengthy paragraph and keep it anywhere between three to five lines

Look at the artist resume sample given below to see how you can optimize your summary section:

Also read : How can you draft your summary within four lines?

How to Create an Artist Resume With No Experience

Now the question is how to write an art resume with no experience?

A fresher artistic resume is more or less the same as an experienced professional, except for two sections. These sections are the professional experience section and the summary section.

Let us see how.

Artist Resume Internship Section

A fresher will have an Internship section instead of a Professional Experience section.

How are they different?

Internships are when you work for a company for a short period, especially as a college student. However, in a job, you are committed full-time and are contractually obligated.

Creating an internship section and listing the functions you undertook lets the recruiter know that you are not inexperienced in your field. They get to know the broad level of work that you performed.

Here is what a typical internship section would look like:

Assessment & Development

Assisted in designing & development of layouts & graphics for an advertisement project Played a key role in the assessment of graphic materials to ensure quality of designs

Artist Resume Objective Section

The last section that you will write in your fresher artist resume is the objective section.

Freshers and entry-level professionals write an objective section instead of a summary section. For the resume objective, you will not write what you expect from the company, but you will write what you can do for the company.

Make sure you write your summary in paragraph form and not as bullet points!

Also read : How to create a recruiter-friendly resume for your first job?

Artist Resume vs CV

Are you confused about whether you should pick an artist resume or a CV? Here is a little pros list to help you decide:

Artist Resume

• Artist resumes are either one-page minimum or two pages maximum.
• They are brief documents of your educational and professional background.
• You can tailor them according to each job description that you apply to.
• CVs are longer and are usually more than two pages.
• They are detailed documents of your educational and professional background.
• You cannot tailor them according to each job description, but you can customize the cover letter that goes with it.

Artist Resume Sample

Creating an artist resume can be challenging if you are new at it, but here is a sample to show what your resume should look like:

• Liaising with Game Designers , Developers, Artists and Testers to reach a common goal
• Exporting and assembling images from art files within prescribed technical parameters and protocols
• Designing storyboards & low ploy assets for VR, AR and MR platforms
• Applying textures via UVW mapping with PBR workflow and rendering realistic environments & artistic product designs
• Deploying optimization techniques in unity scene such as Light Optimization , Culling, Performance Profiling
• Creating and importing animations and state machines while conducting weekly meetings with the Supervisor
• Ensuring production pipeline and production art is created efficiently while effectively integrating the same into products
• Created computer generated images and animations which provide virtual illustration of complex fictional & real content
• Developed image concepts and animation settings & conducted weekly meetings to get them approved
• Supervised conception, design and realization of digitally produced images by deploying skills of modelling, texturing , etc.
• Top 15 percentile of the class
• Certified Cinema 4D Professional | Adobe | Jan '16
• Trained in Arnold renderer tool | Sun-dried Brick | Jun '15
• Certified in Video Animation Professional | 75 Next | Jun '14

Key Takeaways

An artist resume will aid your job search, help you understand how you are doing professionally, and judge whether you are in line with your career plans.

Here is what you can gather from this article on creating an impeccable artist resume:

• Always include a job title optimized according to the profiles you are targeting. For example, Fine Artist/3D Artist.
• Do not include bullets in your summary. To best optimize it, start by summarizing your qualifications and key skills and tailoring your sentences according to your target profile.
• Mention only the most important and relevant points in 3 to 4 lines to showcase what value you can provide to the organization.
• Highlight major certifications and training as they are highly relevant to your target profile. You do not have to explain them.
• If you have done any freelance projects as an artist, include them in your artistic resume. Make a separate section for this, which will be named Projects. For each project, mention the techniques and methods you utilized for completing the project.

Go to the Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] or utilize our chat support, where you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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Artist Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write an Artist Resume

• Entry-Level
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Artist Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Marlo Enfinger (090) 123-4567 [email protected] 3232 N 1st Street, Paramus, NJ 07602

A Freelance Artist and Painter with three years of experience creating stylized watercolor paintings and charcoal drawings using unorthodox conceptual approaches. Achieved recognition in various art exhibitions, including the Pioneer Works Gallery in New York.

• Art Portfolio: www.marloenfingerpaintings.com

Professional Experience

Freelance Artist, Self-Employed, Duluth, GA October 2018 – Present

• Design and develop paintings for clients according to specifications, including personal portraits, marketing images, and stylized paintings for offices
• Coordinate with two art galleries to provide a variety of charcoal drawings and watercolor paintings for major exhibitions
• Create custom artwork for client marketing materials, including brochures, brand images, and logos

Painting Instructor, Painting With a Twist, Duluth, GA March 2018 – March 2020

• Led art classes with 15-20 adult students, provided feedback on style and technique, and created an inclusive, non-judgemental classroom atmosphere
• Executed high-quality acrylic and oil paintings in various painting styles and mediums to demonstrate art techniques

Bachelor of Fine Arts – Painting with Minor in Photography Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA, September 2010 – May 2013

Exhibitions

• Solo Acrylic Painting Exhibition: Bold and Defiant, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA, 2019
• Solo Watercolor Painting Exhibition: Girl in Field, Hudgens Center for the Arts, Duluth, GA, April 2018
• Two-Person Photo Exhibition: Floral Jubilance, 2 Smith Art Gallery, Duluth, GA, September 2020
• Watercolor, Oils, Acrylics, Gouache
• Personal Portraits
• Art Education
• Charcoal Drawings
• Scenic Art Creation

Patricia Lawless (211) 700-0000 [email protected] 590 Penny Lane, Duluth, GA 30096

A 3D Artist with seven years of professional experience, specializing in character animation, 3D modeling, and Maya. A strong history of developing complex human animations and facial expressions to enhance the emotional impact of sequences.

• Art Portfolio: www.patricialawlessanimations.com

3D Artist, Dreamworks, Duluth, GA October 2017 – Present

• Develop complex character animations and concept drawings for a variety of feature films, including How to Train Your Dragon 3 , Abominable , and The Bad Guys
• Create impactful facial expressions and body language to enhance emotional resonance of film sequences and ensure alignment with directorial vision
• Coordinate with the animation team, producers, and director to define character and art designs during pre-production

3D Artist, Pixar, Duluth, GA May 2015– October 2017 

• Collaborated with a team of 3D artists to design 3D character models and concept sketches for animated films, including Finding Dory and Coco
• Utilized motion capture techniques to create high-quality animations for film sequences, ensured ideal scene pacing, and developed realistic character movements

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Animation Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA, September 2010 – May 2013

• 3D Animation
• Character Modeling
• Facial Expressions
• Motion Capture

Anna Barn (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 High Street, Columbus, OH 12345

An Artist Director with 10+ years of experience, specializing in graphic design, character modeling, computer-aided design (CAD), and mixed media. A proven track record of defining visual aesthetic and artistic direction for premiere brands.

Art Director, Max Clothing Inc., Lawrence, KS  May 2017 – Present

• Develop a holistic approach to concept design for a large portfolio of clothing product categories generating $30M in annual revenue and ensure alignment with global brand guidelines, standards, and identity
• Create innovative custom artwork and character designs for a clothing company featuring franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and DC
• Lead a team of 20+ artists to create concept art and sketches for new clothing products and deliver presentations and pitches to stakeholders

Art Director, Alden Apparel, Lawrence, KS   Jan 2008 – May 2017

• Managed and built a team of 15+ artists to creative custom character artwork for shirt and hoodie product lines featuring iconic figures from Nintendo
• Created fresh and unique takes on Nintendo characters while maintaining alignment with character likeness and brand identity

Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art, Department of Visual Art  University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, September 2007 – May 2011

• Computer-aided Design (CAD)
• Adobe Illustrator
• Team Management

Write an artist resume by painting a picture — with words — of the value you can bring to an organization. Include a link to your portfolio so interested employers can see examples of your work. Create a narrative about your past experience, skills, and unique artistic approach by providing tangible examples of your achievements. This guide will provide valuable tools and insights to help you craft an accomplishment-driven resume and land your next interview.

1. Write a brief summary of your artist resume qualifications

Set the stage for your resume with a profile summary highlighting your most impressive qualifications or explaining why you’re the right candidate for a position. Make it clear what type of artist you are by including terms such as graphic designer, makeup artist, or illustrator in the first sentence.

End strong by hinting at what you can do for a potential employer. For example, you might say you’re seeking a role where you can use your design talents to support a marketing team in driving more leads and conversions.

Professional Profile - Example #1

An art director with over 10 years of experience specializing in graphic design, character modeling, computer-aided design (CAD), and mixed media. A proven track record of defining visual aesthetics and artistic direction for premiere brands.

Professional Profile - Example #2

A freelance artist and painter with three years of experience creating stylized watercolor paintings and charcoal drawings using unorthodox conceptual approaches. Achieved recognition in various art exhibitions, including the Pioneer Works Gallery in New York.

2. Outline your artist resume experience in a compelling list

Although there’s no substitution for your actual artwork, you can provide context for your pieces by crafting impactful bullet points in your professional experience section. Highlight your creative approach to art by showcasing your most compelling achievements. For example, if you worked on feature films as a 3D artist, mention specific projects and studios to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. If you designed a new art logo to enhance marketing efforts for a brand, showcase the impact of your artistic contributions using key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics.

Professional Experience - Example #1

Art Director, 3D Artist, Dreamworks, Duluth, GA | October 2017 – present

• Develop complex character animations and concept drawings for a variety of feature films, including “How to Train Your Dragon 3,” “Abominable,” and “The Bad Guys”

Professional Experience - Example #2

Art Director, Max Clothing Inc., Lawrence, KS | May 2017 – present

• Develop a holistic approach to concept design for a large portfolio of clothing product categories generating $30 million in annual revenue and ensure alignment with global brand guidelines, standards, and identity
• Lead a team of over 20 artists to create concept art and sketches for new clothing products and deliver presentations and pitches to stakeholders

3. Add artist resume education and certifications

List degrees relevant to your work as an artist or the position you’re applying for. Consider any certifications you have, too. For example, a Certified Graphics Communications Manager or Adobe Illustrator credential might differentiate you from other applicants.

Artists should also include portfolio links. Avoid simply linking to your social media or LinkedIn profile; create a relevant portfolio for your applications. If you want to demonstrate graphic design skills, consider making your own portfolio website — otherwise, you might use an existing portfolio platform.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Animation
• Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA – May 2013
• [Name]: [site URL]

4. List key artist resume skills and proficiencies

The type of skills important for your resume depends on your field. A fine artist applying for illustration or set design work might highlight design, painting, and drawing skills, for example. However, an art director seeking work in a museum or gallery might want to include skills such as exhibition management or project leadership.

Consider the list of common skills for artist resumes below to get an idea of some things to include. Do always ensure the skills are relevant to you and your experience.

How To Pick the Best Artist Resume Template

Choose an artist resume that illustrates your professionalism but gives a little nod to your creative personality. A few design elements are not completely out of place on an artist’s resume, but balance them with readability. Consider how your resume might convert to various digital formats and whether design components impede employer access to your resume file.

For many artists, a resume goes hand-in-hand with a portfolio. Choose a template that lets you include a portfolio link near the top of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions: Artist Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for artist resumes -.

Start sentences and bullet points with action verbs to draw the reader into the narrative of your resume and make it more scannable. Action verbs also position you as a candidate who gets things done. For example, “designed 10 character sketches each week” is stronger language than “responsible for weekly character sketches.” Here are some action verbs you might want to use on your artist resume:

How do you align your resume with an artist job description? -

Figures published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that job opportunities for artists are increasing at an average growth rate, with about 6% growth through 2031. A competitive resume aligned with employer requirements increases your chance of landing a job in this market.

Read the job posting carefully to understand what the hiring organization wants and how they discuss it. When applicable, ensure you use their language to describe your skills and experience. For example, if a job posting lists digital asset management as a required skill and you helped convert a college art collection to a digital archive, use the employer’s phrasing when listing that accomplishment on your resume.

What is the best artist resume format? -

Reverse chronological is the ideal resume format for artists in most instances. This allows you to display your most recent and relevant work history toward the top of your document. Functional resumes should be avoided, even at the entry level, as this approach doesn’t provide a framework to capture your projects and achievements. If you lack a robust work history, feature your academic and independent projects above your professional experience.

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How to Create an Artist Resume

We define what an artist resume is and walk artists of all disciplines through how to create one.

Many opportunities and grants will ask you to submit an artist resume as part of your application package. This is different from a bio and different from a CV. An artist resume is fluid, changeable, and expandable, so it’s good to have a template you can work from and tailor to specific opportunities. See below for more from Andrea Kleine, a practicing artist and Program Officer in NYFA’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program .

A few quick definitions.

A bio is written in prose form and highlights your accomplishments as an artist. Some opportunities may ask for a short, one-paragraph bio and others may allow up to one page.

A CV (short for Curriculum Vitae) is a detailed list of all of your accomplishments. CVs are common in academic settings, but some artist opportunities may ask for them as well. CVs may be 1-10 pages long, depending on the phase of your career.

An artist resume is similar to a resume you might use to apply for a job, but instead of highlighting your previous employment and skills, it highlights your work as an artist.

What goes in it?

There are no absolute rules, other than make it clear, readable, and representative of you.

To start, include your name, contact information, website, or online portfolio. Make it easy for people to get in touch with you! Direct them where to go to find out more information about your work. Don’t worry about making a fancy letterhead. It is far more important that this basic info is easy-to-read.

A super short summary (optional).

Some artists find it helpful to include a sentence or two that introduces themselves and ties together different elements of their resume. This is especially helpful if you work in multiple disciplines, or if you feel there is information about your work that is not evident in your resume. Other artists skip this altogether. 

There is a tradition in visual art to include your birth year, place of birth, and place of residence. Do what feels best for you.

List the degrees you have earned. Include programs you are currently enrolled in and your anticipated graduation date. You can include non-college programs, and if you have studied with noted artists or teachers you can include their names as well. If you are a self-taught artist, say that here with a short sentence about your learning experience.

List of Your Artworks 

The bulk of your artist resume is a list of your artistic projects. It helps the reader if you break this into sections (Example: one-act plays, full-length plays, etc). It varies a bit by discipline. If your work is collaborative, list what your role was.

Visual Artists: This is a list of your exhibitions. You can break it up by solo exhibitions, two-person, and group exhibitions. You can also include sections for performances, publications, and collaborations. Create a separate section for permanent collections.

Choreographers, Playwrights and Theater Artists, Performance Artists, Composers: This is a list of works and their productions. Indicate whether it was an evening-length work, or a shorter work. Composers can also include a section for recordings.

Writers: This is a list of publications. You can create sections by type of publication (books, anthologies, short stories, poems, essays, articles, etc). Some writers also include a category for readings, talks, and lectures.

Filmmakers: This is a list of completed films and those in production or post-production. Clarify your role in each project (Director, Writer/Director, etc). Indicate festivals and important screenings.

Multidisciplinary Artists and New Disciplines: If you work in more than one discipline, group your works together by medium (Example: Music Composition, Video Installation, Writing). If you are working in new disciplines, think about how people experience your work and create your own categories from there. Include a short sentence about what the project was.

Awards and Honors

List your awards, grants, residencies, and other honors you have received for your work.

Related Work

This is a place to include other work you do in your field, such as teaching, curating, volunteering, organizing panels and events, and advocacy. You can also include relevant non-art work that influences your practice. Examples of this are activism, community work, technology projects and skills, graphic design, somatic practices, and anything else you feel is relevant or works in combination with your art.

Bibliography

A list of publications that have written about your work (reviews, interviews, articles, etc). 

How to put it together.

• People often quickly scan resumes. Use an easy-to-read font (Arial, Calibri, Times, Garamond, etc) and don’t make it too small (keep it between 10-12 pt). Edit a few things out of your resume rather than decrease font size or adjust margins.
• Breaking things into sections makes your resume easier to read.  
• Make sure your name and contact information is at the top of the page.
• If you have recently graduated from a college program, you should highlight your education and place this section near the top. If you graduated many years ago, feel free to put it at the bottom.
• Think about what is most important to you and what accomplishments best highlight your work. Place those things near the top of your resume.
• List your work in reverse chronological order (newest to oldest). 
• If you have a lot of projects in one category, you can pick and choose what you want to include and put “selected” in the header (example: Selected Group Exhibitions).
• Ask a friend or colleague to take a look at your resume. It is always good to get feedback before submitting it. You can also ask a friend to share their artist resume with you for formatting ideas.
• Save a template of your resume and adjust depending on where you are sending it. 

Lydia Nobles : a two-page resume from an emerging visual artist.

Cecil Castellucci : a one-page resume from a mid-career writer.

Carman Moore : a one-page resume from a veteran composer.

In Conclusion

Your resume is only one part of a grant or project proposal. It works together with your work samples and your project narrative to showcase your art and ideas. Think of how these elements can work together to tell a story and connect the dots for a reader or panelist, leaving them with a clear idea of who you are as an artist.

–Andrea Kleine, Program Officer , NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship

You can find more articles on arts career topics by visiting the  Business of Art section of NYFA’s website .  Sign up for  NYFA News  and receive artist resources and upcoming events straight to your inbox.

NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship’s  quarterly no-fee application deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. We also accept Out-of-Cycle Review applications year-round. Reach out to us at [email protected]  for more information.

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The Practical Art World

How to write an artist’s cv when you don’t have much (or any) professional experience.

For new and emerging artists, creating an artist’s CV (also called an artist’s resume) when you have little or no experience can be a bit of a Catch 22. You don’t have much to put on your CV, but to apply for “experience” in the form of exhibitions, grants, and schooling, you are asked to provide a CV.

When writing an artist’s CV or artist’s resume, some of the most frequently asked questions are “What if I don’t have an exhibition history?” or “What if I didn’t go to art school?” Fortunately, there are ways to tailor what relevant experience you have into an artist’s CV format. Just remember: don’t lie, and don’t make up anything that doesn’t exist. Just tell the truth, shaping it a little (creatively—it’s what you do best, right?) into the established CV format.

If you haven’t already read How to Create an Artist’s CV in 10 Steps , start there. Below are suggestions which elaborate on that article, aimed specifically at “professionalizing” the CV of an emerging artist who has yet to gain professional experience as an artist.

If you’re writing a CV, check out our Artist’s CV Templates. Create your own industry-standard CV with 16 different category options, plus examples. Included are three options specifically for emerging artists!

How to format personal details on your artist’s CV / artist’s resume

Refer to point 1 in the original article . As I mentioned, many established artists keep this section quite short. However, if you are putting together a CV when you don’t have experience, this is a good opportunity to tell your reader about yourself. Adding a very brief bio / artist statement can be good if you would like to talk about experiences which don’t fit into the rest of the CV. If you are going to do this, just remember to keep it brief and concise.

• DO have a website set up, and include the address
• DO add where you live and work (and when you were born, if you want to)
• DO add professional contact details where someone can actually contact you
• DO add a short bio or artist statement, concisely and professionally describing your practice
• DON’T use a non-professional or obscure email like [email protected]
• DON’T use your office phone number or your Mom’s phone number
• DON’T oversell yourself: you will look like a professional, dedicated emerging artist if you are honest. You will look desperate if you pretend to be something you are not.

Example of bad formatting for contact details:

Vincent van Gogh ~Sometimes called the world’s most famous artist~!!! Check out my work here http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/gogh/ Email me! [email protected]

Example of good formatting for contact details

Vincent van Gogh Born March 30, 1853 Currently lives and works in Paris, France [email protected] | www.vangoghgallery.com   Vincent van Gogh is an emerging artist, working primarily in oils. He often employs bold colours and emotive tableaux in a post-impressionistic manner.    

Listing Education on your artist’s CV / artist’s resume when you haven’t gone to art school

Refer to point 2 in the original article. Many emerging as well as professional artists are self-taught, and yet for some reason the education section of a CV tends to be intimidating for all but those who have a Masters degree. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Despite what you may think looks professional or not, you can use the education section of your CV to highlight any casual mentorships, art classes, workshops, and schooling that you have had. If you feel that the institutions or situations of your art schooling are less than professional, the best way to present them is to highlight the teachers you have studied under, instead of the specific classes or institutions.

• DO include any teacher or artist you’ve studied under
• DON’T list any education on your CV that doesn’t explicitly link to your art career (like your degree in biology).

Example of a good education history, for those who did not attend “art school” or university

Education Studied under: Lynne McLaughlin Tom Backlund Geoff Parker

Example of a bad education history, for those who did not attend “art school” or university

Education One hour workshop with Lynne McLaughlin Informal classes with Tom Backlund Has received feedback from Geoff Parker Bachelor of Science, Biology major

Listing exhibitions on your artist’s CV / artist’s resume when you don’t have any, or have very few

Refer to point 3 from the original article .

One way to add exhibitions to your CV is to list any which are forthcoming. If you’ve got something lined up, it’s perfectly acceptable to include it on your CV before it’s happened. Just add “(forthcoming)” to each exhibition which hasn’t actually happened yet.

Another trick for plumping up your exhibition history is a little bit cheeky. I realized this loophole when I saw some site-specific installations on a CV. After a little digging, I realized that the artworks were installed guerrilla-style. In other words, someone made art and put it somewhere without invitation or the formal aspects of a traditional exhibition. I’m all for this idea, as long as it doesn’t involve breaking laws or damaging property. It’s a great idea to show your artwork (though, you might not be able to get it back), and certainly an artistic project that can be added to your CV under your exhibition history. Just make sure you classify it properly, as to not mislead anyone!

• DO list all of your exhibitions, even if they aren’t in a gallery
• DO list all of your forthcoming exhibitions and projects
• DON’T make anything up.

If you’re writing a CV without much professional art experience, we made Artist’s CV Templates. It’s the easy way to put together your professional CV, and includes three options are specifically for emerging artists.

Example of a good formatting for an exhibition list

2022  Group exhibition, Vancouver Art Gallery (forthcoming) 2021  Site-specific installation, “ Alleyway” , Vancouver, BC 2018  Solo exhibition, Moon Cafe, Vancouver BC

Example of a bad formatting for an exhibition list

2023 Planned gallery exhibition (forthcoming) <– if you don’t have any solid details, don’t include it 2012  Solo exhibition, Museum of Modern Art, NY <– you made that up!  

Listing collections on your artist’s CV / artist’s resume when you don’t have any, or have very few

Refer to point 5 from the original article. If you are a new or emerging artist, you probably do not have your work in any public collections. Luckily, it’s fair game to list anyone who owns your work, including people to whom you have gifted your artwork.

Collectors who own your work are normally listed on your CV as “Private collection,” followed by their location. You should not actually name someone unless they have explicitly agreed to be listed as a collector of your work, and / or if you have some other reason to do so (for example, they are a very well-known collector).

• DO make a list of people who own your work, even if they didn’t actually purchase it; most of these you can convert to “Private collection,” followed by location
• DON’T put your Mom’s name on the list, or anyone with the same last name as you
• DON’T list a city more than once if more than one person owns your work there

Example of good formatting for a collection list

Collections: Private collection, Vancouver BC Private collection, Winnipeg MB Private collection, New York NY

Example of bad formatting for a collection list

Collections: Anna van Gogh Theodorus van Gogh Elisabeth van Gogh Theo van Gogh Private collection, Paris France Private collection, Paris France

Finally, if you’re an emerging artist and you still don’t have enough to put on your artist’s CV / artist’s resume

You can think of some creative ways to visually enhance your CV:

• Include an image of your artwork (not usually recommended, but between that and the blank page, one image is better).
• Center your text with large margins. Yes, this is cheating when you’re writing an essay. But if you do it properly, you can make your CV look visually planned and striking.
• Include an artist statement and CV on one single page. Often these are asked for separately, but if you are able to combine them, it’s a great way to make your presentation look great.

Planning to sell your artwork over email? Presentation and professionalism matters! Check out our templates for managing and emailing your available artworks.  

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Responses to “How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience”

I just LOVE your informative post, Fantastic advice!! I’ll be coming to read this again for sure. Have a lovely day. God Bless

Nice. Always a pleasure to read a well thought out post.

Hello, I’m an emerging artist writing a CV. Your article has been very helpful, but I have one question. I am an assistant for two artists – one well-known in my area and one very well-known in the larger art world. I would like to include this work experience in my CV somewhere. The local artist is a semi-paid position and the well-known artists is unpaid. While they are not exactly my mentors, I did take on these positions in order to gain experience in the art world and learn about how to be a professional artist. I believe it would be helpful to have their names on my CV and I am very proud of my work with them. Where would you recommend putting these entries, if at all?

Hi Bekah, I think it’s a great idea to add these to your CV. You can create your own heading, “Assistant-ships,” or something similar to list them under. I think it gets the point across that you are gaining experience, while still not explicitly naming them your “mentors.”

Definitely include this! I would put it under the heading ‘Professional experience’ or even just a sentence saying something along the lines of:

Assistant to: Damien Hirst (2004 – present), Anthony Gormley (2002)

A lot of young and emerging artists do not have a lot of exhibitions to add to their CVs but it is worthwhile remembering art-related work (paid or unpaid) which was not directly related to your own practice, such as assisting other artists, or invigilation, volunteering etc.

This is a nice blog you’ve got going! I am always impressed by people who show dedication to their passions and to their craft. Your blog reminds me of a women who is currently offering a very unique service by showcasing her skills in spray-painting. I implore anyone and everyone to click the following link to see what she has to offer 🙂

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Hey thank you very much for this help, i really need it! Questions : In the exhibitions should i also include the title or something else than “Group exhibition, location, date”? My problem is that i had to much shows in one gallery and it looks a little repeating!! Thanks 😀

Hi, it’s good to include the title of the show if there is one. Cheers!

Very helpful for the self-taught emerging artist! Thank you!

How should I include online features? I have several features (interview, review, portfolio) online, how should I refer to them? Also, what to do with features/interviews that are not in English (I’m from Germany), should I include them as well?

Online features are great to include. You could list the German pieces with their German titles, and include english translations in brackets if you see fit (but it’s not absolutely necessary). Cheers!

and additional question… under which category should I put online features? bibliography, publications or something like ‘selected press’? thanks for your help.

so glad i found this!! 🙂

just a question though what do you think of the more creative resumes/cvs? the ones where it practically looks like an artwork itself?

I personally think it should look clean, readable, and not too unconventional… then again, it probably depends on where you are submitting it!

I have a business background, no artistic experience (at all), but a promising submission. What should I do?

Very good. I enter a lot of juried online art shows. How does one show these on a CV. Checking my blog kenben.org will give you examples in my about me.

Thank you for the great ideas for us beginners. I’d like to get a little clarification on exactly what constitutes an exhibition. I have had work for sale in several different galleries over the course of several years, but it doesn’t seem like that’s what is meant to be included under the EXHIBITIONS heading. I have had my work in a few short term shows (not in galleries), and I’ve also just been juried in to show my work at an important gallery.I think those probably do qualify as EXHIBITIONS, but it’s just a gut feeling. Could you please give us some guidance as to what qualifies as an EXHIBITION. For example, does it have to be in a “gallery” or does a bunch of artists getting together to put on a show count? Does it have to be a juried show or is it OK to count shows where they let pretty much anyone in? Does it need to be short term in nature, like a week or a month, or does having your work in a gallery for five years count, and if so, what do you list for the date of the exhibition?

Whenever your work is exhibited, that is an exhibition. I don’t know if there is one true definition, but that’s what I think! I also think it is an acceptable rule of thumb for your CV.

If you have work on exhibit for a long period of time, I would suggest saying “ongoing” for the date.

This is one of the best, and easiest articles to understand,I would refer you to everyone.Thank you

Thank you for such awesome and informative articles! I was invited to apply for an artist in residence program (it was invitation only), and I was a finalist but I did not get the residency. I feel proud to be invited, should I add this to my resume?

Certainly you should! Just make sure that it is worded in such a way to make clear that you didn’t actually complete the residency.

This is super helpful, thank you! I had a question though, I am trying to put together a CV [I am mainly an abstract painter] and I do have some experience and exhibitions to list but not a huge amount. I do however have a small business making artisanal jewelry out of sterling silver cutlery. Through this I have had some press and many juried shows. Should I include some of that in my CV as well? Or just focus on the painting side?

Hi Katelyn, I would include this on your CV, as it is part of your artistic experience. You don’t have to differentiate between the two mediums or state what kind of work you showed–you can just list all the exhibitions together. Likewise with press. Cheers!

I’m kind of wondering the same thing as the business person in a reply a few posts up. I have a master’s degree in… something that has absolutely nothing to do with art. I never took any formal art classes beyond high school, either. What I’ve learned about art is from (lots of) reading and doing. I feel like I’m creating a body of work that is relevant and has plenty to say, but my only meaningful exposure is a reasonably active Instagram account that is slowly, but steadily gaining followers. (I have a dA account, too, but that one’s not getting much action.) Moreover, for personal reasons that I’d rather not get into here, I want to remain as anonymous as possible for now, and I would really like my work to just speak for itself. Am I just screwed, or do you have any ideas on how I should go about this?

Thanks very much. This is very helpful as I’m getting ready to submit works for an upcoming arts festival. I’m using your ideas of naming instructors and private collections, A question – I am self-taught, however, I grew up in a family of artists and writers, such that being around paint and other materials is second nature to me. I also plan on enrolling in school with the goal of obtaining a studio art degree from a local college. Should I somehow note these points on the bio/CV? Thanks. JLW

Hey… Thank you for this great article. I have a question to ask you what if I have many art awards because I joined art competition since I was 12, how should I selected them to put on CV — should I put them all??– or only the award I got recently??– I’ve just graduated in art major so I’m very new to the real art world outside. Thanks again.

Should I select only the 1st prize or was a winner?

Hello, I would suggest putting the most recent awards, as well as the largest or the ones with the most exposure. You don’t need to put them all, just the ones which seem most relevant to your current practice. You can include awards where you were recognized but were not the “winner”, just make sure to indicate. Cheers!

This is extremely helpful. Thank you.

Echoing the long line of thank yous for this and a quick question – I’m primarily trying to promote myself as a painter and illustrator, however I work full time as essentially a creative director and graphic designer and while I think I probably should include it because it’s in a creative field and it relates, I’m not sure how much to include and what to talk about.

This is very helpful! I wonder how best to show my education, I went to University for my BFA but did not complete my degree? I got extremely close but had to stop for financial reasons.

hi there all again…. Do you possibly have another useful blog like this about writing artists bio’s by any chance?!

Thanks for the idea, this could happen in the future! Cheers.

Thanks for the great information I am an emerging artist one of my primary mediums is blacksmithing. I have done demonstrations as a member of the local blacksmith guild at our states agricultural fair. How would I reflect this on my CV. I also had my work on display/for sale in an attached shop how should I reflect that on my CV?

Hi Colin, You could make a heading called “Demonstrations” and include the info about the agricultural fair. If the works were on display, you could list that under “Exhibitions”. Cheers!

Hello there! This blog is wonderful and this post has been most helpful. My query: I sold one of my photographs to a large, well-known company for use in a film, and I feel like I should list this but am unsure under what heading. Thanks for your help and time in replying.

Hi Kate, You could list this under “Collections” as the well-known company is now the owner of the work. Side note: since the piece was in a movie, it’s not a secret that they own it. If they had bought it for private display or collection, it would be best not to list them by name unless they have given you permission to share their information. Cheers.

Many thanks for such an interesting and informative article. However I have one critisism, in that I do find it frustrating where some questions have gone unanswered, particularly as they are probably often very relevant to many readers.

Hello there,

This blog post has been very useful indeed, thank you. I have a question relating to private commissions, I am a digital artist so technically no physical copy of the end product exists and as such, I’m unsure as to whether I could list them under “collections”. I have done some commercial pieces recently but most of my work is commissioned for personal use – how would you list this kind of experience on a CV?

Thanks again!

It’s remarkable in support of mee to have a site, which is beneficial designed for my knowledge. thanks admin

Thanks so much for this. It was a life saver! I am president of my local art guild. Is that ok to have on the CV and if so, where should I put it? Thanks!

[…] From the blog, The Practical Art World: […]

[…] How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience. […]

Wao! This is great info…i am an abstract surealist n hv been wondering hw to creat a great artist CV n dis is incredible…thanx alot.

Hi there, I was wondering if its appropriate to put in the pictures of the works you had done for an artist in your portfolio. I have been working for an artist and had been doing many of his art works. Do let me know before I request him for pictures of the work. thank you

thank you for this

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Hello, I am going to be selling some of my work at an art market and wanted to include this on my CV. Where would this fit under? Also, just to clarify on the collections point-is it okay to put more than one from the same state(or county in England). Thank you very much.

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What if my only exhibition was a senior show in highschool? And I have attended two colleges, do I put both of them in?

Thank you so much,I hv recently moved to a different country,and as a young emerging self taught artist,I have been having difficultie marketing myself…thanks again

Thank you for this– it’s so useful. One question: Can I include favorable reviews in my CV?

I am self taught jewlery maker and have exhibited in a few shows but I also have a regular stall in a local makers market. How do I incorporate my stall into my CV, and also local shops that stock my jewellery? Should I? and what about previous stockists?

Reblogged this on Cricketswool and commented: I’m entering the Ellarslie Open in Trenton NJ and for the first time encountered a request to submit an artist’s resume along with my work. This led me to a post on The Practical Art World. I highly recommend this blog and especially this post to all artists.

hi there, thank all of you very much to share your experience. i’m a self-taught painter and not much art training. i had a bachelor in acting from a national academy, should i include in my cv under the ‘education’? thank you a lot in advance best regards berkeley

[…] How to Write an artists CV […]

[…] How To Write An Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much … – … you will look like a … an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience ” … to a post on The Practical Art World. […]

I have an interesting situation. I started out as a fine artist in the 80’s. Then I veered off and became very successful as an illustrator. Then I took off a decade to be an actor. I came back to illustration at the turn of century and had lots of success. About four years ago, I quit illustration and came back to fine art. I instantly won a bunch of awards at high profiles competitions. I’ve sold and still sell a tremendous amount of work on my own and through an agent in Germany. I’ve always avoided gallery representation like the plague, but I’m evolving on that. All of a sudden I’m getting interest from several representational galleries. I’m given speaking engagements and workshops. And everyone wants a CV. Problem is that though I’ve been doing art for a long time, my CV doesn’t look like much and I can’t remember much of my winnings and exhibitions over the years, let alone who owns my work. Should I be putting in my illustration accolades too? I feel a bit like a fraud. What should I do?

[…] How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experie… Visual artist curriculum vitae: caa – collegeart.org, Standards guidelines visual artist curriculum vitae: recommended conventions. adopted caa board directors february 1999; amended october 28, 2012.. […]

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You have no idea how this helped me! Your post was so easy to follow and had such good examples. Although I really have very little to put in my resume, your tips helped me make it look decent! Thank you!

Very helpful & the comments too. Thank you for adding that part about “guerilla art”. As a new installation artist (I’ve had two exhibitions now!) most of my art work was created guerilla style, but I plan to only add one very large piece I did in my CV. As you say, don’t OVER play it. Thank you again for this. Writing the CV is putting a knot in my stomach. You helped me break it down & simplify it. I think I can actually manage it now. 🙂

[…] Source: How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience […]

[…] The Practical Art World also has some ideas some ideas about how to put together a resume when you lack previous experience. […]

[…] https://thepracticalartworld.com/2013/04/09/how-to-write-an-artists-cv-when-you-dont-have-much-or-an&#8230 ; […]

Although I havent had any exhibits, I have participated in some Holiday sales at an art museum and a design studio. Do those count or is it not a good thing to include? If it’s not a bad idea to include them, where should they go?

Thanks! I used this artcile to fashion together a decent looking CV for an artist that hasn’t had a lot of exposure yet

[…] via How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience […]

Thanks for the great advice! I am an emerging artist with a very short CV but I was wondering how I would present artwork that was sold through a corporate art consulting firm to a hotel. Would I put this under collections and name the hotel? Or would I name the art consulting firm that bought the work?

thanks for the advice! really helped me out when i was writing my own. I’d just like to add that entering into art prizes where all entries are exhibited is a great way to boost your exhibition section

Thanks for the helpful advice! Here’s a question: I mostly make a living with graphic design/illustration but am submitting my CV as required for a fine arts exhibit (I’m a painter). Should I briefly mention my graphics/illustration?

[…] CVs for artists without much experience from The Practical Art World.com […]

Hey Great article.. relay good for all the freshers who are starting there corporate life. Thank You.!!

[…] How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience – https://thepracticalartworld.com/2013/04/09/how-to-write-an-artists-cv-when-you-dont-have-much-or-an&#8230 ; […]

Great article! It has been very helpful. I do have one question though. Does the “do not list the same city more than once in collections section” rule of thumb still apply if you are using the collector’s actual names (as opposed to the generic “Private Collection”)?

[…] about. While this is an older post from thepracticalartworld.com it does a good job of addressing new artists with little to no art references Write an Artist Statement: This is your opportunity to tell the gallery about your excitement in […]

[…] How To Write An Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience […]

My CV is so short and can’t even cover a paper.. I’m pretty desperate,, what can I do ?

I like many commentators above had a long hiatus in my painting career to work full time as a designer to support my family. Whats the best way to explain this?

Hi. Thank you so much for this. I have a question. I am currently a BFA student finished with my 2nd year. I don’t have much outside experience. I don’t have a single exhibition to my name apart from my group exhibition held in school which was part of my exam (much like how BFA has a degree show). Can I include that in my CV? Also, one my works was gifted to the school so how should I include that? Or should I not include that?

[…] […]

[…] Don’t have much professional experience? Check out How to write an artist’s CV when you don’t have much (or any!) professional experience. […]

[…] If you’re working on an artist’s statement, what about your CV? Check out How to Write an Artist’s CV in 10 Steps, or How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (or any!) Professional Experience. […]

[…] Your artist’s CV is integral to most grant applications. It is a way for the grant adjudicators to easily review your professional artistic history. Having your artist’s CV up to date and professionally formatted helps you present yourself in the best light possible. If you’re an emerging artist and you’re having trouble with filling out your CV, check out How To Write An Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (or Any!) Experience. […]

Thank you for this very informative post – sooo helpful!

One question related to another poster: I have experience with theatre performances and short film production but am now working with ceramics. Should I list the film (commissioned for curriculum) and performances under “Related Artistic Experience”, or….?

[…] more: HOW TO CRAFT A POWERFUL ARTIST RESUME, How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much (Or Any!) Professional Experience and How to write an Artist’s Resume that stands […]

What about if you have a gap of almost 15 years in your cv? I had some nice exhibitions then, but then focused on my writing, and started again painting now. My work (style) is totally different now. Should I pretend that I’m a new artist? Or how to solve this?

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Art Student resume example

Are you an art student ready to take the world by storm and show off your incredible talents?

Then you need a resume that paints a perfect picture of your skills, studies, and past art projects.

But if you’re staring at your screen like a blank canvas and you don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. Check out our top tips and art student resume example below.

Resume templates 

Art Student Resume Example

From the Art Student resume example  above, you can see the kind of information your resume will need to include, and the layout you will need to create for an easy-reading experience.

The rest of this guide will show you how to apply this format to your own unique situation, and create a resume that will attract the best employers in your industry.

Art Student resume layout and format

Formatting and structuring your resume correctly is key to landing job interviews.

Your resume needs to look attractive, but more importantly it needs to be easy for recruiters and hiring managers to read and digest the information.

These tips will help you to do that:

Formatting your resume

• Length: As recruiters have a limited amount of time to review each resume they see, keep your resume to 2 pages or less to increase the chances of it being thoroughly reviewed.
• Font & readability : The key to a good resume is readability. To make your resume easy to read, use a clear and uncomplicated font, and break up the text with bullet points and short paragraphs.
• Layout: A visually appealing resume is important, but don’t forget about functionality. To ensure a functional design, use bold headings and borders to organize the page into clear sections.
• Photos: It’s not mandatory to add a photo to your resume in the USA but it if you’re applying to organizations within the creative fields, it can be beneficial.

Quick tip: Achieving a professional look for your resume can be difficult and time-consuming. If you want to create an attractive resume quickly, try our quick-and-easy Resume Builder and use one of their eye-catching resume templates.

Resume layout

Your resume should include the following sections to give recruiters the information they require:

• Name and Contact Details – Place your contact information at the top of your resume to make it easy for employers to get in touch with you.
• Resume Summary – Write a brief introduction at the beginning of your resume that summarizes your most important qualifications and highlights why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
• Skills Section – Include a concise list of your most relevant and impressive skills to quickly grab the attention of potential employers.
• Work Experience – List your previous work experiences in reverse chronological order, including any volunteer work or college placements.
• Education – List your educational qualifications and any professional training you have received.
• Additional Information – This section is optional, but you can include details about your interests, hobbies, or any other relevant information that can make you stand out from other applicants.

Here’s what to add to each section of your Art Student resume.

Contact Details

Make it easy for hiring managers to contact you by adding your contact details to the top of your resume.

Keep this section small to save space and include the following.

• Name and profession title
• Telephone number – Ideally your cell phone so you can answer quickly.
• Location – Add your general location such as LA or New York
• Email address – Use a professional looking one with no nicknames.

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one – you do not need to include personal details like date of birth or marital status.

Art Student Resume Summary

Start your resume with a bang by adding a powerful summary to the top, summarizing your most valuable skills and experience.

This short paragraph is your chance to show recruiters why you are a perfect fit for the job and encourage them to read more of your resume.

How to create a resume summary that will excite recruiters:

• Keep it short: To capture a recruiter’s attention and keep them interested in your resume, limit your summary to 4-7 lines as you only have a few seconds to make an impression
• Tailor to target jobs: To tailor your resume to your target jobs, it’s essential to closely analyze the job description and include as many relevant skills as possible.
• Avoid using cliches: To capture the attention of recruiters you must provide factual information, such as hard skills and qualifications, and avoid using empty phrases like “ Go-getter who thinks outside the box .”

Art Student resume summary example

What to include in your art student resume summary.

• Summary of your experience: Provide an overview of the type of work you have done in the past and the impact you have made at previous employers.
• Relevant skills: Instantly showcase your suitability for Art Student jobs by including your skills that are highly relevant to them.
• Qualifications: If your job requires any qualifications such as a professional course or a college degree, mention it briefly in your summary.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one-click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset and style.

Core skills section

Underneath your summary, write a core skills section to make your most relevant skills jump off the page at readers.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points of your relevant skills.

Before you do this, look over the job description and make a list of any specific skills, specialisms or knowledge required.

Then, make sure to use your findings in your list. This will paint you as the perfect match for the role.

Best skills for your Art Student resume

Drawing – Sketching, shading, and creating accurate representations of objects or figures.

Painting – Working with various painting mediums, such as acrylics, oils, or watercolors, and creating visually appealing compositions.

Sculpting – Shaping and manipulating various materials, such as clay or wood, to create three-dimensional artworks.

Digital Art – Using digital art tools and software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, to create digital illustrations or designs.

Color Theory – Utilizing knowledge of color mixing, harmony, and contrast to create visually engaging artworks.

Composition – Arranging elements within an artwork to create a balanced and visually appealing composition.

Perspective – Accurately depicting three-dimensional space and creating the illusion of depth in artworks.

Art History – Maintaining familiarity with art movements, artists, and styles throughout history, providing a foundation for artistic inspiration and context.

Critical Thinking – Analyzing and evaluating artworks, techniques, and concepts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art.

Creativity – Thinking innovatively, generating unique ideas, and expressing individual artistic vision.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy Resume Builder contains thousands of in-demand skills for every profession that can be added to your resume in seconds – saving you time and greatly improving your chances of landing job interviews and getting hired.

Work experience

Congratulations on successfully capturing the recruiter’s interest with your attention-grabbing summary! Now, it’s time to showcase your workplace impact by providing a detailed list of your previous job experiences and achievements.

If you have significant experience, consider highlighting the most recent few years to condense this section. However, for junior job seekers, it’s essential to include as much relevant experience as possible, including volunteering and school work placements.

Structuring your jobs

Resume job descriptions contain lots of information, so its crucial to structure them well.

Use the structure below to ensure hiring managers can consume the information easily.

Job outline

Begin each job with a short summary of who the organization is, where you sit within it, and what the main goal of your position is.

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using short bullet points.

Describe how you apply your skills and contribute to the running of the employer’s business – highlighting skills which are applicable to your target jobs.

Key achievements

Round off each job by adding some impressive achievements you made in the role.

Anything you’ve done that has made a big impact on your employer will make a good impression, think; generating revenue, saving costs, or improving a product.

Quantify your achievements with number where possible e.g. “reduced call wait time by 10%”

Example job for Art Student resume

Participate in community art projects to gain real-world experience and further enhance professional development, for a leader in the world of visual arts featuring undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with peers, lecturers, and other industry professionals in critiquing sessions and group projects, contributing unique perspectives to creative endeavors.
• Continuously hone skills by exploring various mediums, techniques, and styles with different as paint, clay, online tools, or mixed media.
• Gather inspiration through studying contemporary trends and discovering new theories.
• Apply critical thinking and analytical competencies to product meaningful artwork with a strong conceptual foundation.

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

Towards the bottom of your resume, add your education section.

Here you should list your professional qualifications and academic record, such as high school diplomas or college degrees.

If you have lots of work experience, you can keep this section brief (because recruiters will be more interested in your career. If you have little/no experience then you should bulk this section up with plenty of detail.

Additional information

The bottom of your resume is a place to add any “additional info”

Any other info that didn’t fall into any of the previous sections can be added here.

If you have hobbies that are related to your profession or any awards or publications – add them here.

Writing your own winning Art Student resume

Crafting a strong Art Student resume can be a daunting task, but implementing the steps outlined above will significantly increase your chances of securing multiple interview opportunities.

Good luck with your job search!

• Career Blog

The Guide to Art Resume: Samples and Examples Included

If you are an artist, your resume is your key to open doors and make connections in the industry. It is a professional document that showcases your skills, experience, and accomplishments as an artist. Crafting a strong art resume is crucial to your success in a highly competitive field where standing out is the only way to get noticed.

In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step process to create a powerful art resume that can help you land your dream job or commission. We will cover everything you need to know, from the basics of resume writing to the specifics of art-related job applications.

Our article is divided into three main sections. First, we will discuss the essential elements of an art resume, including the format, layout, and content. Second, we will provide you with sample resumes and templates based on different art specializations, such as graphic design, painting, illustration, and multimedia. Each sample resume will highlight how to tailor the resume to the job you’re applying to. Finally, we will cover the do’s and don’ts of resume writing, including tips on how to avoid common mistakes, what to include or exclude, and the importance of tailoring your resume to the job description.

By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of how to create a strong art resume that showcases your skills and maximizes your chances of getting the job you want. So, let’s get started!

Basics of an Art Resume

An art resume is a document that showcases an artist’s professional background, skills, accomplishments, and experience in the arts. It is a record of an artist’s achievements and serves as a marketing tool to promote their brand.

Definition of an Art Resume

An art resume is a formal document that contains an artist’s bio, contact information, education, previous and current work experience, notable exhibitions, publications, and awards. It is a comprehensive summary of an artist’s career, skills, and accomplishments, designed to provide a potential employer or client with an overview of their artistic skills.

Purpose of an Art Resume

The purpose of an art resume is to market an artist’s brand and showcase their skills, accomplishments, and experience. It aims to convince a potential employer or client that the artist is the best fit for a particular job, exhibition, or project. It serves as a calling card for an artist and establishes their professional credibility in the industry.

Elements of an Art Resume

An art resume typically consists of the following elements:

• Bio: A brief statement that introduces an artist and provides basic personal information.
• Education: A summary of an artist’s education, including degrees, training, certificates, and courses.
• Work Experience: A detailed description of an artist’s previous and current work experience, including positions held, projects completed, and duties performed.
• Exhibitions: A list of an artist’s notable exhibitions, including the name of the exhibition, the date, the venue, and any awards or honors received.
• Publications: A list of an artist’s published work, including books, magazines, and online publications.
• Awards: A list of an artist’s honors and awards, including grants, scholarships, and fellowships.

Dos and Don’ts of an Art Resume

Some dos and don’ts of creating an effective art resume include:

• Do make it easy to read and visually appealing.
• Do tailor your resume to the specific job or project you are applying for.
• Do include all relevant information and leave out irrelevant details.
• Don’t include personal information, such as your age or marital status.
• Don’t include unprofessional or inappropriate content.
• Don’t use generic or overly creative job titles.
• Don’t exaggerate your accomplishments or skills.

An effective art resume is an essential tool for artists to market their brand and establish their credibility in the industry. It should be well-crafted, visually appealing, and tailored to the specific job or project. By following the dos and don’ts of resume writing, artists can create a professional and compelling document that will help them stand out in a competitive industry.

Formatting an Art Resume

When it comes to formatting an art resume, there are standard practices that ought to be followed. However, there are unconventional formatting choices that an art resume can have, which need unique considerations. Ultimately, to optimize an art resume’s visual appeal, there are tips that a job seeker should adopt.

Standard formatting practices

The following are the standard formatting practices for an art resume.

• Use clear fonts and keep the font size legible. Art resumes should be easy to read with a clean look.
• Use a thin black line to separate sections. Avoid using too many lines or different colors as they can be visually overwhelming.
• Use bullet points to list achievements, skills and experiences. This makes it easy to read and highlights areas of expertise.
• Include only the relevant information in one page unless explicitly instructed to exceed.

Navigating unconventional formatting choices

Some professional artists create unconventional resume formats to stand out from other applicants. These unconventional formats can be visually appealing, but there are a few things to keep in mind when navigating them.

• Ensure that the unconventional format matches the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re looking for a graphic design job, then a creative, out-of-the-box design makes sense. But if you’re applying for a museum curator position, then a traditional format provides a more professional look.
• Avoid sacrificing the readability and clarity of the resume for an unconventional design. Ensure that it’s still easy to read, visually pleasing and highlights vital experiences and expertise.

Tips for optimizing an art resume’s visual appeal

There are some tips that job seekers need to take into account when creating an art resume for maximum visual appeal.

• Using columns can give an art resume a clean and modern look, making it easier for a hiring manager to navigate.
• The use of color can also enhance the visual appeal of an art resume. Use a color scheme that matches the overall design, and ensure that no color contrast is distracting, keeping the content easily readable.
• Creating an infographic of the accomplishments or a timeline of education and work experience can make the art resume unique and more memorable, provided that it’s toned appropriately, it can help separate your application from the clutter.

An art resume should have a clean design that’s easy to read and optimizes its visual appeal to leave a lasting impression to the recruiters. Whether you decide to stick with traditional formatting or create something unconventional, everything you put into the design should highlight your skills and experiences while providing a remarkable resume that shows you are the best candidate for the job.

Essential Information to Include

When it comes to creating a comprehensive art resume, it’s essential to include certain information. Not only does this information help the artists to showcase their skills and experiences, but it also helps employers and gallery owners to evaluate their suitability for exhibits, studios or jobs. In this section, we’ll look at the key pieces of information you should include in your art resume.

Contact Information

The first and most important thing to include in your art resume is your contact information. This should include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. Be sure to also include your website or portfolio if you have one. Make it easy for people to contact you and to find your work.

Artist Statement

The next piece of information to include in your art resume is your artist statement. This statement is a brief description of who you are as an artist, what drives you, and what your work is about. It should be highly personalized and unique, reflecting your individual style and voice.

Education and Training

A significant aspect of any art resume is your educational background and training. This section should detail the institutions you have attended for formal education, any relevant degrees or certifications you have earned. Note any art workshops, or any professional classes, and lessons taken. Ensure this information is detailed and accurate.

Exhibitions and Shows

This section of your resume should list all the shows and exhibitions you have participated in. Among examples to include are art shows, galleries, museums, and any other related exhibitions. You should also be sure to include any curated exhibitions, online exhibitions or residencies.

Awards and Honors

As an artist, you will have probably won awards or have obtained accolades in your area of specialization. These awards and honors are essential to include in your resume as they highlight your achievements and show how successful you are in the field. Examples of awards to include in this section are grants, fellowships, residencies, or any other official recognition.

Professional Experience

Lastly, make sure to include any work experience or collaborations with galleries, museums, art directors, among other relevant experiences. If you have worked as a teacher, whether freelance or full-time, be sure to note it down concisely. You should include your role, what skills you acquired, and how it has helped you in your career.

By including these essential elements, your art resume will be comprehensive, attractive and packed with information, giving employers and gallery owners a concise sense of who you are as an artist and what you are capable of achieving.

Highlighting Your Skills and Achievements

When it comes to creating an art resume, it’s important to highlight your skills and achievements to showcase your value as an artist. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Tailoring your resume to fit the job you’re applying for

When applying for a job, it’s important to tailor your resume to fit the specific job you’re applying for. This means researching the company, reading the job description thoroughly, and highlighting the skills and experiences that match the requirements of the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design job that requires experience with Adobe Creative Suite, make sure to mention your proficiency in those programs on your resume. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job that requires experience with watercolor painting, make sure to highlight your expertise in that medium.

By tailoring your resume to fit the job you’re applying for, you show the employer that you’ve taken the time to research and understand their needs, and that you have the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the position.

Highlighting your unique skills and strengths

Every artist has their own unique set of skills and strengths, so it’s important to highlight what sets you apart. This could be anything from your ability to work quickly under pressure to your proficiency in a specific medium.

When highlighting your skills and strengths, make sure to use strong action verbs and provide specific examples. For example, instead of saying “proficient in Adobe Photoshop,” say “created a series of digital illustrations using Adobe Photoshop that received over 1,000 likes on Instagram.”

By highlighting your unique skills and strengths, you show the employer what makes you stand out from other applicants and what you can bring to the position.

Including impressive achievements that showcase your value as an artist

Finally, make sure to include impressive achievements on your resume that showcase your value as an artist. This could be anything from winning an award for your artwork to completing a high-profile commission.

When including achievements, make sure to provide specific details and quantify your successes. For example, instead of saying “won an award for my painting,” say “earned first place at the 2021 Art League Painting Exhibition, beating out over 50 other contestants.”

By including impressive achievements that showcase your value as an artist, you demonstrate your ability to succeed and stand out in the industry.

Highlighting your skills and achievements is essential for creating a standout art resume. By tailoring your resume to fit the job you’re applying for, highlighting your unique skills and strengths, and including impressive achievements, you can demonstrate your value as an artist and position yourself for success.

Using Keywords and Power Words

As a job applicant in the art industry, it is crucial to utilize keywords and power words in your resume. These words can help your resume stand out from others and increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers. The following are reasons why Keywords and Power Words are important:

Explanation of why keywords and power words are important

1. applicant tracking system (ats).

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they are passed on to a human reviewer. ATS looks for specific keywords related to the job posting. Including these relevant keywords in your resume will increase your chances of passing this automated screening process.

2. Attention-Grabbing

Keywords and power words are attention-grabbing, they help your resume stand out from others. These words can catch the eye of the hiring manager and ensure that they read through your entire resume.

3. Demonstrates Expertise

Including relevant keywords that match the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the job provides evidence that you have the expertise needed for the role. Power words help highlight your achievements and accomplishments with just a few well-chosen words.

Examples of keywords and power words to use in an art resume

When creating your art resume, here are a few keywords and power words to consider using:

• Artistic skills: Painting, drawing, design, sculpture, composition, color theory.
• Professional skills: Communication, time management, teamwork, project management, creativity, adaptability.
• Software skills: Adobe Creative Suite, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino.
• Descriptive power words: Visionary, innovative, versatile, creative, diligent, meticulous.

Tips for incorporating them seamlessly

Research relevant buzzwords: Look at the job posting and company website to identify keywords that match the job description and the company culture. Ensure your resume includes relevant phrases and industry-specific terms.

Use action verbs: Start each sentence with an action verb. Use power words such as created, designed, developed, or managed to describe your experience and accomplishments.

Keep it relevant: Avoid using irrelevant or generic keywords in your artwork. Customize your keywords to align it with the specific job description and the role requirements.

Avoid keyword stuffing: Although it’s important to include relevant keywords, don’t overdo it. Incorporate them properly throughout your resume to enhance your resume’s effectiveness.

Using keywords and power words in an art resume is a critical step towards securing your dream job. By implementing these techniques, you can tailor your resume to match each job you apply for, increasing the chances of being noticed by the recruiter. Be mindful, accurate and concise in presenting these words to get your desired result.

Samples and Examples

One of the best ways to improve your own art resume is to study other examples that are well-written and successful. This section provides a selection of art resumes that are proven to be effective, along with an analysis of what makes them strong. Finally, we offer tips on how you can apply these strategies to your own resume.

In this section, you will find art resumes that are excellent examples of what hiring managers are looking for. We have chosen a range of resumes that showcase different styles, elements and approaches. By studying these resumes, you will learn what it takes to make a resume that stands out from the crowd.

Next, we will analyze the resumes to identify what makes them effective. We will look at the layout, design, writing style, and content to understand why they work so well. By breaking down these resumes into their individual elements, you will get a better understanding of how to create a personalized resume that is both professional and engaging.

Finally, we offer practical tips on how to apply these strategies to your own resume. You will learn how to highlight your strengths, use the right language, and present your experience in the most effective way possible. These tips will help you create a compelling and effective art resume that will impress hiring managers and help you stand out in a crowded field.

This section provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their art resume. By studying well-written examples, analyzing their strengths, and applying the strategies to your own resume, you will be well on your way to creating a standout resume that will help you land the art job of your dreams!

Online Resume Options

As the world becomes more digital, the option of creating an online resume has become increasingly popular. While traditional paper resumes have their advantages, online resumes also provide unique benefits. Below are some pros and cons to consider when creating an online resume:

• Greater flexibility in design and format
• Easy accessibility for employers
• Ability to include multimedia elements (e.g. images, videos, links)
• Cost-effective and eco-friendly
• Can be less personal and professional without careful design
• May require technical skills
• Some employers may prefer traditional paper resumes
• Potential for privacy concerns

If you decide to create an online art resume, there are some guidelines to follow. It’s important to showcase your art effectively and provide necessary information in a clear and concise manner. Here are some tips on how to create an online art resume:

• Choose a clean and professional layout to present your work effectively
• Include relevant information such as education, exhibitions, awards or relevant experience
• Use high-quality images and descriptive text to convey your artistic abilities
• Consider adding a bio or artist statement to give the employer some background on your work
• Make your contact information easily accessible

Lastly, when optimizing an online resume for maximum visibility, it’s important to consider search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. This means using relevant keywords and phrases throughout your online resume in order to improve search engine results. Here are some additional tips:

• Use relevant and specific keywords throughout your resume
• Include a clear and descriptive headline
• Use hyperlinks to showcase your work and related professional sites
• Utilize social media to promote your resume
• Regularly update your resume to keep it relevant and fresh

Creating an art resume and optimizing it for online visibility may seem daunting, but by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job in the art world.

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• • Increased average painting sales by 45% over two years
• • Managed over 150 commissioned art projects resulting in satisfied clients and repeat customers
• • Established online portfolio, increasing exposure and attracting 3000+ visitors within 6 months
• • Designed and created over 80 bronze and marble sculptures
• • Increased gallery sales by participating in local and international art shows
• • Managed a team of 7 artists in creating a public art installation for a city park
• • Led the restoration of a 19th-century marble statue, receiving commendation from senior conservators
• • Facilitated periodic workshops, training over 100 participants on basic art restoration techniques
• • Contributed to successful grant application for the restoration division, securing $2M in funding

5 Fine Artist Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your fine artist resume must display a strong artistic background. Highlight your education, especially if it includes a degree from a reputable art institution. Include a comprehensive list of exhibitions, both solo and group shows. Juried selections, awards, and residencies enhance your professional credibility.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Deciphering the best format for your fine artist resume.

Designing your fine artist resume experience to grab recruiters' attention

Highlighting essential hard and soft skills for your fine artist resume

Highlighting fine artist-specific certifications and education, choosing between a resume summary or objective, additional sections to elevate your fine artist resume, key takeaways.

Fine artists often struggle to articulate their unique creative process and portfolio of work in a resume format that is traditionally designed for more standard job experiences. Our guide can assist by providing specific strategies and examples for effectively communicating an artist's individual style and portfolio, showcasing them in a professional light while still maintaining their artistic individuality.

Dive into our comprehensive guide to crafting a standout fine artist resume:

• Discover fine artist resume samples that have secured positions at top-tier companies.
• Master the aesthetics of your resume layout for maximum impact.
• Strategically present your achievements and skills across various resume sections.
• Convey to recruiters why you're the perfect fit for the job.

Recommended reads:

• Application Support Specialist resume
• Entry Level Software Developer resume
• Clinical Social Worker resume
• Head of Product resume
• Freelance Artist resume

To craft an impactful fine artist resume, start by thoroughly analyzing the job description.

Your chosen resume format should seamlessly align your experience with the role's requirements.

Consider these four pivotal elements:

• Present your experience effectively. If you boast a wealth of pertinent experience, employ the reverse-chronological resume format , listing roles by date, beginning with the most recent.
• Maintain brevity. Limit your resume to a maximum of two pages, focusing on your most salient attributes.
• Headers serve a purpose. A well-crafted header ensures recruiters can swiftly access your contact details and professional portfolio.
• Opt for PDF. Typically, submit your fine artist resume in PDF to preserve its layout. However, always adhere to specific job application guidelines.

Upload your resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Choose a legible, professional font for your fine artist resume, such as Arial or Calibri.

Essential sections for your fine artist resume, favored by recruiters:

• A clear header with pertinent links and contact information.
• A concise summary or objective, offering a snapshot of your career milestones and your fit for the fine artist role.
• An experience section detailing your professional qualifications and achievements.
• Skills sections that align your talents with job-specific keywords and requirements.
• Education and certifications sections that underscore your dedication to industry-specific growth.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Portfolio: A link or attachment to a strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of artistic skills and styles is crucial. It should demonstrate the artist's creative process, from conceptualization to final product.
• Artistic Skill Set: Specific artistic skills and techniques should be highlighted, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, digital art, etc. Any software proficiency like Adobe Creative Suite should also be mentioned.
• Educational Background: Although not always necessary, having formal education in fine arts or a related field can be beneficial. Include degrees, courses, workshops, or certifications you've obtained.
• Exhibition History: Artists who have displayed their work in galleries, art shows, or other public venues should include these experiences. This demonstrates exposure and recognition in the art community.
• Art Residencies, Grants, and Awards: These indicate an artist’s professional success and acceptance within the art world. They show that the artist has been vetted and recognized by reputable organizations or entities.
• Types of Resumes

Designing your fine artist resume experience to grab recruiters' attention

For the fine artist position, it's crucial to show how your expertise matches what they're looking for.

Your resume experience section can be a game-changer. Ensure you:

• Feature roles most relevant to the fine artist job you're targeting.
• Avoid diving too deep into ancient history - unless what you did a decade ago is super relevant to the fine artist role.
• Structure each bullet to first describe what you did, followed by the skills you utilized, and then the impact of your efforts.
• Quantify your achievements with numbers, possibly highlighting the broader impact on the organization.
• Emphasize transferable skills - those you've gained in past roles that could be valuable in your new role. This showcases your unique professional value.

Crafting the experience section doesn't mean detailing every job you've ever had. Check out the fine artist resume samples below to see how top professionals present their experience.

• Collaborated with a team of artists to create large-scale murals for public spaces, resulting in increased community engagement and positive feedback.
• Developed and executed a series of solo exhibitions showcasing mixed media artwork, attracting over 500 visitors and generating $10,000 in sales.
• Utilized various artistic techniques, including oil painting and sculpture, to create visually captivating pieces that conveyed complex emotions and themes.
• Partnered with local galleries to organize group art shows featuring emerging artists, resulting in increased exposure for all participants and fostering a vibrant artistic community.
• Implemented innovative marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and email newsletters, to promote art events and reach a wider audience.
• Received commissions from private collectors and businesses to create customized artwork, meeting strict deadlines and exceeding clients' expectations.
• Collaborated with interior designers to create unique art installations for luxury hotels and upscale residences, enhancing the visual appeal of the spaces and contributing to a memorable guest experience.
• Participated in art fairs and exhibitions, securing contracts with renowned galleries and expanding the network of potential buyers and collectors.
• Utilized digital tools and software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, to create digital art pieces exploring the intersection of technology and traditional art forms.
• Collaborated with a team of illustrators to create illustrations for a children's book series, resulting in visually captivating imagery that brought the stories to life and contributed to increased book sales.
• Provided art direction and guidance to junior artists, fostering their professional growth and ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Participated in art competitions and juried shows, winning multiple awards for artistic excellence and gaining recognition from renowned art critics.
• Created vibrant and imaginative artwork for an indie video game, collaborating closely with game developers and incorporating feedback to ensure visual cohesion with the game's narrative.
• Organized and led art workshops for aspiring artists, sharing techniques and insights to inspire creativity and foster a passion for art among attendees.
• Participated in community art projects, such as public installations and collaborative murals, promoting art accessibility and cultural enrichment.
• Developing a series of interactive digital art installations using cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality, exploring the convergence of art and technology.
• Collaborating with programmers and software engineers to incorporate interactive elements into art installations, creating immersive and engaging experiences for viewers.
• Participating in international art residencies, working alongside artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures, fostering cross-cultural exchange and artistic exploration.
• Created a series of large-scale sculptures using unconventional materials, pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture and exploring new forms of artistic expression.
• Collaborated with architects to integrate sculptures into building designs, resulting in visually striking architectural elements that enhanced the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of public spaces.
• Received grants and funding from arts organizations and foundations, supporting the creation of ambitious sculptural projects and facilitating their public display.
• Curated and organized art exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists, creating cohesive and thought-provoking displays that showcased a wide range of artistic styles and perspectives.
• Managed gallery operations, including artwork selection, marketing campaigns, and client relations, resulting in increased sales revenue and positive feedback from artists and collectors.
• Developed and maintained relationships with art collectors, providing consultation services and assisting in the acquisition of artworks, resulting in successful sales and repeat business.
• Collaborated with fashion designers to create unique textile prints and patterns, combining traditional art techniques with digital tools to develop visually striking and marketable designs.
• Participated in international art festivals and exhibitions, showcasing textile artwork that pushed the boundaries of conventional fabric art and exploring new avenues of creativity.
• Worked closely with manufacturers to ensure the accurate reproduction of textile designs, maintaining quality standards and delivering exceptional products to clients.
• Collaborated with architects and interior designers to create site-specific installations for corporate offices, hotels, and public spaces, transforming environments and adding a unique artistic touch.
• Managed multiple art projects simultaneously, overseeing budgets, timelines, and subcontractors, resulting in successful project completion and client satisfaction.
• Implemented sustainable art practices by repurposing materials and utilizing eco-friendly techniques, aligning artistic vision with environmental responsibility.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the number of art pieces you’ve created, to demonstrate your capacity for prolific creation and dedication.
• List the number of exhibits you have participated in, indicating your engagement with the art community.
• Specify the number of awards or recognitions you've received, showing your artistic merits and acceptance.
• Highlight the number of collaborative projects you've been involved in, this shows teamwork and versatility.
• Mention the number of mediums you have worked in, demonstrating your breadth of skills and adaptability.
• Note the number of commissioned works completed, showcasing your ability to work under specific guidelines and client needs.
• Quantify the breadth of your audience by stating the number of followers on social media platforms, exhibiting your market reach and influence.
• Indicate the number of art workshops or courses you have attended or led, showing ongoing professional development and leadership potential.

Writing your fine artist experience section without any real-world experience

Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your fine artist career:

• Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the fine artist role
• Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
• Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
• Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the fine artist job
• Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company
• Resume Buzzwords
• Resume Action Verbs

Boost your resume by focusing on the practical aspects of each job requirement. While it's good to have job-related keywords on your resume, ensure they're backed by action verbs and quantifiable data. This gives recruiters a clear picture of your fine artist professional journey.

Your skill set is a cornerstone of your fine artist resume.

Recruiters keenly evaluate:

• Your hard skills , gauging your proficiency with specific tools and technologies.
• Your soft skills , assessing your interpersonal abilities and adaptability.

A well-rounded candidate showcases a harmonious blend of both hard and soft skills, especially in a dedicated skills section.

When crafting your fine artist skills section:

• List up to six skills that resonate with the job requirements and highlight your expertise.
• Feature a soft skill that encapsulates your professional persona, drawing from past feedback or personal reflections.
• Consider organizing your skills into distinct categories, such as "Technical Skills" or "Soft Skills."
• If you possess pivotal industry certifications, spotlight them within this section.

Crafting a comprehensive skills section can be daunting. To assist, we've curated lists of both hard and soft skills to streamline your resume-building process.

Top skills for your fine artist resume

Digital Art Tools

Artistic Conceptualization

Color Theory

Knowledge of Art History

Mixed Media Techniques

Printmaking

Photography

Criticism Handling

Time-Management

Detail-Oriented

Problem-Solving

Perseverance

Communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

The placement of your skills section should align with its importance. If it's a showcase of your most significant strengths, position it prominently near the top of your resume.

Your resume education section can be a treasure trove of skills and experiences relevant to the role. Here are the best practices when it comes to featuring it on your resume:

• Highlight advanced qualifications, detailing the institution and duration.
• If you're currently pursuing a degree, mention your expected graduation date.
• Consider omitting unrelated degrees.
• If your academic journey boasts significant achievements, especially in research, elaborate on them.

What's more, shocasing relevant industry certifications can bolster your credibility, even if you lack extensive work experience.

To effectively present your certifications:

• Place pivotal industry certifications prominently in a dedicated section.
• If a certification is particularly impressive, consider featuring it near your name or within the header, summary, or objective.
• Provide details, where relevant, to underscore alignment with the role.
• Recent certifications should be given advantage, as they show your up-to-date knowledge.

Both education and certification sections highlight your commitment to professional growth, a trait valued by employers. Below, explore some of the most current and sought-after fine artist certifications to enhance your application:

Best certifications to list on your resume

List your degrees in reverse order, starting with the newest. A recent PhD or unique field could set you apart.

• Major Minor on Resume
• Incomplete Degree on Resume

Many fine artist candidates ponder whether to include a resume summary or objective.

Here's a breakdown:

• A Resume objective outlines your career aspirations. It tells recruiters why you're applying and the value you can bring.
• A Resume summary offers a snapshot of your significant achievements, giving a quick overview of your expertise.

New professionals might lean towards an objective, while seasoned experts might prefer a summary. Whichever you choose, ensure it's tailored to the role.

For inspiration, review examples from established fine artist professionals.

Resume summary and objective examples for a fine artist resume

Boasting 10 years of experience as a Fine Artist specializing in watercolor and oil painting, the applicant has developed an esteemed reputation for extraordinary attention to detail and creative innovation. Skilled in conceptual visual development, they have held four successful gallery exhibitions and received the National Arts Award in 2022.

With seven years' practical experience as a freelance Sculptor, the individual brings a unique perspective to the fine arts world. Equipped with excellent spatial understanding and complex problem-solving skills, they are known for their avant-garde marble sculptures that challenge traditional themes and forms. The artist's illustrious career includes a solo exhibition at a renowned international art festival.

An experienced Graphic Designer with a decade-long career, seeking to transition into the fine arts sector. Proficient in digital media, the artist aims to blend their design acumen with traditional painting techniques. Their proudest achievement is leading a team to win the prestigious Digital Design Award in 2021.

A Creative Director from the advertising industry aiming to shift focus towards fine arts. With over 15 years of experience in creative strategy and design, this person brings an unmatched understanding of color theory and composition. Notably, they directed an international campaign which won multiple accolity in global ad festivals.

Entry-level professional with a genuine passion for fine arts desires to hone their craft within a reputable institution. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts, they aim to explore diverse artistic styles while pushing boundaries through contemporary expression. Their objective is to contribute meaningfully to the company’s artistic endeavors while growing as an artist.

A recent Fine Arts graduate aspires to embark on a career path where creativity meets innovation. Keen to apply acquired knowledge of various mediums and techniques, they aim to develop a distinctive artistic voice. Their objective centers around creating impactful art which resonates with audiences and inspires dialogue within the company and beyond.

Recruiters often seek candidates who offer more than just the basics.

To stand out, consider adding:

• Interests : Share hobbies or activities that reveal your personality and transferable skills.
• Projects : Highlight innovative work that showcases your expertise.
• Languages : If communication is vital for the role, showcase your linguistic abilities.
• Awards : Feature significant recognitions that underscore your expertise.
• Effective fine artist resumes are well-structured, weaving a compelling career narrative.
• Choose between a resume summary or objective based on your experience and the impression you aim to create.
• If lacking in direct experience, leverage other roles, such as internships or contract positions, to demonstrate alignment with the fine artist role.
• Be discerning in listing hard and soft skills, ensuring relevance and showcasing outcomes.
• Always tailor your resume for each fine artist application, ensuring alignment with job requirements.

Looking to build your own Fine Artist resume?

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A great artist resume is the key to landing a job. Our resume guide and examples will show you how to highlight your skills and get your dream position.

While the most important work an artist does is the art itself, it’s crucial to know how to showcase that art through an artist resume. Having a resume as an artist gives you a professional document to send to potential employers or clients that highlights your relevant skills and experience.

Keeping an updated resume is the key to working your way up in the artist field. In such a competitive and large industry, standing out is important. Your resume is often the first impression you will make on potential employers, so you want it to make an impact.

This guide was created to give you a step-by-step manual on how to create the perfect artist resume tailored to the job you’re applying for. Whether you’re a graphic artist, painter, sculptor, or anything in between, these instructions are for you.

Artist resume writing guide: Where to start?

Your artist resume is a glimpse into your professional experience as an artist that you send to potential employers or clients. While it may be hard to showcase the details of an artistic project through words on paper, it’s important to try to showcase your skills and experience the best you can.

To build the perfect artist resume, you’ll need to first consider all of the experience you have as an artist. From there, you can determine what information should be included in the resume you send with your job application.

Many applicants believe they can have a single resume that can be sent out each time they apply for a job. However, you’re much more likely to stand out if you send a unique resume tailored to the specific position or project every time you apply somewhere.

Master artist resume

The first step to your perfect artist resume is creating your master artist resume. This is a document created for only you that holds all of your relevant education, skills, and experience in the artist field. You want your master artist resume to be as complete as possible, so it’s important to really dedicate some time to this.

For those artists who have been in the field for a long time, the master resume may be many pages long and have dozens of skills listed. That’s okay. Again, this is a document that is only for you, so it doesn’t have to be in the concise format of a professional resume.

The more experience you gain as an artist, the harder it will be to remember all of the skills, achievements, and experience you have in the field. Taking the time to create your master resume will solve this problem because you’ll just have to open the document to get a refresher. Once the document is completed, you’ll simply need to update it from time to time to ensure it grows with your career.

Once you’ve created your master artist resume, you’re ready to start applying for jobs.

Job-specific artist resume

Every artist job you apply for should get a unique resume that’s been tailored to the expectations of the position - this is called a job-specific resume. This approach will make your resume stand out to potential employers because of how relevant it is to the job you applied for.

To create a truly job-specific resume, take time to read the entire job description and hiring posting. While reading these, look for keywords that indicate the skill set and experience the employer is looking for in this role.

Once you’ve examined the job itself, take the information you found and compare it to your master resume. While you may have a lot of artistry skills, you will want to showcase the ones that are most relevant to the job itself.

Being able to incorporate skills and experience that were specifically mentioned in the posting into your resume is a great way to make an impression on the hiring manager. The more relevant your resume is, the more likely you are to land an interview.

When creating a job-specific artist resume, you will need to make sure it has an organized, professional appearance. Your resume is the first impression you make on your future employer, and you want it to showcase your level of professionalism.

Consider examining artist resume samples, like the one below, to determine what yours should look like.

Artist resume example

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Above is an example of an artist resume. This resume is for a mural artist; notice how it highlights skills and experience specific to this type of work. Your resume should be concise but detailed about your skills in the niche you’re applying for. This will allow you to showcase the most important information necessary to land a job.

How to write a successful resume for an artist? Writing tips and examples

You’ve created your master artist resume and learned why you should create a job-specific resume. You’ve scoured the job description of your dream position to see what skills you have that match, and now all that’s left is showcasing your experience in a resume.

How you present your experience is nearly as important as the experience itself. You want to sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the position in order to grab the attention of the hiring manager. Following the tips below will ensure you achieve just that.

How to write a personal profile on an artist resume?

Your personal profile is a quick summary of your experience and skills that showcases the areas in which you perform the best. Think of your personal profile as an elevator pitch where you’re trying to prove you’re the best candidate in a few sentences.

The personal profile goes at the top of your resume and is likely the first thing a hiring manager will see after your contact information. You want to make sure it’s attention-grabbing and relevant, or it could be the last part of your resume they read.

This isn’t the area for nitty-gritty details, but you do want to showcase your personality and unique experience. If you have data to back your most qualifying experiences, consider including that in this section. However, word your summary in a way that leaves the hiring manager wanting to know more about your skills so they keep reading.

One great tip for crafting the perfect personal profile is to write it last. Put the rest of your resume together and then pick from what’s on the page to showcase in your profile. This will make it easier to ensure your profile matches the experience on the page.

Skills to list on an artist resume

The skills an artist lists on their resume can vary drastically from one artist to another. In such a large field, there are many different niches that artists become involved in. Sculpture artists will likely include different skills than painters, and so on.

Reading the job description for the position before you create your resume will allow you to determine what skills you should showcase. You don’t want to waste space on your resume talking about your skills working with clay if the job is dealing with digital art exclusively. It might be awesome to brag about all of your skills, but it’s unnecessary and can even be a turn-off for employers.

Instead, showcase the skills you have that meet or exceed the job description’s list of skills and duties. Doing this will not only highlight your competency for the job, but it will also show the hiring manager that you took the time to read the full job description.

While the list of artist skills is much too long to include here, consider the following list of skills as a starting point:

• Communication skills
• Graphic design
• Collaboration
• Microsoft Office
• Social Media
• Adobe Photoshop

Notice that not all of the skills listed are artist-specific. Remember to include any relevant soft skills like communication and collaboration to show that you’re a great team member on top of being a great artist. Employers will want to know you can promote a positive work environment just as much as they want you to have impressive artistic abilities.

How to write work experience on an artist resume?

The work experience section of your resume is often the most important section. It is typically located below your personal profile and shows employers that you have experience in the field.

Most commonly, your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent job will be listed first. However, artist resumes can be a little different. While some artists hold conventional jobs, not everyone does. Your work history may include jobs and projects together to create a complete timeline.

Each listing on your work experience needs to have the following information:

• The last job title you had at the company
• The name and location of the company or project
• The date(s) of your employment
• A couple of bullet points that explain the relevant skills you used in the role

As we’ve mentioned before, you only want to include your relevant job history in your resume. There isn’t a need for you to mention the cashier job you had in college or other unrelated positions. You want to dedicate as much space as possible in your resume to the artistic skills you’ve earned in professional settings.

How to list education on an artist resume?

After your work experience is completed, you’ll move on to your education section. This is where you’ll detail any degrees or certificates you’ve earned in relation to your journey as an artist.

If you’ve been out of school for a long time and have an extensive skillset as an artist, you’ll want to keep your education history pretty concise. However, if you have little experience in the professional world, it’s a good idea to include any relevant extracurriculars, awards, or coursework you completed while in school.

Regardless of your experience level, your education history should include the following:

• The type of degree you’ve earned
• The name of the school you went to and its location
• The year you graduated (or your expected graduation date)

How to list achievements on an artist resume?

An artist resume is unique from other resumes because you will often want to include relevant achievements, awards, exhibitions, or publications your art has been in. If this is the case for you, you will want to include this information after your work and education experience.

Just like with your work and education experience, you will want to list these achievements in reverse chronological order, with the most recent achievements at the top. Depending on the type of achievement you’re listing, you’ll need to provide the right information.

Consider these tips when listing the different types of artistic achievements:

• Exhibitions: any exhibitions on your resume should include the date, type of exhibition, name of exhibition, and the gallery’s name and location.
• Awards: if you’ve earned relevant awards, include the year you earned the award, the name of the award, the organization that granted you the award, and where the award was given.
• Publications: If your art has been in any relevant publications, include the author’s name, the title of your piece, the title of the publication, the issue it was in, and the date of the publication. For these, follow CMOS formatting but still list publications in reverse chronological order, not alphabetically.

If you’re including more than one type of achievement in your resume, it’s best to keep each type in its own section for ultimate organization.

If you have all of your resume information, but you’re not sure how to format it, utilize our resume building tool . In just minutes, you’ll have a professional artist resume in a downloadable PDF. All you need to do is input your information and choose from one of our many layouts. Our resume builder will then create your resume for you.

Key takeaways on building professional artist resumes

It’s crucial to take time and develop the perfect artist resume before you begin applying for jobs. Having a master resume will allow you to keep track of all of your artistic experience, allowing you to choose the most relevant information for each position you apply for.

To ensure you’re including only relevant experience, read the job description fully to see what skills the employer is looking for. This will make it much easier for you to choose the right skills to showcase.

Remember the following key tips when crafting the information on your resume:

• Create a personal profile that catches the attention of potential employers with your most impressive and relevant artist experiences. The goal of your personal profile is to make the employer want to read the rest of your resume.
• Your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order and should showcase how you’ve utilized relevant skills in a professional setting.
• Include any relevant education you’ve earned, including both degrees and certifications that will make you stand out among applicants.
• Highlight both technical artist skills and soft skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This will show that you’re an experienced artist as well as a great team member.
• Include a separate section for any artistic achievements you want to highlight, including publications, awards, and exhibitions you’ve participated in.
• Consider using CVMaker’s resume builder to create a professional artist resume without the headache of formatting.

Following these top tips will help you create an attention-grabbing resume that will help you land your dream artist job.

Next Steps?

Are you still overwhelmed with the idea of creating your artist resume? Check out CVMaker’s resume writing service to get a tailor-made resume you can send to employers. Our expert team is ready to develop an optimized resume for you in just four days. No matter your comfort level in resume creation, CVMaker is here to help you have the best artist resume possible.

How long should your artist resume be?

The traditional resume should be no more than a page long. However, artist resumes are an exception to the rule. Due to the need to showcase artistic achievements, artist resumes can be anywhere from one to four pages long, depending on experience.

This doesn’t mean your resume has to be more than a page long. Remember, you only want to showcase relevant experience and skills when you send a job-specific resume to an employer. However, if you have a lot of relevant awards, published works, or exhibitions you’ve participated in, you should highlight them.

Your resume may fluctuate in length depending on the position you’re applying for, as well as your growing experience. As long as you don’t exceed four pages and all of your information is relevant to the job listed, you should be just fine.

How do you create an artist resume with little to no experience?

For those who have just graduated college or are just starting out in the artist field, creating a resume can feel extra intimidating. However, you can still create an impressive resume regardless of your experience level.

In your personal profile, you will want to format it to read like a job objective instead of focusing on professional achievements. While you can include any unique education experience you have, highlight what you’re hoping to gain from the position if hired.

Instead of putting your work experience at the top of your resume, put your education experience there. Include information about relevant coursework, awards, or extracurriculars you participated in to showcase the skills you earned while in school.

If you don’t have any professional work experience but you participated in an artist internship, you can replace the work experience section with an internship section. The internship information should be showcased in the same manner as work experience, highlighting the skills you focused on as an intern.

Should you include certain keywords in your artist resume?

Keyword optimization is important in many areas, and your artist resume is no different. You should include relevant keywords in your resume so it stands out to employers. However, the keywords you choose will vary depending on your niche and the position itself.

Once again, this is why reading the job description is important when building your resume. The description will give you an idea of skills the employer is looking for, which can help you determine what keywords to include in your resume.

While every job is different, here are some of the most common keywords seen in artist job descriptions:

• Illustration design

Find these words or other key skills in the job description and integrate the ones you possess into your resume to ensure the biggest impact.

Should your artist resume follow a certain format?

Our guide mentioned the sections to include in your resume as well as the recommended length. However, there are more elements that go into formatting than just that. Ensuring your resume follows a professional format will allow employers to have a positive impression when they review it.

When choosing the font for your resume, pick one that’s easy to read and is between sizes 10 and 12. This will allow you to include the most information possible while still being readable. You should also only utilize one or two colors on the page so it’s not too distracting - keep the variety of colors in your art.

Consider using bullet points and lists instead of paragraph form when describing skills and job duties. This makes your resume much easier to scan for relevant information, allowing the employer to spend less time trying to dissect the information on the page or look for the keywords you included.

Formatting can be overwhelming for some, but when you use the CVMaker resume builder tool , it will format your resume for you and give you a PDF to download and send out.

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• Artist Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Artist Resumes:

• Create original artwork for various projects, including but not limited to: illustrations, paintings, sculptures, and digital designs.
• Collaborate with other artists, designers, and clients to develop concepts and ideas for projects.
• Research and stay up-to-date on current trends and techniques in the art world.
• Attend art shows, exhibitions, and other events to network and showcase work.
• Manage and maintain a portfolio of work to showcase to potential clients and employers.
• Work with various mediums and tools, including but not limited to: paint, charcoal, clay, and digital software.
• Meet with clients to discuss project goals and provide progress updates.
• Manage time effectively to meet project deadlines and balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Develop and maintain relationships with art galleries and other potential outlets for selling artwork.
• Participate in art competitions and other opportunities to gain exposure and recognition.
• Continuously improve skills and techniques through practice and education.
• Collaborate with marketing and advertising teams to create visually appealing and effective campaigns.

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Artist Resume Example:

• Collaborated with a team of designers and developers to create a series of digital illustrations for a high-profile advertising campaign, resulting in a 25% increase in brand recognition and a 20% increase in sales.
• Developed a unique sculpture series that was showcased in a prominent art gallery, resulting in multiple sales and a 15% increase in commissions for the gallery.
• Managed a portfolio of over 50 pieces of artwork, resulting in multiple commissions and a 10% increase in overall revenue for the year.
• Successfully pitched and executed a large-scale mural project for a local community center, resulting in a 30% increase in community engagement and a 15% increase in donations.
• Collaborated with a team of artists to create a series of paintings for a corporate office, resulting in a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and a 10% increase in productivity.
• Developed a series of digital designs for a popular clothing brand, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales and a 15% increase in social media engagement.
• Created a series of sculptures for a public art installation, resulting in a 40% increase in foot traffic and a 20% increase in tourism revenue for the city.
• Collaborated with a team of artists to create a series of illustrations for a children's book, resulting in a 15% increase in book sales and a 10% increase in positive reviews.
• Developed a unique painting series that was showcased in a prominent art fair, resulting in multiple sales and a 10% increase in overall revenue for the year.
• Digital illustration
• Mural design and execution
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Project management
• Portfolio management
• Artistic concept development
• Public art installations
• Children's book illustration
• Digital design for apparel
• Branding and advertising
• Community engagement
• Art sales and promotion
• Social media engagement

Top Skills & Keywords for Artist Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Drawing and Sketching
• Digital Art and Design
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Video Production and Editing
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Color Theory and Composition
• Art History and Criticism

Soft Skills

• Creativity and Imagination
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Communication and Collaboration
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Self-Motivation and Discipline
• Openness to Feedback and Criticism
• Patience and Perseverance
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
• Continuous Learning and Improvement

Resume Action Verbs for Artists:

• Illustrated
• Conceptualized
• Collaborated
• Embellished

A Better Way to Build Your Resume

Resume FAQs for Artists:

How long should i make my artist resume, what is the best way to format a artist resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a artist resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a artist, compare your artist resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Artist job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Artists:

Concept artist, digital artist, fine artist, freelance artist, professional artist, storyboard artist, visual artist, web content manager.

Tim Walz career timeline: From high school teacher to Kamala Harris' vice-presidential pick

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday.

The Minnesota governor was selected by Harris to join the ticket over a short list of other contenders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro , Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly , Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg .

A former teacher, coach, veteran and member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Walz was elected as Minnesota's governor in 2018.

He is expected to be introduced as Harris' running mate at a campaign rally Tuesday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Here's what to know about Tim Walz.

Tim Walz is Kamala Harris' VP pick: Minnesota governor named running mate: Live updates

April 1964: Tim Walz born in West Point, Nebraska

Walz was born April 6, 1964 in West Point, Nebraska. The 60-year-old Minnesota governor grew up in Nebraska, graduating from Butte High School in 1982.

After high school, Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard, according to his Minnesota Governor bio.

He graduated with a bachelor of science in social science education from Chadron State College in 1989. He spent a year teaching abroad before he returned to the U.S. to serve full time in the National Guard, and worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach.

He graduated with a Master of Science in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2001.

1994: Tim and Gwen Walz marry

Walz married his wife, Gwen , in 1994. The couple has two children, Hope and Gus. The family lived in Mankato, Minnesota for nearly 20 years before moving to Saint Paul when he was elected governor.

Gwen Walz, whose maiden name is Whipple, was born in Glencoe, Minnesota and grew up in western Minnesota, according to her Minnesota First Lady website. She met Walz when she was an English teacher in Nebraska, and the couple moved to Mankato, Minnesota in 1996, where they both worked at Mankato West High School .

As teachers, the Walzs established a summer trip to China for their students, traveling there nearly every summer through 2003.

2004: Tim Walz gets involved in politics

Walz began his political career in by volunteering for John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat in 2007, beating the incumbent, Republican Gil Gutknecht.

He was reelected in 2008, again in 2010, and in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

2018: Tim Walz elected Minnesota Governor

Walz was elected as Minnesota's governor in 2018, running after former Gov. Mark Dayton announced he would not seek a third term. He won reelection in 2022.

College of Science

Driving smaller, faster and greener technology with quantum materials

Photos by Karl Maasdam

Physicist Ethan Minot and graduate student Brett Clark operate a machine to dry-transfer van der Waals materials. This process enables the precise peeling and stacking of single atomic layers, allowing researchers to create ultrathin, layered materials for advanced scientific exploration.

How often do you stop throughout your day to consider the miniaturized technology that powers your cell phone — a device many of us can’t live without?

As the components continue to shrink and become more powerful, the industry is keenly interested in identifying the next breakthrough material to revolutionize the field.

Physicist Ethan Minot and his lab are focused on exploring potential applications for a new category of materials that defy classical physics — quantum materials. Quantum materials offer endless possibilities including making technology smaller, more energy efficient and even faster. His lab not only uncovers new applications for these materials but also connects students with industry leaders, cementing career pathways with Oregon technology sector leaders like Intel.

“Working with the electronic and optical properties of new materials, to me it feels like a great endless process of finding new things out,” Minot said. “That’s why it’s so fun to stay in the field.”

Members of the Minot lab gather around the light source of the spectrally resolved photocurrent microscope, a tool used to measure a device's response to various wavelengths of light.

Thinner than a human hair

The Minot lab specializes in numerous nanoscale systems such as carbon nanotubes, graphene and two-dimensional semiconductors, the last of which resulted in an international collaboration with scientists in Finland.

“There are many quantum materials in our toolkit to play with, and our lab has pushed the envelope in carbon nanotubes, making devices where the nanotubes are longer, cleaner and with more information about their atomic structure,” Minot said.

Carbon nanotubes, nanoscale hollow tubes composed of carbon atoms, are more than 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. They have applications in automotive parts, electrical circuitry, supercapacitors, transistors, fuel cells, batteries and more.

Graphene, another promising tiny material, is made of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice.

Although the size is beneficial for keeping devices small, it makes both materials tricky to work with. The Minot Lab has worked to overcome this hurdle by using microscopy and lithography techniques to both see and interact with microscopic materials.

Another option for keeping technology small is layering ultra-thin materials on top of each other.

“In biblical times, we wrote by chipping into a stone block and you’d have to carry around a very heavy tablet,” Minot said. “Finally, we invented paper and now a book can have a thousand pages and we can carry it around easily.”

Currently, technology using silicon, one of the most widely used materials in the electronic industry, works similarly to a stone tablet. Circuits are engraved on the top surface, but the third dimension is not used.

By moving towards thin, stackable materials, researchers could add more “pages,” allowing devices to do more while also maintaining a small size.

“I think it’ll take a lot of effort for the industry to figure out how to make these books with so many pages, but it gives hope and promise to the whole field,” Minot said.

Minot’s work with two-dimensional semiconductors resulted in an international study published in Science in 2022. He collaborated with Aalto University in Finland to develop a powerful, ultra-tiny spectrometer that fits on a microchip and is operated using artificial intelligence. Spectrometers measure and analyze the properties of light, helping to identify the composition and characteristics of substances. Contributing to a field known as optical spectrometry, this device could improve everything from smartphone cameras to environmental monitoring.

The research involved two-dimensional semiconductors, a relatively new class of super thin materials that can control the flow of electricity, allowing them to serve as the foundation for many electronics.

Traditional spectrometers rely on bulky components, while the one Minot helped with could fit on the end of a human hair. The finished product doesn't require assembling separate optical and mechanical components or array designs to disperse and filter light. It can also achieve a high resolution compared to old methods and in a much smaller package. The device is 100% electrically controllable regarding the colors of light it absorbs, making it easily scalable and applicable to numerous fields.

Physicist Ethan Minot shows undergraduate students Ethan Hogan (left) and Miller Nelson (right) how to operate an electron beam evaporator. This machine evaporates metal onto samples, a crucial step in creating metal contacts for devices in the lab.

Launching careers with industry access and practical experience

There are tremendous advantages to researching new materials at Oregon State, including collaboration and industry pathways. The College of Science works closely with the College of Engineering and shares the facilities needed to build tiny devices. Minot, who works in a clean room on the Corvallis campus, looks forward to the anticipated Collaborative Innovation Complex clean room that will offer more space to study sensitive materials.

“The ecosystem in Oregon is a great place for doing this research as well,” he said. “The proximity to Intel has been both a great career pathway for my students and also donations of equipment and talking to industry professionals about where they see their technology going and what applications they’re looking for.”

Many graduate students have landed positions at Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon. Others have joined startups focusing on technologies like biotechnology or remote sensing, and some have continued working in research.

“I think in my lab you get exposed to, ‘What is it like to work in a clean room? What are some of the standard industry methods for checking if a transistor is working? What’s it like dealing with companies when you have to order things?’ These are skills that someone in the industry would want you to be able to do, but you are not going to learn them by taking a class,” Minot said.

"Students need to find out if they thrive in a laboratory environment."

Undergraduates also have the opportunity to leave their mark. One such student entered the lab as a first-year transfer student. He had completed a few physics classes but was more interested in how the instrumentation works and how things were automated for efficiency.

“He came in with a lot of enthusiasm and was able to learn just as fast as the graduate students about the hands-on aspects of doing experimental physics,” Minot said.

Students need foundational textbook knowledge, but they also need hands-on experience, something the College of Science prioritizes. There is no class that will make you instantly ready to join a lab, Minot said. As long as students are enthusiastic and come in with a drive to learn, he is happy to teach the other skills.

“Students need to find out if they thrive in a laboratory environment. The only way to find out if you should be a researcher is to try it,” he said. “‘Do you get joy from tackling problems that seem insolvable, and can you engage with the process and be patient?’”

The Minot Lab poses for a group picture. The lab includes both undegraduate and graduate students.

Shaping the future of technology

Thanks to pioneering research like that done by Minot and his lab, the future of technologies holds exciting possibilities. Imagine cell phones in the future with lower energy consumption, faster processing speeds and even sleeker designs. Minot’s work pushes the boundaries of what’s technically feasible while preparing the next generation of researchers. Next time you use a computer or cell phone, take a minute to appreciate the cutting-edge science driving these tools and the people behind them.

Read more stories about: faculty and staff , graduate students , students , physics , careers , materials science , research , facilities and instrumentation , innovation , mentorship , undergraduate research

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