A well-crafted visual artist resume is essential for showcasing your creative talent and landing opportunities in the industry. It should highlight artistic achievements, exhibitions, and skills in a way that captivates potential employers, galleries, or clients.

Whether you're looking for a residency, gallery representation, or a creative job, a strong resume can set you apart.

This guide will walk you through the key components of an effective document, providing tips and examples of good resumes to help you make a lasting impression.

Visual artist resume examples

Traditional visual artist resume sample

Traditional visual artist resume template

Traditional Visual Artist Resume
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Resume for traditional visual artist | Plain text

Name: Alice Thompson
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: alicethompson@gmail.com
Website/Portfolio: www.alicethompsonart.com

Objective

Passionate traditional visual artist specializing in oil painting and mixed media. Seeking to collaborate with art galleries in New York to showcase contemporary works that explore the intersection of abstract art and human emotion.

Skills

  • Oil Painting
  • Mixed Media
  • Portraiture
  • Drawing and Sketching
  • Art Restoration
  • Exhibition Installation
  • Color Theory
  • Sculpture
  • Life Drawing
  • Art Curation
  • Abstract Art Techniques

Experience

Freelance Artist | 2015 - Present

Self-employed | New York, NY

  • Create commissioned artwork for private collectors, including a series of portraits and abstract paintings, showcasing a deep exploration of human expression.
  • Participate in over 20 gallery exhibitions across New York City, exhibiting original oil paintings and mixed media works, with a focus on contemporary abstract themes.
  • Develop a reputation for capturing emotional depth in portraiture through mixed media, gaining recognition from art critics and collectors.
  • Collaborate with other artists on several joint exhibitions, contributing to the curation and setup of art shows.

Art Instructor | 2018 - 2020

Art House New York | New York, NY

  • Taught oil painting and drawing techniques to students of all ages, emphasizing the development of individual artistic styles and creative exploration.
  • Designed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum that encouraged creativity, skill development, and an understanding of color theory and composition.
  • Hosted live painting demonstrations at local art events, gaining attention from local art communities and art schools.
  • Mentored students individually, providing constructive feedback and guidance that helped them exhibit their works in local galleries.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

School of Visual Arts | New York, NY | 2014

Exhibitions

  • Reflections of the Soul – The Art Institute, New York, NY, 2023
  • Emotions on Canvas – Manhattan Art Gallery, New York, NY, 2021
  • Under the Surface – East Village Arts Center, New York, NY, 2019

Awards and Recognition

  • Best Contemporary Artist Award – New York City Art Expo, 2022
  • Artistic Excellence in Portraiture – New York Art Critic’s Choice, 2021
  • Best Mixed Media Exhibition – East Village Arts Festival, 2019

Strong sides of this artist resume example:

  • It includes detailed and relevant exhibition experience, showcasing active participation in the art world.
  • A well-organized portfolio block highlights specific awards and recognition, enhancing credibility in the community.
  • Clear, well-structured sections with easy-to-read formatting that emphasizes skills and experiences in a visually appealing way.
How to properly format a resume for a visual artist?
  • Font: Opt for classic options such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid ornate styles that could distract and create clutter.
  • Length: Limit your resume to one page if you have fewer than 10 years of experience. For seasoned artists, two pages may be appropriate to include more details.
  • Margins: Keep them at 1 inch on all sides. This helps your document remain neat and properly formatted when printed or viewed on different devices.
  • Spacing: Add single for the body and a blank line between blocks to improve readability for clearer separation.
  • Headers: Use bold headings for each section (e.g., Experience, Education, Skills) to guide recruiter through the content easily.

Tip to avoid formatting issues: consider trying an AI resume generator.

Resume Trick provides free resume templates specifically designed for artists, streamlining the writing process and preventing technical problems. They also ensure consistency and a professional layout across the entire document.

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Digital visual artist resume example

Sample Digital visual artist resume

Name: James Lee
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: jameslee@gmail.com
Website/Portfolio: www.jamesleeartworks.com

Objective

Creative and innovative digital visual artist with a strong focus on illustration and 3D modeling. Looking to collaborate with tech companies in San Francisco to design digital experiences that push the boundaries of interactive art.

Skills

  • Digital Illustration
  • 3D Modeling
  • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
  • 3D Rendering (Blender, Autodesk Maya)
  • Augmented Reality Design
  • Motion Graphics
  • Visual Storytelling
  • Digital Sculpting
  • UX/UI Design
  • Animation
  • Typography

Experience

Lead Digital Artist | 2020 - Present

Digital Artworks Studio | San Francisco, CA

  • Lead a team of designers to create interactive digital art installations for tech conferences and product launches, ensuring all artwork was in line with client branding and messaging.
  • Collaborate with tech companies like Meta and Apple on innovative AR projects, enhancing user engagement through immersive and visually stunning digital designs.
  • Create digital illustrations, animations, and visual assets for websites, advertisements, and mobile apps, helping companies visually communicate their message across various platforms.
  • Work directly with marketing teams to ensure that all digital artwork align with the client’s vision and are visually striking, increasing audience engagement and brand awareness.

Freelance Digital Artist | 2015 - 2020

Self-employed | San Francisco, CA

  • Designed digital illustrations and animations for a variety of corporate clients, including virtual event graphics, social media visuals, and promotional banners.
  • Produced 3D visualizations for architectural firms and game developers, improving presentations and visual communications for client projects.
  • Worked with various gaming companies to create characters, backgrounds, and assets for mobile games, contributing to high-quality interactive gaming experiences.
  • Provided ongoing consulting services on visual design, providing clients with expert guidance on effective use of digital art in marketing and branding.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

University of California, Berkeley, CA | 2015

Selected Projects

  • Augmented Reality Fashion Showcase – Apple Store, San Francisco, CA, 2023
  • Interactive Digital Mural – Meta HQ, Menlo Park, CA, 2022
  • 3D Character Design for Mobile Game – Indie Game Studios, San Francisco, CA, 2020

Client Testimonials

  • "James's digital designs completely transformed our event. His ability to capture the essence of our brand in digital form was beyond impressive." – Sarah Mitchell, Marketing Director at Meta
  • "A true visionary, James brought our 3D product designs to life with unparalleled skill and attention to detail." – Greg Williams, Lead Designer at Indie Game Studios

This example of an artist resume will impress HR, here's why:

  • It effectively blends technical skills with creative expertise, highlighting proficiency in multiple design tools and techniques.
  • Inclusion of notable projects and collaborations with well-known companies, providing a strong sense of industry relevance.
  • Clear and concise professional experience that demonstrates both leadership and hands-on involvement in cutting-edge digital art creation.
Should I choose a visual artist resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

  • This is best for artists with experience.
  • It provides an overview of your background, achievements, and artistic style in just a few sentences.

Visual artist resume summary sample:

Seasoned visual artist with over 10 years in painting and digital design. Known for blending traditional techniques with modern digital tools to create innovative art pieces exhibited worldwide.

Resume objective

  • Ideal for those new to the field or switching industries.
  • Focuses on what you hope to achieve in your next position.
  • It is more about future goals than past accomplishments.

Visual artist resume objective example:

Emerging artist seeking to expand my skills in graphic design and digital art within a creative studio environment. Passionate about producing innovative visual work for diverse projects.

How to showcase your visual artist resume skills?

The skills section provides a snapshot of your capabilities. This allows potential employers or clients to understand your qualifications and how you might contribute to a team or project.

  • Hard skills are specific competencies you’ve acquired through training, education, or experience. They can be clearly demonstrated or tested.
  • Soft skills relate to your personality traits and how you interact with others in a professional setting. They are often harder to quantify but are essential for success in creative environments.

Visual artist resume hard skills:

  • Oil painting
  • Digital illustration
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Photography
  • Graphic design
  • Video editing
  • 3D modeling
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Color theory

Soft skills for visual artist resume:

  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Project management

Photography visual artist resume template

Photography visual artist resume sample

Photographer Resume
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Resume for photography visual artist | Text version

Name: Emily Carter
Phone: (555) 321-7654
Email: emilycarter@gmail.com
Website/Portfolio: www.emilycarterphotos.com

Objective

Experienced photographer with a strong portfolio in portrait and event photography. Seeking to collaborate with fashion brands and magazines based in Los Angeles to bring a fresh perspective to editorial photography.

Skills

  • Portrait Photography
  • Event Photography
  • Studio Lighting
  • Photo Editing (Lightroom, Photoshop)
  • Fashion Photography
  • Visual Storytelling
  • High-Speed Photography
  • Conceptual Photography
  • Image Retouching
  • Commercial Photography
  • Color Correction

Experience

Freelance Photographer | 2016 - Present

Self-employed | Los Angeles, CA

  • Capture portraits for celebrities, fashion models, and corporate clients, consistently producing high-quality, engaging imagery that aligns with client vision.
  • Work on several high-profile events, including red carpet functions, gala dinners, and product launches, delivering compelling images for marketing and promotional materials.
  • Edit and retouch photos for various clients, ensuring professional results that met strict editorial standards and deadlines.
  • Develop and maintain long-term relationships with clients, resulting in recurring business and referrals.

Photographer for Vogue Magazine | 2020 - 2022

Vogue | Los Angeles, CA

  • Collaborated with fashion designers and stylists to capture editorial photoshoots for Vogue’s print and digital issues, featuring high-end fashion and innovative visual styles.
  • Led a team of photographers and assistants for large-scale photoshoots across multiple locations, managing logistics, lighting, and creative direction.
  • Developed creative concepts and visual themes, contributing ideas that were featured in notable publications, establishing a distinctive visual voice within the fashion industry.
  • Built a network of industry contacts, including designers, models, and influencers, helping to expand Vogue’s portfolio of diverse talents.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography

ArtCenter College of Design | Pasadena, CA | 2015

Selected Publications

  • Fashion Forward – Vogue Magazine, New York, NY, 2021
  • Portrait Series – Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA, 2020
  • Urban Culture Photography Exhibition – Getty Center, Los Angeles, CA, 2019

Professional Affiliations

  • Member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
  • Contributor to the Los Angeles Photography Collective (LAPC)
  • Official Photographer for LA Fashion Week

This sample artist resume is effective for several reasons:

  • The document showcases high-profile collaborations with prestigious brands like Vogue, demonstrating industry recognition.
  • A dedicated section for publications and professional affiliations adds depth and reinforces the credibility within the industry.
  • It presents a balanced mix of creative and computer skills, effectively catering to both artistic vision and technical expertise needed for photography roles.
What education credentials should I add to my visual artist resume?

This section highlights your academic background, providing context for your skills and expertise. It serves to show you have formal training or additional knowledge relevant to the field.

  • State your highest degree or any relevant certificates, such as a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts or a diploma in Graphic Design.
  • Add online courses and workshops that contributed to your artistic development.
  • Mention any honors or awards you received during your education.
How to organize the experience section in a artist resume?
  • List your work history in reverse chronological order, with the most recent roles listed first.
  • Include exhibitions, commissions, collaborations, and art residencies.
  • Describe the medium used, the type of project, and any recognition you received.
  • Where possible, quantify your achievements (e.g., number of works displayed, awards won).
  • If you’ve worked with notable clients or prestigious galleries, mention them for added credibility.

Conclusion

Your visual artist resume should be a reflection of your creativity, experience, and unique voice.

By organizing your information clearly, showcasing your best work, and tailoring your application to each opportunity, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive art world.

Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, a polished document can open doors to new opportunities and help you achieve your goals.

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