Artist Resume Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Marlo Enfinger
(090) 123-4567
[email protected]
3232 N 1st Street, Paramus, NJ 07602
Profile
Creative, hard-working Graphic Designer with over one year of experience and a solid foundation in Graphic Design and Computer Graphics. Able to complete projects efficiently and accurately with passion, whether independently or as part of a professional graphic design team.
Key Skills
- Strong artistic and technical prowess
- Deep knowledge of aesthetic design concepts and layout fundamentals
- Expertise in XML, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, PHP
- Working familiarity with Flash, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Education
Associate of Applied Science – Graphic Design and Computer Graphics
Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ, August 2016 – May 2018
- Served as Vice President of graphic design club for three semesters
- Spoke on student panel about graphic design to high school upperclassmen at Paramus High School
- Collaborated with Portfolio Presentation class team on digital exhibit “Paramus for All of Us” shown at Gallery Bergen, Paramus, NJ
- Courses completed:
- History of Graphic Design
- Two-Dimensional Design
- Drawing Fundamentals
- Computer 2D Illustration
- Computer 2D Animation I
- Computer Imaging
- Computer Layout
- Computer Graphic Web Developer
- Letterform and Type
- Graphic Design I & II
- Portfolio Presentation
Professional Experience
Junior Graphic Designer, Bernard Nickels & Associates, Fair Lawn, NJ
January 2019 – present
- Create and present inspiration and trend boards
- Assist with the design and implementation of displays and packaging
- Design visual assets for eCommerce sites
- Manage artwork and production timelines for products in development
- Handle multiple projects regularly with a laser focus on project requirements and timelines
Patricia Lawless
(211)700-0000
[email protected]
590 Penny Lane, Duluth, GA 30096
Profile
Skilled, forward-thinking painter and photographer with over six years of related work experience and a strong portfolio of exhibitions and academic achievement.
Professional Experience
Freelance Artist, Self-Employed, Duluth, GA
October 2018 – Present
- Design and develop paintings for clients according to specifications
- Produce stylized photos for two client websites
- Collaborate with two local art galleries to develop and fit art installations throughout their buildings
Adult and Kid Paint & Craft Instructor, KidzArt, Duluth, GA
March 2018 – March 2020
- Led classes with energy and clarity
- Executed high-quality acrylic and oil paintings in various painting styles and mediums
- Encouraged creativity and a fun, mistake-free atmosphere
CG Painter, Tippett Studio, Berkeley, CA
September 2013 – January 2018
- Created and applied textures as directed by the Art Director or paint lead
- Created and maintained texture maps and command files
- Participated on teams determining design solutions
Education
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
Key Skills
- Watercolor, Oils, Acrylics, Gouache
- Scenic art creation
- Photography
- Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, and Illustrator
- Familiarity with VFX pipelines, Linux, RenderMan, and Katana
- Attention to detail
- Time management and multi-tasking
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Anna Barn
(123)-456-7890
[email protected]
123 High Street, Columbus, OH 12345
Profile
Artist specializing in visual communication with over ten years’ experience in professional practice and facilitating learning. Ability to creatively communicate ideas through sculpture, computer-aided design, and mixed media with a basic knowledge of photography. An active artist who regularly exhibits across the U.S. with a work portfolio that can be viewed upon request. Possesses passion and expertise in teaching with the ability to motivate and encourage others.
Professional Experience
Art Director and Educational Manager, Kansas Art Center, Lawrence, KS
May 2017 – Present
- Assume overall responsibility for the art center’s educational programs
- Plan and deliver community classes for kids and adults
- Design and hang artwork
- Exhibit mixed media art installations at the art center
Art Assistant, Kansas Art Center, Lawrence, KS
Jan 2008 – May 2017
- Assisted in the delivery of art classes
- Worked with groups and individual students
- Prepared art materials
Exhibitions throughout the U.S.
May 2012 – Present
- Exhibit work at galleries and art exhibitions throughout the U.S.
- Take part in group and solo shows
Education
Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art, Department of Visual Art
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, September 2007- May 2011
Key Skills
- Strong verbal and communications skills
- Creative
- Organizational and lesson planning
- Computer-aided design work
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Motivating and encouraging others
Certifications
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) 2009
Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Artist Resumes
In today’s world, you’re not just applying to the hiring manager. Often, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used to sort through thousands of resumes and identify qualified job candidates. When the ATS scans a resume, it looks for particular keywords and phrases that indicate you have the necessary skills and experience. This kind of technology certainly helps the hiring manager narrow down the list of potential applicants, but it also means that the more relevant keywords you include in your resume, the more likely you’ll be shortlisted for the job.
Key Skills & Proficiencies: | |
---|---|
Adobe Creative Suite | Autodesk Motion Builder |
Animation | Blender |
Branding | Character modeling |
Communication skills | Creativity |
Design | Editing |
Exhibit/Exhibition | Fine Art |
Gallery | Gaming |
Graphic design | Image editing |
Landscapes | Layout |
Mixed-media | Multimedia |
Painting | Photography |
Portfolio | Sketching |
Video games |
Action Verbs: | |
---|---|
Analyze | Assist |
Build | Conceptualize |
Create | Curate |
Demonstrate | Design |
Draft | Evaluate |
Form | Generate |
Improve | Innovate |
Instruct | Manage |
Motivate | Produce |
Promote | Publish |
Redesign | Refine |
Report | Shape |
Structure |
Tips for Writing a Better Artist Resume
Emphasize your education for a career as an artist
While your creativity and artistic talent may come naturally, employers are interested in learning how you’ve advanced your skillset and abilities through higher education. A degree in the arts highlights your ability to achieve goals and follow a plan of action. Beyond just listing the name of your school, location, graduating year, and degree, describe any relevant accomplishments and coursework specific to the job for which you’re applying.
Example #1
Good
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustrative Design
Rhode Island School of Design, RI, 2014-2018
- Led the winning team in an animation competition for a children’s video game
- Pursued an independent study regarding the impact of the arts in human psychology
- Founded a support group utilizing artistic expression to improve student anxiety and mental health
Bad
BA from Rhode Island School of Design, 2018
- Maintained Dean’s List status after freshman year
Example #2
Good
Master of Fine Arts
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 2018-2020
- Designed and curated a gallery display of contemporary artists from around the world for a school art festival
- Traveled to France for a year to study the history of classical French painters
- Finished the program with a thesis in contemporary gallery design
Bad
Masters, USC, 2020
- Graduated with honors
Highlight your artistic skills and technical knowledge
Becoming a professional artist in the modern era requires specific technical skills and experience. Depending on the job you’re applying for, there are many ways to emphasize your specific skills and abilities. Pro tip: Evaluate the job description closely and include any experience with the software applications necessary for that particular role.
Example #1
Good
Experienced in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
Bad
Adobe Creative Suite
Example #2
Good
Creates high-quality animations in both Autodesk and Blender.
Bad
Autodesk & Blender
How to Align Your Resume with the Job Description
The primary goal for hiring managers is to find candidates that meet specific needs for the open position. So, as you’re reading the various job descriptions in your field, you’ll want to notice and highlight individual skills, traits, and experiences that apply to you. Your resume will practically jump off the desk for the right role by emphasizing these particular keywords and abilities.
Although you can use content from a previous resume for dates and specifics, it’s always a good idea to customize your resume for each specific application. Start with comparing your experience and knowledge to the company’s job description. By paying attention to the job description, you can mold your resume into precisely what the hiring manager needs and put yourself on a fast-track to a shortlist of interviewees.
Example Animation Artist Job Description
ABC, Inc, a leading video game production company, is seeking highly qualified individuals for the role of Animator within our firm. Our animators create original content focused on the education and entertainment of school-age children (6-13). We are looking for innovative, talented designers who can work well in a team environment, take direction, and communicate proficiently for critical animation projects with short lead times.
Responsibilities include:
- Conceptualizing various characters, fictitious scenes, and backgrounds, as well as other animation elements as assigned
- Producing storyboards
- Designing props, character wardrobes, and personality traits
- Work with audio technicians to sync the timing and pace of motion in the animation
- Collaborating with other team members such as writers, voice-over artists, and photographers
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts, with Game Design, Development or Animation preferred
- 4-5 years of creative experience in a commercial environment
- Preference is given to those with a background in childhood education and/or human psychology
- Proficient with a variety of digital animation applications, including Autodesk, Adobe Creative Suite, or Blender
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure and accomplish tasks with short deadlines
Based on this job description, we can assume the ideal job applicants should have these qualifications and experience:
- Conceptualization of creative elements
- Design experience
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Computers skills
- Team-Oriented
- Child Education or Human Psychology
Now that you’ve extracted all the keywords from the original job description, use these topics to assure the employer that you have the experience and skills to fill their needs.
Artist Work Experience Example
Junior Animator
XYZ Animations, November 2016-Present
- Worked with a team of animators, writers, and audio technicians to design a mathematical children’s gaming app for smartphones
- Completed all animation design elements with time to spare using programs such as Adobe Creative Suite and Blender
- Collaborated closely with the project manager by providing weekly status reports and attending all daily standup meetings