how to write an artistic resume

8 Artist Resume Examples & Writing Guide

Need help creating an artist resume that gets noticed? Our guide provides writing tips and 8 example resumes for painters, sculptors, illustrators and more. Learn how to effectively highlight your artistic skills, experience and achievements. Follow our advice to make your resume stand out to employers and clients, and improve your chances of landing opportunities.

A great resume is essential for every artist pursuing new opportunities. Whether applying for exhibitions, residencies, grants or gallery representation, your resume makes a critical first impression. It provides an overview of your artistic background, skills and accomplishments to help decision-makers quickly assess if you're a good fit.

However, artist resumes are a bit different than standard business resumes. They need to effectively summarize your creative work and experience within a concise, visually compelling format. What should you include in your artist resume? How do you organize and design it for maximum impact?

This guide provides 8 professional artist resume examples along with proven tips for writing and formatting your own. Discover how to structure your resume, what sections to feature, and ways to powerfully market your unique artistic qualifications. Follow these strategies to create a resume that grabs attention and sets you apart. Soon you'll have a stellar artist resume ready to send out and land exciting new art opportunities.

Common Responsibilities Listed on Artist Resumes

• Creating original artwork using various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, or digital art
• Researching and developing concepts, styles, and techniques for new artistic projects
• Preparing and setting up materials, canvases, or workspaces for artistic creation
• Participating in art exhibitions, galleries, or shows to showcase and sell artwork
• Collaborating with clients, art directors, or curators to understand project requirements
• Maintaining a portfolio of completed works to present to potential clients or employers
• Marketing and promoting artwork through social media, websites, or networking events
• Staying current with trends, techniques, and developments in the art world

How to write a Resume Summary

The notion of extracting your vast array of experiences and talents into a concise summary or objective section may seem daunting or even insignificant to you as an artist. You might ask, "Why limit my expansive creativity into a few sentences?" It's beneficial to remember that this section serves as a spotlight on a stage, highlighting your key attributes to all who glance upon it.

The summary or objective section capacitates you to communicate a well-defined message about your professional self. It's a encapsulation of who you are as a professional artist, what you bring to the table, and how you can foster aesthetic beauty and affective impact with your artistic talent.

Weaved skillfully, it directs the reader (often the recruiter or your prospective employer) to appreciate your unique artistic pursuit and understand how it aligns with the opportunity at hand. It's an opportunity to showcase your authenticity, narrate your professional story and convey your career aspirations. This is the introduction to your professional self, setting the tone before diving into the more detailed information about your skills, experiences, and achievements.

Having clarity on three aspects would suffice to shape a robust objective: your expertise, your aspiration, and the value you bring. Let's delve into these aspects:

Your Expertise: Your expertise communicates your understanding and skills in your artistic domain. It encompasses your knowledge and talents that enable you to produce great art.

Your Aspiration: This statement demonstrates the direction you wish your career to take. It provides insight into the kind of opportunities, challenges, and growth you're looking forward to unlocking.

Your Value Proposition: Express what sets you apart from your fellow artists. It involves demonstrating the unique approach or perspective you bring to your craft and the resultant benefits.

While wording this section, keep it concise but expressive. Employ a vibrant, professional tone that resonates with your artistic nature. Simplified language can communicate your message effectively without loss of meaning or authenticity. Tempered use of artsy, technical jargon may ensure appreciation from those familiar with artistry while keeping it comprehensible for others.

Yet, do remember not to oversell. Maintain a balance of humility and confidence. Assert your artistic talents, experiences and visions without sounding boastful or desperate. Make it influential, not imposing.

Remember, just like a piece of art, there is no right or wrong way to create this summary or objective. Make it a reflection of you as an artist - unique, expressive, and impactful. By doing so, you are making your resume more than just a ‘piece of paper’, making it echo with your professional voice, and allowing it to reverberate through the corridors of your prospective career ventures.

Surely, the next stroke of your brush would be taking this dive into concisely portraying your professional panorama - just like how you do it on your canvas.

Strong Summaries

• Accomplished visual artist with more than a decade of experience in creating stunning, realistic oil paintings. Specializes in portraiture and landscape work, demonstrating superior technical skills and artistic vision.
• Versatile multimedia artist, skilled in traditional drawing, digital arts, and sculpture. Exhibited internationally, having a creative approach to ideas and divergent design solutions.
• Highly creative and multitalented 3D artist with extensive experience in multimedia, marketing, and print design. Exceptional collaborative and interpersonal skills with well-developed written and verbal communication abilities.
• Artistic professional with a focus on surrealistic styles and a penchant for color theory. Holds an MFA degree, with work displayed in solo and group exhibitions in top art galleries across the country.
• Globally recognized graffiti artist, known for creating large-scale public murals. My work encourages social interaction while also challenging viewers to contemplate issues like climate change and social justice.

Why these are strong ?

These examples are good because each one highlights the artist's unique artistic style, their extensive experience in their field, and their accomplishments like exhibitions. Using rich descriptive words showcases their personality as an artist. Through different focuses and achievements in the summary, it clearly directs to differentiating skills or unique selling points to stand out from others. Furthermore, these summaries also provide a glimpse of their engagement with the community or society, displaying a strong professional image.

Weak Summaries

• I am an artist who draws stuff and things. I make paintings, drawings, and sometimes sculptures.
• I am an artist looking for work. I am good at art and have been doing it for some time now, just looking for someone to recognize my talent.
• I am not a professional artist but I believe that my style is unique and appealing to many. I am determined to get my artworks to the customers.
• I'm a painter and I can draw. I have sold some paintings but I'm hoping to sell more.
• I know how to paint, draw, and create other artistic works. I am working to become better every day.

Why these are weak ?

These are bad examples for a number of reasons: Firstly, they give no real, substantial information about the artist. Their techniques, experiences, specialties, or styles aren't mentioned. They are vague and do not shed light on the artist's expertise or distinctive characteristics which make them stand out from competitors. Secondly, professional confidence is absent, phrases like 'I am not a professional artist' or 'I believe' show lack of confidence and self-assuredness which are unattractive for potential employers or customers. Lastly, there is no mention of any past experiences, achievements or influences which are important for insights into their works or credibility. An effective professional summary should include all these aspects, structured coherently.

Showcase your Work Experience

At the heart of any substantial resume sits the Work Experience section. For the vast majority of potential employers, this is the part they pay most attention to. It details the skills you've acquired, the roles you've performed, and the impact you've had in your professional journey. This section tells your story, connects the dots, and reveals much more about you, than just a list of jobs you had. As an Artist, creating an engaging Work Experience section can be uniquely challenging. Let's delve into how to convey your story without losing its vibrancy and authenticity.

Understanding the Significance

The Work Experience section is not merely a catalogue of roles you held; it's a showcase of your professional growth and accomplishments. It paints a picture of your adaptability, ambition, and commitment. Particularly as an Artist, it's a chance to let the various projects and roles you've had shine, demonstrating your creative process, innovation and the range of your skills.

Key Elements to Include

The job title, company name, and dates of employment are essential. However, rather than mere job descriptions, shift your focus to illustrating your accomplishments, impacts, or the skills gained. For art-related roles, these can be professional works, exhibitions, or commissions. Highlight your creativity and individual style while aligning it with the requirements of the role you're aiming to secure.

Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.

Honing The Structure

Start with the most recent role and work backwards chronologically. For each role, provide a brief overview and delve into specific achievements. These could be successful projects, recognition, positive feedback, or skills mastered. Use dynamic but simple language, lay it out clearly and succinctly.

Freelance and Collaborative work

As an Artist, you may have freelanced assignments, involving unique creative collaboration efforts. These deserve a special mention. Highlight your ability to work and create independently, exhibit your visionary thinking and ability to execute your artistic projects.

Strikes a Balance

While you want to articulate your achievements, avoid an exaggerated tone or superfluous language. Stick to the point, maintain a simple, reader-friendly language. The aim is to ensure whoever reads your resume picks up a truthful, comprehensive understanding of your artistic career, capably making you a fitting choice.

As an Artist, think of your work experience section as a composition—a piece you are creating that, in harmony with the other sections, tells a story of growth, success, challenge, and learning. Like any masterpiece, it takes time, reflection, and a great deal of 'editing' to get it just right. And remember, each stroke of the brush has to serve the grand picture you are painting.

Strong Experiences

• Designed and executed original, hand-illustrated logos for "Art Fusion Festival" contributing to an increase in festival brand recognition.
• Collaborated with an art team of 5 to create thematic concepts for large-scale installations for nationwide art exhibitions.
• Led workshops on abstract painting techniques that increased community engagement by 30%.
• Curated and managed art shows, including contract negotiations, artist liaison, and venue coordination.
• Developed digital and print marketing materials, including event invitations and exhibition catalogs.
• Awarded 'Artist of the Year' by the Regional Art Council in 2020.

These examples are good as they are specific and demonstrate achievements and responsibilities in the Artist field. They highlight important art-related skills: design ability, teamwork, workshop leading, curation, contract negotiation, marketing materials creation, and recognition in the field. Employers look for concrete examples showing what an applicant has actually achieved rather than just listing general responsibilities.

Weak Experiences

• Worked on various art projects.
• Responsible for artistic tasks.
• In charge of canvases and paints.
• Participant in brainstorming sessions.
• Worked on team for some time.

The above mentioned points are considered as bad examples because they are vague, generic and do not convey the specifics of the tasks the artist has performed during their work experience. Art is a highly creative and diverse field, and those reviewing resumes need to understand the specific skill sets and experiences of the candidate. Points such as 'Worked on various art projects', 'Responsible for artistic tasks' do not give any insight into what kind of projects were handled and what artistic tasks were performed. The recruiters would be interested to know the specifics, for example what kind of art style is the individual proficient in or what kind and extent of an art project did they handle. Vague bullet points can put off a recruiter as it shows lack of attention to detail from the candidate's side.

Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips

As an artist, both your hard and soft skills play crucial roles in presenting your capabilities to potential employers. These skills help to paint a complete picture of you as a creative professional.

Hard Skills in an Artist Resume

Hard skills refer to the technical abilities or knowledge you need to perform your job. For an artist, these can include skills like using software for graphic design, your knowledge of artistic techniques, and your ability to create or understand certain forms of art. Demonstrating these skills on your resume specifically shows that you have the technical know-how that the job requires.

Soft Skills in an Artist Resume

On the other hand, there are soft skills. These relate more to your personal traits and work ethic. As an artist, relevant soft skills might be creativity, patience, observation, time management, or the ability to work under pressure. Despite not being specifically job-related, these skills supplement your hard skills and present you as a balanced and adaptable professional.

Keywords, ATS and Matching Skills

Now let's discuss the relationship between keywords, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and matching skills. An ATS is a software tool that helps employers handle job applications. It can screen resumes, eliminating those that don't fit the job's requirements, based on certain 'keywords'. These keywords typically include skills, qualifications or experiences that a company is looking for in a potential employee.

So, when you're writing your resume, it's really important to include these keywords. This will help your resume pass through an ATS and catch a potential employer's attention. That's why, when you're examining a job description, you need to pay special attention to keywords that match your skills. These keywords should be integrated reasonably and naturally into your resume in order to maximize your chances of moving on to the next step of the hiring process.

Remember, your resume represents you. So, make sure it showcases both your hard and soft skills as an artist. Plus, don't forget to include those job-related keywords and match them with your skills. With a well-composed resume in hand, your journey to your dream job will be smoother.

Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers

Hard skills.

• Illustration
• Graphic Design
• Digital Art
• Printmaking
• Color Theory
• Composition
• Visual Communication
• Photography
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Storyboarding

Soft Skills

• Imagination
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Open-mindedness
• Flexibility
• Stress Management
• Self-Motivation
• Artistic Sensitivity

Top Action Verbs

Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.

• Illustrated
• Conceptualized
• Collaborated
• Communicated
• Problem-solved
• Photographed
• Storyboarded
• Experimented
• Interpreted
• Implemented
• Transformed

Education & Certifications

Including your educational background and any certifications on your resume is a crucial step, especially as an artist, to justify your skill set and proficiency. Start with a dedicated 'Education' section, listing your qualifications starting from the most recent one. Include the name of the institution, the degree or certificate received, and the years attended. For certificates tied to specific skills, it's effective to list these in a 'Skills' or 'Certifications' section. This way, your artistic talents and formal training are clearly showcased to potential employers.

Some of the most important certifications for Artists

Certification for proficiency in Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Certification for proficiency in Autodesk software such as Maya, 3ds Max, and AutoCAD.

Certification for proficiency in Cinema 4D software for 3D modeling and animation.

Certification for proficiency in Toon Boom Harmony for 2D animation.

Resume FAQs for Artists

What is the ideal format for an artist resume.

The ideal format for an artist resume is a combination of a chronological and functional format. This allows you to highlight your artistic skills and achievements, while also providing a clear timeline of your professional experience.

How long should an artist resume be?

An artist resume should typically be one page in length, unless you have extensive experience or a significant number of exhibitions and awards to include. In that case, it can be two pages, but no longer.

What type of information should be included in an artist resume?

An artist resume should include your contact information, a professional summary or objective statement, a list of your artistic skills and techniques, your exhibition history, awards and honors, any relevant work experience, and your education.

How can I make my artist resume stand out?

To make your artist resume stand out, focus on highlighting your unique artistic style and vision, as well as any notable achievements or exhibitions. Use descriptive language to convey the essence of your work, and consider including a link to your online portfolio or website.

Should I include my artistic philosophy or statement in my resume?

While it's not necessary to include your entire artistic philosophy or statement in your resume, you can include a brief summary or highlight key elements that reflect your artistic approach and vision. This can help provide context for your work and make your resume more compelling.

As an Artist, you breathe life into canvases, sculpting emotions into tangible form. Your role? Unleash creativity, master techniques, and captivate audiences with your visionary artworks. For resumes, curate a striking portfolio showcasing your unique style. Highlight artistic education and quantify triumphs like exhibitions or pieces sold. Above all, tailor each resume to the opportunity, accentuating skills that align with the role's vision.

Multidisciplinary artist with a passion for creating thought-provoking and emotionally resonant works across various mediums. Skilled in traditional and digital art techniques, with a keen eye for composition, color, and storytelling. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams to bring artistic visions to life, while consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.

• Spearheaded the development of a new visual style for the studio, resulting in a 30% increase in client acquisition.
• Managed a team of 5 artists, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure the delivery of high-quality artwork.
• Collaborated with clients to create bespoke artwork for advertising campaigns, exhibitions, and publications.
• Implemented a streamlined workflow process, reducing project turnaround time by 20%.
• Contributed to the studio's social media strategy, increasing follower engagement by 40%.
• Created illustrations for a diverse range of clients, including book publishers, magazines, and advertising agencies.
• Developed a unique illustration style that became highly sought after, resulting in a 50% increase in commissions.
• Collaborated with writers and art directors to create visually compelling narratives.
• Consistently delivered high-quality work within tight deadlines, maintaining a 95% client satisfaction rate.
• Expanded professional network through active participation in industry events and online communities.
• Assisted in the curation and installation of monthly exhibitions, ensuring a seamless visitor experience.
• Managed gallery inventory and sales, contributing to a 15% increase in revenue.
• Conducted research on featured artists and artworks, creating engaging content for gallery publications and tours.
• Provided exceptional customer service, building strong relationships with collectors and artists.
• Supported the gallery director in administrative tasks, including budget management and event planning.
• Oil painting
• Acrylic painting
• Digital illustration
• Graphic design
• Art direction
• Concept development
• Color theory
• Visual storytelling
• Project management

A freelance artist crafts custom artwork for a variety of clients and projects, breathing life into creative visions. When penning your resume, curate a captivating portfolio exhibiting diverse styles and mediums. Accentuate your artistic skills, technical prowess with relevant software, and any awards or exhibitions that validate your talents. Quantify relevant experience and education to substantiate your qualifications. Ensure a visually-appealing, well-formatted resume that reflects your eye for design. Above all, let your passion for art shine through to leave a lasting impression.

Evelyn Jennings is a creative and versatile freelance artist with over 8 years of experience in various art mediums, including digital illustration, graphic design, and traditional painting. Her unique style and ability to adapt to client needs have earned her a reputation as a reliable and talented artist in the industry.

• Created high-quality digital illustrations for clients in various industries, including publishing, advertising, and gaming
• Collaborated with art directors and clients to develop concepts and deliver artwork that met their specific requirements
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction
• Continuously expanded skill set and stayed up-to-date with the latest industry trends and techniques
• Built a strong portfolio and client base through networking and effective marketing strategies
• Designed logos, brochures, and other marketing materials for a diverse range of clients
• Collaborated with the creative team to develop and execute design concepts that aligned with client objectives
• Prepared and delivered design presentations to clients, incorporating their feedback and revisions
• Assisted with the development of brand guidelines and ensured consistency across all design projects
• Contributed to the agency's success by delivering high-quality work and fostering positive client relationships
• Taught various art classes, including drawing, painting, and digital art, to students of all ages and skill levels
• Developed engaging lesson plans and provided individualized guidance to help students improve their techniques and express their creativity
• Organized and promoted art exhibitions to showcase student work and raise the studio's profile in the local community
• Managed inventory and supplies, ensuring the studio was well-stocked and maintained
• Received consistently positive feedback from students and parents for creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment
• Traditional painting
• Clip Studio Paint
• Character design
• Print production
• Art instruction

A fine artist creates original artwork using various mediums like painting, sculpture or photography. Their resume should highlight formal art education, exhibitions or awards showcasing their work, mediums and artistic styles. Relevant experiences like teaching art classes or gallery internships are assets. Discuss your artistic background and vision concisely with a visually-appealing layout.

Imaginative and dynamic fine artist with a passion for exploring the boundaries of creative expression. Skilled in a wide range of media and techniques, from traditional painting and drawing to contemporary digital art and installations. Recognized for thought-provoking and emotionally resonant works that challenge perceptions and inspire dialogue. Committed to pushing the frontiers of art and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape.

• Developed and executed a series of large-scale, site-specific installations exploring themes of identity and belonging
• Collaborated with a diverse team of artists, curators, and community members to create inclusive and engaging programming
• Conducted workshops and artist talks to promote public engagement with contemporary art practices
• Received critical acclaim for a solo exhibition showcasing a powerful new body of work
• Secured grant funding to support ongoing research and experimentation with innovative materials and techniques
• Designed and taught a range of studio art courses for adults and youth, focusing on painting, drawing, and mixed media
• Developed curriculum and lesson plans to foster technical skill development and creative problem-solving
• Mentored emerging artists through one-on-one critiques and portfolio reviews
• Curated student exhibitions and coordinated public programs to showcase their work
• Collaborated with museum educators to integrate studio art practices into interpretive programming
• Provided technical and administrative support to internationally renowned artists in a fast-paced gallery setting
• Prepared materials, maintained equipment, and managed inventory for multiple studio spaces
• Assisted with the production and installation of complex artworks for exhibitions and art fairs
• Coordinated shipping and logistics for artworks traveling to museums and collectors worldwide
• Gained in-depth knowledge of contemporary art market practices and built relationships with key industry professionals
• Installation art
• Digital art
• Art history
• Studio management
• Art handling
• Exhibition design
• Public speaking
• Grant writing

A storyboard artist breathes life into scripts by skillfully visualizing scenes through illustrations that guide the creative vision. To craft an impressive resume, highlight your artistic talents, relevant education/training, and experience working on creative projects. Emphasize your ability to visually communicate narratives, collaborate with teams, and proficiency in industry software. Make your resume stand out by including links to an online portfolio showcasing your best storyboard samples. Quantify achievements like the number of projects you've contributed to or accolades received. Demonstrate your unique perspective and passion for storytelling through visuals.

Innovative and imaginative Storyboard Artist with a proven track record of bringing scripts to life through compelling visuals. Known for collaborating closely with directors, producers, and writers to develop storyboards that effectively convey the desired mood, tone, and pacing of each scene. Adept at working under tight deadlines while maintaining a keen eye for detail and consistency.

• Led the storyboarding team for a highly anticipated animated feature film, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally engaging final product.
• Collaborated with the director and writers to develop and refine the film's narrative, ensuring that each scene effectively conveyed the desired emotions and plot points.
• Mentored junior storyboard artists, providing guidance and feedback to help them improve their skills and contribute to the overall success of the project.
• Introduced innovative storyboarding techniques that streamlined the production process and reduced costs by 15%.
• Received a studio award for outstanding contributions to the film's success.
• Created storyboards for multiple episodes of popular animated series, consistently meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high quality standards.
• Worked closely with directors and writers to interpret scripts and develop visually engaging scenes that effectively conveyed the desired tone and pacing.
• Contributed ideas and suggestions during story meetings, helping to shape the direction of episodes and improve overall storytelling.
• Developed a reputation for creating storyboards that required minimal revisions, saving time and resources during the production process.
• Participated in cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration between departments and timely completion of projects.
• Provided storyboarding services for a diverse range of clients, including independent filmmakers, advertising agencies, and educational institutions.
• Demonstrated exceptional adaptability and communication skills, successfully interpreting client briefs and delivering storyboards that exceeded expectations.
• Developed a strong professional network through consistent delivery of high-quality work and positive client referrals.
• Created storyboards for a crowdfunded animated short film that went on to receive critical acclaim at international film festivals.
• Continuously updated skills and knowledge of industry trends to provide clients with cutting-edge storyboarding solutions.
• Visual Storytelling
• Sketching and Drawing
• Storyboarding Software (Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop)
• Composition and Framing
• Cinematography
• Script Analysis and Interpretation
• Collaborative Problem Solving
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Time Management and Deadlines
• Creativity and Imagination
• Strong Communication Skills
• Ability to Give and Receive Constructive Feedback
• Knowledge of Animation Principles
• Passion for Storytelling and Visual Arts

Visual artists breathe life into concepts through their imaginative use of mediums like paint, clay, and digital tools. Their role involves conceptualizing captivating ideas and skillfully transforming them into evocative visual masterpieces that inspire and provoke thought. When crafting a resume, showcase your artistic prowess by highlighting notable exhibitions, awards, and a link to your online portfolio. Emphasize your artistic vision, technical abilities, and commitment to continuous creativity and growth within the allocated word count.

Highly creative and versatile Visual Artist with a passion for crafting captivating and thought-provoking artworks across various mediums. Skilled in traditional and digital art techniques, consistently delivering innovative and impactful visual solutions. Adept at collaborating with clients and team members to bring artistic visions to life. Committed to pushing creative boundaries and making a lasting impression on audiences.

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of visual elements for high-profile client projects, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate.
• Developed and implemented innovative art styles and techniques, enhancing the studio's creative output and attracting a 30% increase in new clients.
• Mentored and guided a team of 5 junior artists, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Created a series of large-scale murals for public spaces, garnering widespread public acclaim and media coverage.
• Designed and illustrated a best-selling graphic novel, achieving sales of over 100,000 copies within the first month of release.
• Developed visually stunning concept art and illustrations for various entertainment industry projects, including feature films, TV shows, and video games.
• Collaborated closely with art directors and production teams to ensure visual consistency and alignment with project goals.
• Created a series of digital paintings that were featured in a prominent international art exhibition, receiving critical acclaim.
• Designed and produced a range of merchandise items featuring original artwork, generating over $50,000 in revenue.
• Conducted workshops and tutorials on digital painting techniques, empowering aspiring artists to refine their skills.
• Provided high-quality visual art services to a diverse range of clients, including book publishers, advertising agencies, and individual collectors.
• Developed a strong portfolio showcasing various art styles and techniques, attracting a steady stream of freelance projects.
• Created a series of commissioned portraits that consistently exceeded client expectations and resulted in a 90% referral rate.
• Designed and illustrated a collection of book covers for a bestselling author, contributing to increased sales and visibility.
• Maintained a strong online presence through social media and a professional website, building a dedicated following of over 50,000 fans and potential clients.
• Traditional drawing and painting
• Concept art development
• Color theory and composition
• Environment design
• 3D modeling and texturing
• Motion graphics
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Collaboration and communication

A concept artist is a visionary creative responsible for translating abstract ideas into vivid visual designs for films, video games, and other multimedia projects. Their role involves conceptualizing characters, environments, and storyboards that bring narrative concepts to life. When crafting a resume for this role, it's crucial to showcase an exceptional portfolio that demonstrates your artistic prowess, imagination, and mastery of digital art tools. Highlight your formal training, technical skills, and any experience working within creative teams to visualize and refine concepts through multiple iterations.

Visionary Concept Artist with a passion for bringing imaginative worlds to life. Skilled in leveraging digital art tools to create captivating characters, environments, and props that immerse audiences in compelling narratives. Excels at collaborating with cross-functional teams to align artistic vision with project goals and deliver high-quality visual assets on tight deadlines.

• Led the concept art team for a new AAA game title, delivering over 200 high-quality character, environment, and prop designs that received praise from the creative director and executive team.
• Collaborated closely with the game design and narrative teams to ensure concept art aligned with gameplay mechanics and storytelling, resulting in a cohesive and immersive player experience.
• Mentored and provided art direction to a team of 5 junior concept artists, fostering their skills development and ensuring consistent quality across all visual assets.
• Created detailed style guides and asset libraries that improved workflow efficiency and enabled the 3D modeling team to accurately translate 2D concepts into game-ready assets.
• Participated in regular art reviews and critiques, providing constructive feedback to team members and identifying areas for improvement and iteration.
• Developed concept art for characters, environments, vehicles, and weapons for the critically acclaimed game Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
• Collaborated with the art director to establish the visual style and aesthetic of the game, ensuring consistency across all concept art assets.
• Created detailed turnarounds, orthographic views, and color palettes for characters and props, providing clear references for 3D modelers and texture artists.
• Participated in brainstorming sessions with the creative team to generate ideas for new game features, locations, and storylines.
• Assisted in the creation of marketing and promotional materials, including key art, character renders, and environmental shots.
• Created concept art for characters, creatures, and props for the game Dragon Age: Inquisition, contributing to the game's award-winning visual design.
• Collaborated with senior concept artists to develop and refine art assets, ensuring consistency with the established art style and game lore.
• Assisted in the creation of storyboards and keyframes for cutscenes and cinematics, working closely with the animation team.
• Participated in regular art critiques and reviews, receiving feedback from senior artists and the art director to improve skills and techniques.
• Maintained organized project files and asset libraries, ensuring easy access and version control for the art team.
• Character Design
• Environment Design
• Prop Design
• Digital Painting
• 3D Modeling (Basic)
• Illustrator
• PaintTool SAI
• Zbrush (Basic)

Digital Artists leverage creative vision and technical skills to produce compelling visual designs and illustrations using digital tools. This role involves conceptualizing artistic ideas, manipulating images and graphics, and designing digital art assets for various media. When crafting a resume, clearly format relevant experience such as graphic design or animation projects. Highlight technical expertise with software like Adobe Creative Cloud. Maintain an online portfolio showcasing your best work. Most importantly, tailor your resume's content to the specific Digital Artist role you're pursuing.

Innovative Digital Artist with a passion for creating captivating visual experiences. Adept at leveraging cutting-edge technologies to develop immersive digital environments and characters. Proven track record of delivering high-quality projects for top-tier entertainment and gaming companies. Collaborative team player with strong communication skills and a keen eye for detail.

• Led the digital art team in creating stunning visual assets for the popular game League of Legends, resulting in a 20% increase in player engagement.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative art styles and techniques, enhancing the overall visual quality of the game.
• Mentored junior artists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
• Developed a streamlined workflow for asset creation, reducing production time by 25% while maintaining high quality standards.
• Created highly detailed and expressive character designs, environments, and visual effects that received widespread acclaim from players and industry professionals.
• Contributed to the creation of photorealistic digital environments and characters for major Hollywood blockbusters, including Star Wars and Marvel films.
• Developed and implemented advanced texturing and lighting techniques to enhance the realism and visual impact of digital assets.
• Collaborated with VFX supervisors and art directors to ensure that digital assets met the creative vision and technical requirements of each project.
• Optimized digital assets for performance and efficiency, ensuring smooth integration into complex VFX pipelines.
• Participated in research and development initiatives to explore new technologies and techniques for digital art creation.
• Created high-quality 3D models, textures, and animations for AAA video game titles, including Assassin's Creed and Watch Dogs.
• Collaborated with game designers and programmers to ensure that 3D assets were optimized for performance and seamlessly integrated into game engines.
• Developed and maintained 3D art pipelines and workflows, streamlining production processes and improving efficiency.
• Participated in art direction meetings and provided creative input to shape the visual style and direction of game projects.
• Mentored and trained junior 3D artists, helping to develop their skills and foster a positive team environment.
• 3D Modeling
• Visual Effects
• Substance Painter
• Unreal Engine
• Real-time Rendering

A professional artist conceptualizes and creates original artworks across mediums like painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. They may work freelance or for clients. For the resume, highlight your artistic style through an online portfolio showcasing your best works. Detail formal art education, exhibitions/awards, proficiency with various mediums, and any relevant experience.

Highly creative and versatile professional artist with a passion for crafting visually stunning and thought-provoking works across various media. Skilled in traditional and digital art techniques, with a keen eye for composition, color, and detail. Adept at collaborating with clients and team members to bring artistic visions to life, consistently delivering projects on time and exceeding expectations. Dedicated to continuous learning and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

• Spearheaded the development of a new visual style for the studio's flagship project, resulting in a 30% increase in client satisfaction and a 20% boost in project efficiency.
• Mentored and guided a team of 5 junior artists, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment that improved overall team performance by 25%.
• Created a series of large-scale murals for high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 companies and public institutions, consistently receiving praise for the artworks' impact and visual appeal.
• Developed and implemented innovative digital art techniques that streamlined the studio's workflow, reducing project timelines by 15% on average.
• Represented the studio at industry events and exhibitions, establishing valuable connections and securing new business opportunities that contributed to a 20% growth in annual revenue.
• Collaborated with a diverse range of clients, including book publishers, magazines, and advertising agencies, to create compelling illustrations that effectively communicated their desired messages.
• Developed a strong personal brand and online presence, attracting a steady stream of clients and maintaining a 95% client retention rate.
• Created a series of illustrations for a best-selling children's book, contributing to its success and earning recognition from industry professionals.
• Designed and illustrated a series of collectible art prints that sold out within 48 hours of release, demonstrating a strong understanding of market demand and trends.
• Continuously expanded skill set and adapted to new technologies, ensuring the ability to deliver high-quality work across various media and styles.
• Designed visually striking and user-friendly interfaces for web and mobile applications, contributing to a 25% increase in user engagement and client satisfaction.
• Created a cohesive and impactful visual identity for a national non-profit organization, helping to raise brand awareness and support for their cause.
• Collaborated closely with the marketing team to develop compelling visual content for social media campaigns, resulting in a 40% increase in followers and a 60% boost in engagement rates.
• Streamlined the design process by creating and maintaining a library of reusable design assets, reducing project turnaround times by 20% on average.
• Participated in regular design critiques and workshops, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the design team.
• Concept art
• Visual development
• Matte painting
• Collaborative problem-solving

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Artist resume example & writing guide

Choosing the right resume format for an artist

Include your contact information, make use of a summary, outline your artist work experience: a portrait of success, include the relevant key skills that make you a great artist, detail your education & relevant artist certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for an artist resume, what type of salary you can expect in art.

An artist resume is the companion piece to an eye-catching portfolio. Why does an artist need a resume? Because you are more than a compilation of your best work. A thrown-together resume that’s barely an afterthought shows that you’re unwilling to go the extra mile.

A great artist resume, however, shows an art director you can work within job constraints with clarity of vision, versatility and flexibility.

You may be toiling away in obscurity, waiting for someone to hail your talents. Along with your artistic ability, you need the talent to sell yourself to a prospective employer or patron. That’s where your resume comes in. It represents you like an agent in the eyes of the art director, so you need to grab their attention fast.

Resume guide for an artist resume

Success comes to those who take advantage of the tools at hand. Resume.io’s guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder takes you through the process of building a compelling document with ease.

This resume guide and corresponding artist resume example will cover the following:

How to write an artist resume

• How to add your contact information
• Artfully using summaries
• Adding your artistic experience
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the art market looks like and what salary you can expect

You wouldn’t get started on a commission without knowing the specs. The first information you need for your artist resume is what sections to include. Your resume should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

When you seek a new job, you’re, of course marketing your artistic talents. But you’re also selling the soft skills that make you a desirable person to work with. Your portfolio provides art directors with your style, the types of projects you have completed and the media in which you work. Your resume provides your unique value add : the details of why those projects were successes and how you contributed beyond being the comics colorist or graphic renderer.

To create a dynamic sales pitch within your resume, stick to these guidelines:

• Showcase accomplishments , not tasks. Did you make a suggestion about the look of a website that drove user engagement? Did a gallery exhibit of your work sell out? Were you the brains behind the color scheme of a successful marketing campaign? Detail these in your resume.
• Each art project requires unique talents and vision; therefore, each resume needs to point out how your unique talents and vision fit the bill.
• You're an artist. Show that off in your resume, but remember that design follows function. Clarity and functionality take precedence over artiness.
• If you want the art director to see your portfolio when you apply online, make sure you get past the ATS filter by using appropriate keywords and phrases.

Craft an ATS-friendly resume

The ATS, or applicant tracking system, scans and ranks resumes based on a number of factors including relevant keywords and phrases. The top ranking applications pass through to be viewed by a person.

To increase your chances, review the suggestions below:

An ad for a 3D artist lists:

• “Experience in video game design”
• “Expertise in 3ds Max and V-Ray”
• “Proficient in SketchUp”
• “Understanding of model optimization“
• “Artistic eye for lighting and composition”

Your summary could target the job description, for example, by writing:

“Video game designer with keen eye for lighting and composition. Expert at designing using 3ds Max and V-Ray and applying SketchUp. Understanding of model optimization to eliminate lag time. Sales of $1.5 million for fantasy story game.”

Artist’s careers are often not as linear as more traditional fields. You may have had a succession of full-time work, a series of contract positions or commissions, or a mix. The type of career you have put together will determine the format of your artist resume.

The best format for those who have mostly had full-time work is reverse chronological reverse chronological order . In this format, your goal is to tell the story of your career working backwards from your most recent position. Go back no further than 10-15 years and show an increase in expertise, breadth of skills or leadership and mentoring.

This may not suit an artist who works with a gallery, takes on contract work or applies for commissions. In these cases, a more flexible design, such as a functional format , will allow for a more nonlinear style to ensure your best work gets the attention it deserves. 

Our resume builder provides many options for each format. You can see what completed designs look like in our resume examples .

Every person in a career that requires networking has a handful of business cards at the ready. As an artist, you’re no different. The header of your artist resume is your application business card. It showcases your artistic talent in an easy-to-read and professional format.

Here’s what to include:

• Full name & title . List your first and last name. Use the title of the role you are pursuing. Try not to fall back on “artist.” Mimic the exact title from the job description.
• Professional email address . Use a clean format like [email protected] . Don’t use a quirky, unprofessional email address.
• Phone number . List a number where you can be readily contacted, with a professional voicemail greeting.
• Location . List only your city and state . Don’t list street address or zip code. It’s both outdated and unsafe. Note 'Willing to Relocate' here if applicable.
• Portfolio. You can link directly to your artistic work when using your resume builder.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth . Not necessary and could potentially lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details . Marital status, social security number, passport number , etc.

Jacinta Jessica

Comic Artist

[email protected]

(212) 595-8837

Brooklyn, NY

www.JacintaJ.com

Gen Z Comic Artist

Even if a prospective client has seen your art, you need to sell them on your process. Although the temperamental artist cliche exists for a reason, that’s not the image you want to project. Use the  summary to sell how easy you’ll be to work with.

Do you make deadlines? Are you open to suggestions or is your art sacred? Can you capture any personality in one photo? Highlight these aspects of your work personality along with your proudest achievement in these 2-3 sentences.

Action verbs make for more dynamic reading so use the thesaurus if you need inspiration or start with words such as paint, render, visualize, design or conceptualize. Back them up with a description of your artistic results. 

Recognize that your portfolio speaks louder than verbal descriptions of your work and you don’t need to repeat the details from your employment history. Instead, focus on your artistic philosophy, influences or why this project is a great fit for your vision.

 As an artist, the way you view the world and process the input of others may be just as important to an employer as examples of your work. Portray yourself honestly, but with an eye toward what the project requires and what the hiring manager wants.

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes:

• Photographer resume example
• Visual artist resume sample
• Tattoo artist resume example
• Costume designer resume sample
• Illustrator resume example

You can find adaptable artist resume summary examples below:

Creative art school graduate with a fresh perspective and keen interest in multimedia presentation. Strong foundation in art history and theory and proficient in full Adobe software suite. Eager to apply my aesthetic vision and computer skills to collaborative projects.

Versatile visual artist with four years of experience in multiple mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital design. Created all visuals for rebranding of financial services product leading to 13% uptick in user engagement on website. Invited to show sculpture at “Five Artists to Watch” gallery exhibition.

Seasoned art studio manager with extensive background in art history. Proficient at managing schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure efficient workflow and project completion. Team leader who fosters collaborative and creative environment to stimulate unique visual looks for clients ranging from retail to music studios.

Whether you begin with your latest job or most impressive art, keep focus on achievements directly related to the position you want. It’s great that you designed a concert poster, but how does that make you the right person to create an installation in the park?

You can either work chronologically, by listing each employer, your title, location and dates of your tenure or for a project-based approach, choose the recent projects that best illustrate why you’re the right artist for this next job. Start each bullet item off with an action you took, followed by the results you achieved. Refer your reader to the exact work within your portfolio as you mention it.

We understand you're a visual person, and may not be a wordsmith, but creativity counts here. The bland descriptions below don’t express what you did that another artist could not.

• Colorized comic book.
• Rendered 3D model of custom-designed home.
• Exhibited paintings at New York art gallery.

These generic items sound as though they were taken from the job ad. Each step of the way, you are sculpting the image of your dynamic achievements in a manner that compels the art director to call you in for an interview.

Instead, open a window into your process and how it improved the overall package. Here are rewritten versions of the items above:

• Designed color palette of neo-noir supervillain comic book that became bestseller.
• Interpreted architect’s blueprint into fully realized 3D model of Craftsman style bungalow home.
• Sold $230,000 during first night of solo exhibit of paintings and sculptures at New York gallery.

Take a look at the artist employment history resume sample below:

Freelance Artist, Los Angeles  June 2018 - Present 

• Create commissioned artwork for private collectors, businesses, and public spaces
• Develop and execute artistic concepts from ideation to final product, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to project requirements
• Collaborate with other artists, galleries, and community organizations on exhibitions, murals, and public art installations
• Maintain an active online presence, showcasing portfolio and engaging with potential clients and followers

Gallery Assistant at Bergamot Station Arts Center, Santa Monica  August 2016 - May 2018 

• Assisted in the curation and installation of exhibitions, ensuring proper handling and display of artwork
• Provided administrative support, including managing inventory, sales, and client communications
• Conducted research on featured artists and artwork, contributing to the development of exhibition catalogs and promotional materials
• Facilitated educational workshops and tours, engaging with visitors and promoting the gallery's mission and artists

Skills for an artist resume can be split into expertise you have in different media and your technical know-how, or hard skills , and interpersonal attributes, or soft skills . Your skills sections should consist of the blend of the two that best illustrates you as a whole.

Depending on the media in which you work, your hard skills may simply be those required to accurately recreate items in a drawing: expertise in perspective, proportion, balance, orientation, symmetry. You may also be proficient in photo enhancement and manipulation or have graphic design application expertise. 

Soft skills such as customer service (after all the client is your customer), communication skills , adaptability and time management all play a role in the success of a project. Also consider critical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail and ability to accept constructive criticism.

Choose from among the skills mentioned in the job ad. List only those in which you can honestly say you are proficient or expert, unless it is a skill mentioned as “nice to have” and you can show that you are willing to continue learning.

The resume builder offers suggestions you can choose from and includes the ability to set your proficiency range in each. If your skills are not listed, you can type them in.

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our artist resume template. 

Key Skills and Proficiencies

Let’s review for a second: The point of a resume for an artist is to sell the skills that you can’t show solely through your portfolio. The best way to do that is to include them throughout the document, and not just in your skills section. For example:

• Time management can be demonstrated through a detail about how you made a tight deadline.
• Adaptability comes into play in a description of a project whose goals or specs changed.
• Communication and customer service are key components to understanding what a client wants and their satisfaction with your creation.

Mine the job description for a clear understanding of which skills the employer finds most important and focus on those.

You may be self-taught, have a graphic design degree, or even a Masters in Fine Art. Whatever level of education you have completed, list all your degrees, with major and minor, in the education section of your artist resume, in reverse chronological order. 

An artist’s education may come in many forms. All of these are valid entries in this section, especially if they demonstrate expertise in an area related to the job for which you are applying. Consider:

• Courses or certifications . Technology, technique or art history class, workshop or webinar related to your art career.
• Internships . If you worked in a marketing department, alongside an artist or anywhere else where you developed art skills, list that here.
• Professional development . Creative art groups, photography clubs, any organization that tells employers you’re skill improving your craft and listening to the ideas of others.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting and Drawing, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Valencia  August 2012 - May 2016

You understand visual first impressions well. That’s your bread and butter. You know how to engage viewers and create a visual flow through your work. You’re also used to the fact that if your art doesn’t capture the audience’s attention, you’ve failed, so you design accordingly. 

Apply the same principles to your resume. Since you have excellent credentials in the field, we won’t presume to give you design ideas, but keep in mind that the goals of an artist resume are different from the goals of an art project. Clarity and ease of navigation vie with memorability here.

You do need to show off your creativity, but make sure that when you do, you’ve maintained strong, separate sections, prominent contact information and modern, clean fonts . Don’t allow your use of color to detract from the content of your resume.

Take a look at our creative layouts for ideas and remember that resumes require formatting and detail work you may not want to bother with.

Our resume templates (along with the resume builder ) will provide an outline and take care of the technical details so you can get your resume out there faster.

Artist text-only resume example

Creative and passionate artist with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse techniques and styles. Experienced in creating thought-provoking and visually appealing artwork across various media, including painting, sculpture, and digital art. Dedicated to continuous growth and exploration of new artistic concepts and collaborations. Committed to using art as a means of self-expression and engaging with the community.

Employment history

• Oil painting, acrylic painting, and watercolor
• Sculpture and installation art
• Digital art and graphic design
• Art history and theory
• Project management and collaboration
• Social media marketing and online portfolio management
• Adobe Creative Suite

Artist job market and outlook

Art is a broad category that makes it difficult to predict your future opportunities. For example, the market for special effects artists and animators is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade, while the graphic design market growth is projected to be 3%.

Careers for those with art degrees include: art gallery manager, art teacher, animator, concept artist, graphic designer, museum curator, exhibition designer, video game designer, illustrator, photographer or interior designer.

Crafts and fine art professionals earn a median income of $53,140 per year, graphic designers earned $57,990, while special effects artists and animators earned close to 6 figures: $98,950 per year.

Key takeaways for building a artist resume

Yes, a portfolio is a must for any artist, but so is a resume. An artist resume fills in the outline by describing your artistic philosophy, work style and professional demeanor. Soft skills and your artistic values can make all the difference to an employer.

A resume also illustrates how the work in your portfolio came about and whether the work was a success according to your employer or client.

Resume.io’s resources can help you create a winning application package in no time!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

• 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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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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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

Download This Resume Example

Create your professional resume now

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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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 Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples

How To Write an Artist Resume

• Resume Text Examples

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.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

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”
• 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

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
• Create innovative custom artwork and character designs for a clothing company featuring franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and DC
• 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]
• Art Portfolio: www.marloenfingerpaintings.com

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.

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.

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

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
• 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

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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Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

Graphic Design Resume Examples and Templates

Illustrator Resume Examples and Templates

Photographer Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Add Study Abroad Experience to Your Resume Learn More
• How To Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More
• How To List Your Education on a Resume Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

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 🙂

Click Here!

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

[…] your Artist CV? Check out these online resources: How to Write an Artist’s CV in 10 Steps How to Write an Artist’s CV When You Don’t Have Much Professional Experience —- Artwork by Andre […]

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.

[…] You might be an emerging artist, fresh out of school, or a late-comer to the art world with little to show for yet. In this case, take a look at this page. […]

[…] ou un tard venu au monde des arts avec peu à montrer. Dans ce cas, jetez un coup-d’œil à cette page. (article en […]

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. 🙂

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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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How to Write a Resume: The Only Resume Guide You’ll Need in 2024

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 16 min read

Your resume is arguably the most important document you'll create during a job search. So taking the time to learn how to write a resume properly can make a job hunt much quicker and easier.  

What would otherwise take you hours of hard work and research can be done in a few minutes. All you have to do is follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to write the perfect resume. 

In the end, a good resume gives you a chance to make a great first impression and ultimately decide if you'll be invited for an interview. 

What makes a great resume?

• Clear division of resume sections
• Prioritizing relevant information
• Tailored for a specific position
• Typo-free and well-written
• Usage of bullet points

There's more to it, though.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a resume?

Before you start writing your resume, how to write a resume, step 1: choose the right resume format, step 2: add contact information and personal details, step 3: begin with your professional summary, step 4: list relevant work experience, step 5: summarize your education , step 6: highlight your soft and hard skills , step 7: add optional resume sections.

• Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter 

Final tips before you click “Send”

Let's cover the basics first. Before we learn how to write a good resume, we should know what a resume even is. 

The word resume comes from French, meaning “summary” . This is the perfect word because that’s exactly what a resume is: a short, straight-to-the-point summary that details your professional achievements, skills, qualifications, education, work experience, and past employers. It's also known as a curriculum vitae (CV) .

The aim of a resume is to get invited to a job interview . It should aim to convince an employer that you're a good fit for the job. 

Because of that, your resume should be adjusted and tailored to each job vacancy.

TL;DR Here's a step-by-step video guide on how to write a professional resume in 2024

If you’re already familiar with what should be on your resume and just want a quick and informative recap, or if your time is limited, just check out our 5-minute step-by-step video guide .

Before we move on to how to write a resume, we recommend setting a few minutes aside for research. These few minutes can save you hours of frustration and ultimately make your job search that much easier.

Here’s what we recommend to research before you write your resume: 

• Research the company, specifically the “About Us” page. This is a great place to search for keywords you can use in your resume or cover letter. What are their mission statement and their values?
• Research the position you’ll be applying for. Great resumes are tailored to a specific job opening. You can do this by asking these three questions as you go through the job post: “ What are the essential keywords? What adjectives, nouns, and phrases occur repeatedly? What language does the company use?”
• Discover your strong points , as this will make it easier to pinpoint the qualities you want to highlight in your resume. Ask people around you: “What are my skills and abilities, and what are my weaknesses?” Also, look at your past accomplishments. What were the skills and abilities that helped you succeed in the past?

Another way of preparing for writing your resume is by looking at these well-researched, specifically tailored, and properly formatted resume examples in our database. You can even filter them by your job title.

Not enough time?

Let your resume write itself. All you’ll have left to do is edit the draft.

We'll walk you through nine essential steps to help you create a standout resume.

Different resume formats cater to different types of job seekers, depending on the experience level and career goals. The  three most commonly used  resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid).

Your resume should include your contact/personal information right at the top, in a so-called resume header. A resume header is  more than just your name and contact details . Depending on your career path, there's a lot more that can (and should) be included in this section. To find out what to include, what to skip, and how to format it keep on reading.

A professional summary (also called resume profile or resume summary) is a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume.

This is the most important section of your resume. You need to include key information like : names of companies, locations, job titles, positions held, dates of employment, responsibilities you've had. Then: - list the jobs in reverse-chronological order - write in bullet points - include your quantifiable achievements - avoid buzzwords - use action verbs and keywords from the job description

The education summary section, though important, varies in significance based on your career stage . As an experienced professional, prioritize work history and skills, placing education after. Keep it concise, including university, degree, and graduation year.

Skills fall into two categories: hard and soft. 1. Hard skills are teachable and measurable, acquired through training, and include computer proficiency, language abilities, project management, etc. 2. Soft skills , linked to personality traits, can enhance both work and personal life, encompassing communication, leadership, and time management, among others.

These can include: achievements and awards, certifications and licences, language skills, publications, references, hobbies, social media, volunteering, or custom sections.

A good cover letter should answer the following questions: 1. Who are you?  2. Why are you interested in working for their company? 3. Why are you the best fit for the job opening? 4. How can you enrich their company?

In the following chapters, we look at each step in more detail and give you helpful tips and examples.

Once you know what the company and job require and you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, you should be ready to pick the right resume format.  

Make this choice depending on the stage of your career: 

• Are you a seasoned professional ? Then you should pick a resume format that emphasizes your experience.
• Are you a fresh graduate? Then your resume should highlight any transferable skills you’ve acquired during your studies.
• Are you changing careers? Then a combination of the two will produce the best results.

Pick the best option for your career from the three dominant resume formats that are in use today:

• Chronological resume format. Probably the best choice for experienced professionals. Lists the candidate’s jobs and accomplishments in chronological order. Main resume section : Work Experience.
• Functional resume format. Great for fresh graduates, IT professionals, or other skill-based professions. Emphasizes skills instead of experience. Main resume section: Skills.
• Combined resume format . A combination of the previous two.

Let's take a look at what these resume formats look like in practice:

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format, combined resume format.

The resume format you choose will determine how you organize the information on your resume. It will also attract attention to some things and away from others. 

Take time to understand your strengths and weaknesses and choose accordingly.

You want the recruiter to read the strongest and most relevant parts of your resume at the start. For more, check out a guide on how to choose the right resume format .

Your contact/personal information should always be at the top of your resume in a so-called resume header .

Compared to the other resume sections, filling in the contact information section may seem super easy. That's until you start asking more questions.

Should you put your address on the resume? How to include social media , and should you? And what about the date of birth? 

Well, let’s see: 

• Name. Absolutely necessary. Put your first name first and surname last. Middle name is optional.
• Title. Optional. If you’re applying for a position in a traditional or specialized field, it's good to add your Ph.D., MBA, or other titles to it.
• Email address. Absolutely necessary, even when you’re sending your application by email. Your email address should look professional (e.g. [email protected] , NOT [email protected] ). Always use your personal email address, not the email address with the domain of your current employer. 
• Home address. Somewhat problematic. Your neighborhood can say a lot about you in some cases, disclosing living in a certain area can lead to discrimination. On the other hand, if you’re located in the same city as the company, it may help you to get the job, as it saves the company that they'd have to spend on a relocation package (of course, only if the job isn't remote).
• Phone number. Necessary. Many employers will call you by phone to arrange an interview, instead of doing it by email.
• LinkedIn. Recommended. And if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, consider creating one. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
• Social media. Optional. Include it only if it’s related to your job. GitHub, Behance, and even your Facebook or Instagram profile will do (if you regularly post content that has to do with your profession). Here are a few tips on how to include your social media . 
• Blog/website. Optional. Similar to social media. If you have a blog , website, or digital portfolio related to your chosen profession, don’t be afraid to show it off.
• Photo. Problematic. It depends on the country. In most English-speaking countries, they don’t add a photo. See this guide to know if you should put a picture on your resume .

Your professional summary should be a list of about 4-5 bullet points or a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

You can think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume. Make sure it’s interesting enough to hook the hiring manager right in.

But how do you write a good professional summary?

• Write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy to do if you’ve already finished other sections of your resume.
• The first bullet point should describe your professional title. Don’t forget to add the number of years of experience. Write it in bold if the number is especially impressive.
• Pick the most impressive parts of your resume and rewrite them into snappy bullet points. Tease your potential employer into reading further.
• Pack your professional summary with relevant keywords. Think of ATS. This will help you get through automated pre-screenings.
• Quantify every achievement if possible. This will make you look even more professional. 
• Tie every bullet point to the requirements introduced in the job offer.

If you do everything right, you should end up with something like this:

The work experience section is what most people picture when they think “resume” .

The trick is to focus on your past achievements , not your responsibilities. 

Hiring managers are likely to know what your responsibilities were supposed to be. In most cases, your job title says it all.

If you want to stand out, you should tell them how you excelled in your previous job instead. 

And there’s hardly a more effective way to do that than by mentioning your achievements.

But how do you list your work experience on a resume?

• Put your work experience section in the right spot. If you can boast a lot of professional experience, put your work experience section right under your resume summary. If you don’t have enough experience yet, put it just below your education section. Finally, if you prefer to highlight your skills instead of experience, put your skills section first.
• Give it a proper heading. Keep it simple and stick to “Work Experience” or “Employment History” as other headings might not be understood by applicant tracking systems (ATS) .
• List your jobs in reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent experience and work your way back from there. Based on your level of experience, decide how far back should your resume go .
• Don’t include the job description. Instead of listing what you were supposed to do, try to tell your potential employers what positive results you had.
• Write in past tense. This will help you focus on your past achievements instead of responsibilities. It also sounds better.
• Show your problem-solving skills. In the end, hiring managers want to know how effective you’re going to be in solving real problems. There’s no better way to show your problem-solving ability than to briefly describe how you solved difficult problems in the past. Follow the PAR scheme: What was the (P)roblem? What (A)ction did you take? What was the (R)esult?
• Quantify results. Hiring managers love measurable results. Because of that, a single number often speaks more than a thousand words. Don’t say that you “increased the company’s revenue significantly.” Instead, don’t be afraid to brag about “increasing the company’s revenue by 20%.”
• Use bullet points. Bullet points help you structure each subsection. Try to limit yourself to about 5 bullets per job.
• Avoid buzzwords. People used some phrases in their resumes so much, these words have become meaningless. Everybody seems to be an out-of-the-box creative thinker with a knack for innovation nowadays. But in reality, only very few people really are those things. See what other 10 buzzwords you should stop using on your resume
• Use action verbs . Unlike buzzwords, action verbs carry the weight you need to persuade an employer to hire you. Just to mention a few, these are words like “developed” , “increased” , “facilitated” and others. For more action verbs, check out our resume cheat sheet .
• Keywords. Reread the job description and carefully pick the most important keywords. These are the words that best describe the position you’re applying for, and that will attract the attention of the ATS system. 

In the end, your work experience section should look a bit like this:

The education summary section is where you list your degrees and relevant academic accomplishments.

Based on your degree and where you're in your career, it can be either the least or the most important part of your resume.

Are you an experienced professional?

Once you become more experienced, the education section takes a back seat to your work history and hard skills.

In other words, your education section should come after your work experience section, not the other way around. It also shouldn't be too long. For instance, your grades are no longer relevant.  

It’s enough if you include the name of your university, the name of your degree, and the year you graduated.

Here’s an example:

Are you a fresh graduate?

Then your degree is still one of the strongest cards you have to play.

In practical terms, it means that you should place your education section at the top of your resume — right between your professional summary and work experience section.

It should also be a bit longer. 

These are the things you should add to your education section if you’re a student or a fresh graduate:

• Academic awards. AP scholar, Duke of Edinburgh award, National Merit Award, President’s Award, school subject-based awards, dean’s list, etc.
• Scholarships. Athletic scholarships, scholarships for women, creative scholarships, etc.
• Academic conferences and symposia. Don’t forget to mention the scope and name of the paper you presented at a conference.
• Relevant student societies. Debating or programming clubs. If you were on a student committee of any kind, mention that too.
• GPA. Only include your GPA if it was higher than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If your overall GPA was lower, mention your overall GPA. Alternatively, mention your summa cum laude or magna cum laude .
• Academic publications. Producing an academic work worth publishing is impressive no matter the context.

In the end, your education section can look like this:

Before you start writing, you should know there are two types of skills : hard skills and soft skills.

1. Hard skills can be learned, taught, and most importantly — measured. Acquiring them requires deliberate effort, training, and time.

Hard skills can be, for instance: computer skills, language skills, manual skills, mathematics, project management, etc.

2. Soft skills are tied to your personality traits. These skills can come as part of your upbringing, or you can acquire some later in life through self-improvement. These skills can bring value to any job, as well as your private life.

Examples of soft skills include: communication, leadership, time management , creativity, decision-making, etc.

But how to make your skills stand out?

• Focus on what’s most relevant. Do you have any of the skills mentioned in the advertisement for your desired job? Good. Make sure to include them in your resume’s skills section.
• Organize your skills into subcategories. Divide your skills section into several subsections like computer skills, soft skills, languages, and others.
• Don’t underestimate soft skills. 67 percent of HR managers said they’d hire a candidate with strong soft skills even if their technical abilities were lacking. On the contrary, only 9 percent would hire someone with strong technical credentials but weak soft skills.
• There are skills you shouldn’t include. Never include any skills you don’t have, skills that have nothing to do with the job, skills everybody should have, or skills that have become obsolete.

Apart from the standard resume sections we just mentioned above, are also optional sections. 

A good rule of thumb is to add an optional section only if it's relevant to the job you're applying for. If done properly, these sections can help you:

• Fill the gap when lacking experience
• Highlight additional skills and expertise 
• Let an employer know more about who you are

Pro tip: Optional resume sections can be especially important to companies that prioritize hiring candidates who fit their workplace culture. 

Here are some of the most common optional sections: 

Technical skills

This section can be a nice addition when applying for (surprise!) technical jobs. 

Some examples of technical skills are: programming languages, software proficiency, project management, and data analysis.

Technical skills are usually measurable, so if you decide to include them in your resume, use a graph or a scale to illustrate how strong they are. Adding visual elements to your resume not only looks nice but also shows your ability to be precise and analytical.

Achievements and awards

Scholarships, competitions, work-related awards, or even promotions to leadership positions in your job — all of these can be considered important professional achievements. 

Either distribute them across other parts of your resume or put them in a dedicated section. The latter allows you to truly highlighted them. 

And if you choose to include them in a separate resume section, don't forget to mention the dates and the name of the company/institution at which you've accomplished the achievement. 

Professional references

In today's competitive job market, strong professional references can be a game-changer. Consider including a ' Professional References ' section in your resume to provide potential employers with easy access to these valuable resources.

How to format references on resume? Here's what you should list for each reference:

• Their full name
• Their current job title and organization
• Their contact details (email and phone number will do)
• Your relationship with them (e.g., Former Supervisor)

Ensure you have their permission and inform them when actively job searching.

Once you decide who you want your references to be, it's time to ask them if they agree. Here's how to ask someone to be a reference via email .

Certifications and licenses

Listing the certificates and courses that you've successfully completed on your resume is never a mistake.

However, keep in mind that they should be related to the role that you're applying for. 

If you'd like to add a certificate to your CV but you're unsure about where to find the best course for you, check out this carefully curated list of the best online courses that will help you to get a job. 

Publications

In this section, you can mention all the relevant conferences, presentations, and written publications. 

This section is most useful if you're working in academia, marketing, or journalism. 

However, include it in your resume also if you're applying for a position that requires you to be an expert on the topic that you've written about.

Volunteering

This section lists your volunteer work . It should be treated similarly to a work experience section. The reason is that whether your work was paid or not, it still translates to real-life experience. 

This is true especially if you find yourself at the beginning of your career. In that case, feel free to place the volunteering section towards the start of your resume. 

On the other hand, if you're a seasoned professional, locate this section more toward the end of your document. 

This is the part of your resume that's the most personal. Here, let a little loose and let your personality shine through. List you hobbies and interests, even the quirky or unique ones.

Hobbies serve as a great way for a hiring manager to see you more as a person and less as just a name written on a paper. They can also break the ice during the interview stage.

Christy's word of advice

Really, it sounds so simple, but one of the best ways to stand out with your resume is to apply for jobs you’re a close fit for. So many people apply ‘just in case they’ll consider me if even I only meet some of the requirements’, then feel deflated when they’re rejected. The company has spent time figuring out exactly what they need and are paying their staff or a recruiter to find that. Look closely at the minimum/essential requirements, apply for jobs you’re a great fit for, and you’ll have much better luck!

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter  

Phew! Almost done with how to write a resume. Just a little bit of editing and proofreading, picking the right resume template , and you should be able to click send, right? 

Well, not quite. At least we wouldn’t recommend you sending it —  yet. 

The truth is that resumes are often put aside when not accompanied by a cover letter. It would be a shame if this happened to you, especially after all the time you’ve spent creating it. 

A good cover letter is a way to stand apart from the competition. It’s where you can show your hiring manager you mean business. 

And, if you're fresh out of college or changing career this step-by-step guide on  how to write a cover letter with no experience  will show you what to focus on instead. 

Here are 4 questions to guide you while writing your cover letter: 

• Who are you (professionally)? 
• Why are you interested in working for their company?
• Why are you the best fit for the job opening?
• How can you enrich their company?

When all it’s said and done, your cover letter should look something like this:

Cover letter example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Want more inspo? Browse another 1,250+ cover letter examples by your profession.

And if you really want a memorable cover letter, we’ve got you covered. In fact, we’re certain it will be the only cover letter guide you’ll ever need . 

• The older the job, the fewer the details. In other words, don’t have 13 bullet points on a job from 5 years ago.
• Use off-peak hours for maximum attention , especially if you’re reaching out to an employer directly. Hiring managers are busy people and you want them to receive your resume when they have enough time to carefully read through it.
• Check your resume for typos. If English isn't your first language, employers might be inclined to overlook any grammatical mistakes that you make in your resume. Typos, on the other hand, are unforgivable. Your computer’s spell-check feature can help you fix that.
• Customize your resume for each job application. Every employer is different. And any hiring manager can tell if you’ve just sent them the same generic resume as to everyone else. So make sure you tailor your resume to each individual employer to increase your chances of getting hired.
• Get the introductory email right. It doesn’t matter that you have the best resume ever if nobody gets to read it. Attach it to an email that catches the employer’s attention from the get-go. Pay particular attention to the subject line that will make them read the full email, including the attachments.

FAQ: How to write a resume

One to two pages is the ideal. If you're at the junior stage of your career, one page is more than enough. Similarly, make sure that your resume isn't longer than three pages (and this may be stretching it already), even if you're a CEO.

Generally speaking, content is superior to form when it comes to resumes. However, a nice design is the first thing that catches the recruiter's attention — and that's precisely what you want. Moreover, if you're looking for a job in marketing, art, or design, the design of your resume naturally becomes your selling point, too.

Typos, being too general and not specific enough, not including relevant information, not using action verbs, and writing about duties instead of accomplishments.

The best format for sending a resume is PDF, as it keeps the visuals of the resume unchanged once the document is opened by the recruiter.

1.  Include standard resume sections.  Contact information, resume summary, work experience, education, skills. 2.  Include optional resume sections.  Awards, references, certifications, publications, projects, etc. 3.  Choose a resume format.  The three standard are: chronological, functional, combination.  4.  Use bullet points.  Use bullet points to make your resume easier to scan and highlight important information quickly.  6.  Think about the  margins .  Strike a good balance between not leaving too much white space and making your resume seem cluttered.  7.  Keep it to  one-two pages .  Unless you have extensive work experience, you should generally aim to keep your resume to one page.  8.  Consistency is key.  In all aspects of your resume, including the spacing, font, margins, etc. 9.  Use a professional resume   template  or layout which helps to structure the information effectively and makes it easy to read. 

Good job, you made it! If you still need more information on how to write a resume. You can go further in-depth in our section-by-section resume guide .

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Noel Rojo in 2019.

Kaja Jurcisinova is a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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• How to Make a Resume:...

How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

30 min read · Updated on May 22, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

Your resume is arguably the most important financial document you'll ever own. And before you think, “Yeah – right” let's consider for a moment. Without a resume, you don't get the job, so you can't pay bills, support a family, go to the big game, have that weekend trip, or plan for retirement. Your resume is the doorway to your future, so let's make sure it's perfect.

Part of making it perfect is remembering that it's a targeted career marketing document – not a chronicle of your life. So, how do you write a resume? In this beginner's writing guide, we'll show you how to make a resume and provide examples of what each section should look like. 

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in, because you're about to learn everything you need to know about how to make a new resume!

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

Build your personal brand, what should your resume look like, how to make a resume – the layout.

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

The most basic purpose of a resume is to sell your skills , achievements , and qualifications to prospective employers. This one document can financially make or break you. Let's take a quick look at what being unemployed costs you per day (assuming a five-day workweek):

If you make $40,000 per year, you lose about $155 every day that you're out of work

If you make $50,000 per year, you lose about $190 every day that you're out of work

If you make $75,000 per year, you lose about $288 every day that you're out of work

If you make $100,000 per year, you lose about $385 every day that you're out of work

Clearly, finding out how to make a resume for a job is critical so that you can properly sell your skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements to prospective employers. 

The job market is tough and highly competitive; you have to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates by creating a compelling narrative that tells a story of value, keeping in mind that your resume is supposed to do a few things for you:

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

Showcase how your skills and competencies will benefit the new company's team

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS 

What do you know about applicant tracking systems? Job seeking can be compared to throwing your resume into a black hole. You can go through 100 listings on any job search website and complete the online application with zero results. 

Ever had that happen? It's okay, it happens to everyone at some point or another! 

The problem is that you're probably not putting the correct keywords into your resume. When you hit “Submit” on an online application, it isn't magically emailed to the hiring manager. 

Oh, no! 

It goes through a computer system that scans your resume for specific keywords that can be found in the job description posted by the company. And, just so you know, approximately 90% of companies use ATS scans , including everything from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. 

The companies use these programs because they just don't have time for a human to go through all the resumes they receive. Depending on the job opening, a company can get between  250 and 500 applicants . Can you imagine being the person who has to sift through all those resumes? 

Here is where the ATS steps in. It's designed to weed through candidates to narrow the applicant pool, so that the human hiring manager has a more reasonable resume load to go through. It ranks the remaining candidates in order based on how much of a match they are for the position that's open. 

Being overlooked by the ATS is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies.

Once your resume makes it through the ATS and gets into the hands of a hiring manager, don't think they're going to sit down and read each one. Who has that kind of time? You should expect that the first round of resume sorting will consist of them flipping through the stack to pick the ones that stand out within about 6 seconds of glancing at them. 

PRO TIP: Put your resume on a table, stand up, and look at it from a little distance. Is it eye-catching? Can you tell the position you're seeking just by glancing at it? Set a timer if you have to, but no more than 10 seconds.

Speaking of eye-catching, don't make the same mistake as a lot of your rival job seekers by being too generic with your resume. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being non-specific will open doors to more opportunities. The problem is that the hiring manager won't be able to tell exactly where you'll fit within their organization. 

The first step in winning an interview is being sure that your resume actually makes it into the hands of a human being at the company you apply to. Start by defining what you want to do.

So the first, and most important, step in crafting the perfect resume is to narrow down your target career path. The more specific you are with this first step, the more response you'll receive from hiring managers because they'll be able to tell exactly how you fit within their organization. There are four areas to focus on as you begin to chart your career path:

Industry: Do you want to work in private sector, nonprofit, government, or public roles?

Geography: This one is more in-depth than choosing rural vs urban. It also includes whether you want to work in a dynamic or static environment.

Company size: You may not think it, but having an idea about whether you want to work in a small company or one with thousands of employees is important. 

Role: Saving the best for last, you have to know what position you want.

On the surface, it may seem like these things are only important for the job search aspect of landing a new position, but you have to know what voice to write your resume in, too. Part of that is knowing your audience. When you understand your audience, you can build a personal brand that resonates with what they're looking for in a new staff member.

Now that you've gotten your target career path nailed down, the next step is to brand you. Think of yourself as a product and your resume is the packaging. Companies spend a lot of time on their branding and packaging - you have to do the same thing.

The best place to start is with a  career assessment . Taking one of these tests can help you to identify your strengths, what sets you apart from others, and key themes of your professional identity. Just like Nike and Coca-Cola have timeless taglines and catchphrases that succinctly define what they have to offer to consumers, your personal brand has to tell a concise, yet compelling, story. This is where your resume comes in.

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper you give to a hiring manager or upload to a website that says, “I'm interested in this job.” Your resume is a personal marketing tool. You shape that tool with words that describe your experiences and achievements, to impress and grab the attention of the hiring manager. 

Unlike Nike's “Just Do It” phrase, your personal brand isn't something you build and forget. It is fluid and should be revisited and refined as you gain new skills, experiences, and achievements. Weave the elements of your brand into every section of your resume.

There is a common misconception that entry-level resumes look different than executive resumes. The reality is that the only difference is how much content is available to write about. 

Obviously, someone who has little to no experience will have a  short resume  – generally one page. 

When you start to get up to 10 years of experience, then you've earned the second page, so go ahead and use it. 

It's not incremental though

Just because you have 20 years of experience doesn't mean you can have a three-page resume. As you work through how to make a resume, remember that a three-page resume should be avoided, unless you have a lot of career extras like publications, research, patents, publications, or public speaking engagements to talk about. 

Other than the number of pages, your resume should use the same format and layout no matter if you're applying to a job as someone fresh out of college or seeking to be the CEO of a company. 

Chronological resume 

The  reverse-chronological  is the most popular, traditional, and well-known resume format. Its focus is placed on achievements from your career history and is defined by listing your work history starting with your current or most recent job and working backward 10-15 years. 

Employers like this type of resume because it tells them what, when, and where you worked. It's best to use this if your work history is steady and shows growth and development. If you're looking to make a career change, have had frequent job changes, or if you're seeking your first job, this may not be the best format to use.

Pro Tip: You could also get lost in the ATS if your  resume is over-designed . Many resume writers will tell you that you need to stand out in the sea of sameness by adding some personality to your resume through design. While that's true, you need to avoid heavily formatted resumes which are often rejected by computer scanners as being illegible.

Functional resume 

This resume type focuses more on skills and experiences rather than on your work history. It's more of a “what you know and how you apply that knowledge” than a simple list of where you got the knowledge. It plays down gaps in work history and makes frequent job changes less noticeable. If it isn't done properly, though, it can be confusing for the hiring manager to read and understand. There's also a bit of a stigma behind it, because employers know that job seekers use this style to downplay job-hopping. So, the first thing they do when they get a functional resume is check employment dates. If you can avoid using this style, it's best to do so.

Combination resume 

There is another resume format that focuses on skills first and then experience last. It's the combination resume, which is sometimes called a hybrid resume. This is the most complex resume type and the best resume for mid-career professionals who are transitioning into another career or for people who have special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments. These types of resumes do take a long time to read and some hiring managers won't take the time unless they're looking to fill a hard-to-fill position.

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin and means “course of life.” It's a little different from a resume, but some positions require a CV over a resume. The first thing you would notice is that a CV is significantly longer than a resume.  A resume is a self-branding document meant to portray your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. A CV goes much further into the depth of your education and accomplishments (think publications, awards, and honors) and even has a section for you to include "Areas of Interest."

The best way to describe a CV is that it's a career biography. The biggest significant difference is that a CV is arranged chronologically in a way that gives a complete overview of your full working career. It also doesn't change based on the career or position for which you're applying.

Layout 

To make things easier for the hiring manager to digest the content of your resume, it should be laid out in a specific way to ensure that the right information is in the right place. 

Hiring managers don't  READ  resumes. They skim through until they find something that piques their interest and then they stop to read

Contact information

Title 

Professional summary , core competencies, experience , education and credentials , awards, certificates, and volunteer work .

Since the reverse-chronological resume is the one that the majority of people will use to apply for jobs, and because it's the format that hiring managers want to see, we'll focus this article on showing you how to make a resume using that style. 

Current contact information 

Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if applicable)

You can be creative and use bold font in your  contact information  and even put a border under it to separate it from the body of your resume. 

• Name: Be sure to list your name the same across all professional documents (e.g., resume, cover letter, thank you note, LinkedIn profile). Don't get hung up with whether to use your legal name (i.e. the name on your birth certificate or driver's license). Write your name in the manner you want people to address you. Also, if you use any abbreviated credentials after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MD), remember to include them on all professional documents.  You can also include any shortened versions of your name in quotations (e.g. Christopher "Chris" Smith). Just make sure to list it the same way everywhere you put your name.
• Address: It is no longer customary to include your full address on your resume. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. As far as your address is concerned, all you need is the City, State, and Zip Code. A lot of people leave off the Zip Code; however, hiring managers can query the ATS for all resumes within a radius of a Zip Code. If you exclude the Zip Code or put something like, "Greater New York Metro Area," your resume won't be included in the query.
• Phone and email: Put the telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached. Also, be sure that your email address is professional. Using something like [email protected] just won't cut it. The best idea is to use some form of your name. If you're paranoid about having your name in your email address, then you can use some form of the type of position you seek, like [email protected].
• LinkedIn URL: You don't have to spell out the entire URL on the contact line. You can put the words “LinkedIn URL” and hyperlink those words. Before you include your LinkedIn URL, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the career you want - because you can bet if they have access to it, the hiring manager will look at it. 
• Portfolio: If you're applying for a position like Graphic Designer or Software Designer, you may have a portfolio of work that you want to make available to someone reviewing your application for employment. Include a hyperlink to the portfolio in your contact information. 
• Headshot / photo: There is no reason to include a  headshot on your resume . Actually, it's seen as taboo and could be the thing that gets your resume rejected, because the hiring manager might assume you think you can get the job based on your looks. However, there are some exceptions, like if you're applying to be a model or actor. 

Do you want a hiring manager to be able to tell immediately what type of candidate you are? Put a title at the top of your resume. Center the text on the line, put it in bold font, and put a blank space above and below. The white space and the small amount of words will help it to jump off the page and immediately be noticed. It will also be the first step in helping you stand out in the sea of sameness.

Also, be sure the title on your resume mirrors the title on the job description that you're applying to, but add a bit of panache to it so that it's not too boring. For example, instead of writing “Financial Services Associate,” write “Client-Centric Financial Services Associate Dedicated to Customer Engagement and Revenue Growth.” Just remember to keep it on one line. 

The very next thing on the page should always be your Professional Summary. But how do you write a summary for a resume?

It's a three to five-sentence statement about you. Where you've been in your career, where you're going, and how you'll use your experience to get there. 

While the professional summary is sometimes referred to as the resume objective , you must remember that the days of writing a  resume objective are dead . Never, ever include an objective on your resume. They are a waste of space and don't relay any information that markets you as the best candidate for an open position. 

Let's take a look at an example of each:

Sales Representative seeking a challenging position that will use my skills and provide opportunities for growth in a dynamic and rewarding company. 

As you can see, the objective is very inward-facing and only talks about what you want out of your career. It provides no value to the hiring manager and eliminates any possibility for them to be able to tell what you bring to the table for them. 

Professional Summary:

Ambitious sales professional offering 10+ years' experience in customer retention and aggressive revenue growth. Conquers goals and quotas through a keen awareness of the human buying motive that allows for quickly overcoming objections. Used historical data and consumer trends to reach new customers and grow territory by 24%. Innate ability to work independently or as a member of a cross-functional team.

The best use of resume space is to write a summary of your career. The effectiveness of this summary comes from the fusing of three things:

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas 

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

With this professional summary, the hiring manager will be able to tell in an instant what you have to offer their team. 

Even though the skills section of your resume is small, it packs a powerful punch! The skills you list in this section highlight your key abilities and show potential employers what you bring to the table. 

It should contain approximately 12 ATS-friendly keywords and phrases that align with the keywords in the job description. Meaning, this is a fluid section that will need to be  tailored to every job  that you apply to. Technically speaking, your entire resume should be customized to align with each job description. That's one thing that will help you get past the ATS. 

Be sure to include a good mix of  hard and soft skills  because prospective employers not only want to know that you can perform the tasks related to your job (hard skills), but they also want to gain a clear understanding of how you'll fit within the culture of the company (soft skills). 

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

Include skills that are relevant to the job that you're applying to

Avoid creating a laundry list of everything you know how to do – be selective so that the section is more impactful

Group similar competencies together using categories – technical skills, soft skills, and languages

Prioritize your top skills based on their relevance to the job you want

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

Here is a sample Core Competencies list that contains both hard and soft skills:

Core Competencies

Project Management | Data Analysis | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Digital Marketing Strategy | Python Programming | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | Negotiation | Team Leadership | Business Development | Financial Modeling | Articulate Communication

This section is meant to show how your career history lends itself to the skills you have that make you the perfect candidate for a given job. There are some general rules of thumb on how to make a resume with a great professional experience section:

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

Incorporate at least 5 measurable achievements per 10 years of experience (the more the better)

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

The 10-15 years of experience is the most relevant – you can list more than that, but avoid using bullet points for roles over 10 years old. Begin by listing your most recent position first and work your way backward to your oldest position, within that 10-15-year range. If you have 30 years of experience, you can use achievements or skills you learned during that time as talking points during the interview. Listing those older experiences on your resume will only dilute the content.

As you write out your bullet points, keep two words in mind: “so what?” The hiring manager is going to be thinking it, you might as well be thinking it, too. Every time you write something on your resume, think, “So what? Why am I writing this? What value will it bring to my new employer? Will this be THE THING that lands me an interview?"

Achievements

Remove “Responsible for…” from your resume-writing vocabulary. That's because it's crucial that you talk about what you achieved, instead of just what your responsibilities were. Let's face it, there are a lot of things that people are “responsible for” that never get done. So, be sure to talk about things you actually accomplished, as that will be the proof the hiring manager needs to take the next step and call you for an interview.

1. Use numbers whenever possible

The best way to call attention to your career accomplishments is to use numbers. Numbers add credibility to your claims and provide a clear picture of what you bring to the table. 

Don't write this:

• Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

• Increased sales by 15% by making approximately 20 cold calls per day to expand the client base

The latter makes an unmistakable assertion that you had a positive impact, not only in your role but on the company as a whole. You can take it a step further and talk about things like problem-solving skills and how you addressed challenges to lead to team success. These types of  soft skills are highly valued by employers  and could be the thing that lands you an interview.

PRO TIP: Use the  CAR method  for building achievement statements into your resume.

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

A lot of people make the mistake of copying bullet points from the job descriptions of the roles they've held. This practice makes you sound detached from achievements and focuses more on responsibilities. Using passive language is too generic and doesn't allow a hiring manager to see what you'll be able to accomplish in the new role. 

It's better to use action language to show that you're an achiever rather than a doer. Here are some examples of action words you can use on your resume: 

Worked with others: Advised, Aided, Assisted, Chaired, Coached, Collaborated with, Consulted with, Helped, Instructed, Interacted with, Mentored, Motivated, Supported

Communicated: Addressed, Advertised, Answered, Briefed, Corresponded with, Debated, Explained, Facilitated, Informed, Interpreted, Interviewed, Persuaded, Responded to

Analyzed data: Assessed, Appraised, Audited, Calculated, Computed, Estimated, Evaluated, Forecast, Inspected, Measured, Researched, Surveyed, Tested

Operated equipment: Installed, Maintained, Programmed, Ran, Serviced, Used

Worked with money or contracts: Administered, Appropriated, Authorized, Balanced, Controlled, Directed, Enforced, Financed, Funded, Governed, Invested, Monitored, Oversaw, Purchased

Organized something: Arranged, Assembled, Catalogued, Compiled, Coordinated, Itemized, Routed, Scheduled, Stocked, Tracked

Created: Composed, Customized, Designed, Directed, Established, Founded, Illustrated, Originated, Shaped

Researched: Analyzed, Collected, Criticized, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Tested

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

There's a formula for writing your professional experience section in a way that focuses on achievements. You'll start by asking yourself these questions about every job you've had:

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

What dates were you employed? (*Hint: use the MM/YYYY format for your dates)

What did you do every day? (*Example: Leveraged management skills to direct operations of 5 separate but concurrent projects by delegating tasks to staff based on employee acumen and monitoring / controlling budgets)

What is one thing you did at the company that you're really proud of?

What is another thing you're really proud of?

What is one more thing you did that you're really proud of?

When you put all of that together, it should look like this:

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

Balanced competing priorities on multiple and concurrent projects and program management initiatives using data-driven strategies in Agile environments. Managed key accounts, onboarded new accounts, and oversaw organizational process adoption for nursing facilities, emergency departments, and pharmacies.

Developed $2M Provider Incentive Program that increased community provider partnerships

Saved $800K by using Six Sigma skills to implement DMAIC approach

Coached and mentored 2 direct reports, creating an open environment of communication that facilitated future-facing decision-making

Many people will create separate sections for education history and certifications. That's not necessary. You can include all of it in one section. You can also include extras like  relevant coursework , projects, and achievements. These extras can be truly beneficial for your application if you have little to no work experience. 

There are some general rules of thumb for the education section: 

Spell out acronyms (BS, MS, PhD) and school abbreviations

It is no longer customary to include graduation dates unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year

Never include high school, unless you're still in high school - listing high school doesn't say “ I finished high school, ” it says, “ I didn't go to college .” 

List your degree first and then your school, unless you've obtained multiple degrees at the same institution. 

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

If you don't have a lot of experience and need to include some relevant coursework or major projects to inject relevant keywords into your resume, then this is what that would look like:

Relevant coursework:  Marketing, Operations Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program. 

You can include educational information about a degree program even if it's still in progress. Here's what that would look like:

Expected completion:  05/2024

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program.

It is important to list what you do outside of work and school. It helps to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person. 

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority? 

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus? 

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards? 

Were you an employee of the month? 

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

Did you perform some major research that ended up being published?

All of these extras allow prospective employers a sneak peek into your life outside of work. They can also go a long way to breaking the ice during an interview, especially if something you do outside work is important or interesting to the hiring manager. 

Keep in mind to list only those volunteer positions, projects, or affiliations that are related to your career goals. 

How long does it take to make a resume?

If you're going to use the resume wizard that MS Word has, you can slap your information together in a day or two. It will get to employers. The bad thing is that it probably won't get a whole lot of attention. 

The "just right resume" can take weeks, because of how much background work goes into it. You'll write it, rewrite it, and write it again, and may even have multiple versions. Ultimately, the exact amount of time that goes into putting your resume together depends on your level of experience, how complex your history is, and the specificity of the job you're applying to. 

Entry-level resumes take the least amount of time, simply because there's less information to include

Mid-level resumes take a few days because of the amount of detail in your work history

Executive resumes, or those for specialized positions, can take weeks - especially if you have to do some digging to come up with accomplishments from your previous positions

Updating an existing resume that's well-maintained can be done in just a few hours

While the time spent can seem like a lot, if you're truly marketing yourself for that “just right” position, do you want your resume to say “This was thrown together in a couple of hours using a template” OR do you want it to say “I know this document is important and a significant amount of time was spent on it to make it perfect?”

The first and foremost thing that will get your resume tossed in the garbage can are typos. The number of resumes with errors that are turned in every day to employers across the globe is so astounding that it bears discussing. 

You must proofread your resume!

The major problem with typos and grammatical boo-boos is that your eyes will read what you intended to type. So, after you've read through your resume a few times and think it's perfect, get a friend to read it. Make sure the friend is one of those brutally honest types. It's better to get it back marked all over with bright red ink so you can fix it before you send it out, than to send it out and then realize there's a mistake in it.

How to make your resume seem more professional

Lazy words: Do you see words like "etc" or “other duties as required” on your resume? Delete them immediately. If you take shortcuts in the language of your resume, hiring managers will wonder if you'll be taking shortcuts at work. 

Cookie cutter resumes: Your resume has to stand out. Because of that, you should avoid throwing something together that you find a sample of online. Make it yours, make it represent you. Many people rely on the resume wizard that comes loaded with MS Word and, while that is a good tool to use to help you remember the sections to include, it shouldn't be the end-all-and-be-all of your resume design. 

Specificity: You've had three jobs in the last 10 years and you've listed every detail of everything you've done during your tenure at those jobs. That makes you a Jack (or Jackie) of all trades, but a master of nothing. You have to be specific to the job for which you're applying. What value do you bring to that employer for that job? What achievements can you highlight?

Tailoring: Considering the rampant use of ATS by companies big and small, you have to take the time to customize your resume so that it gets past those scanners. Remember to use relevant keywords from the job descriptions throughout your resume. 

PRO TIP: You can check to see how to make your resume better! Have it checked against an ATS and get a free, personalized, and  professional resume review . 

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

It's one thing to have someone tell you how to make a resume, it's another thing to see an example – proof that all of this information can come together in a practical way that makes sense. 

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

Click here for an example of a Digital Marketing Manager resume.

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume. 

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume. 

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

Click here for an example of an Administrative Office Assistant resume. 

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

Click here for an example of an Information Technology Expert resume. 

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume. 

Now you know how to make a resume for your next job!

It may seem like it takes a lot of work to make a good resume, but if you've followed along this far there are a few things that should be ingrained in you that will help you write a professional resume:

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format 

Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th

Use action words to make your resume stand out

Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role

Tailor your new resume to each job

Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes

If you're still unsure how to make a perfect resume, TopResume has you covered. Our team of  professional resume writers  has the know-how and experience to write a resume for you that will win interviews.

Recommended reading: 

Resume Tricks That Don't Work

What Does Your Resume Really Say About You?

Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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