Great artists have the creative flair to create captivating, thought-provoking works of art. Your abilities have the potential to leave viewers in awe and galleries eager for your talent.
But when it comes to curating your resume, you could use a bit of extra inspiration.
We’ve got your back. A carefully crafted artist resume will serve as your professional portfolio, guiding you to your dream job in the art world. You understand the importance of your resume, and soon, you’ll know how to make it as vibrant as your art.
This guide will show you:
- Popular artist resume examples.
- How to write an engaging artist resume.
- Artist resumes for different stages in your career.
- Why artists should be writing cover letters.
- Key takeaways to help you in your job search.
Need to brush up your resume right away? Get support with our Resume Maker. Choose a design suitable for a career in the art world and get section-by-section advice, including auto-generated text you can easily edit.
Artist resume examples
Why this is an excellent artist resume example
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Kicks off with a career objective
This artist effectively uses an objective statement to state their goals. Without much work experience, they can focus on their educational background in museum studies and eagerness to play a role in “curating captivating exhibitions.”
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Showcases a broad artistic skill set
Artists require a blend of technical and conceptual skills, and this resume effectively covers a wide range of abilities, from museum programming to fundraising experience.
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Details art education
The resume includes an education section, where the candidate emphasizes their commitment to continuous learning and honing their craft with a master’s degree in art history.
Why this is an excellent artist resume sample
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Incorporates a link to a professional portfolio
The artist has included a link to their online portfolio, providing a direct showcase of their work. This allows potential employers or galleries to see their artistry in action, further demonstrating their talent and range of abilities.
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Includes a section for professional associations
The artist has included a section for associations and memberships, highlighting their achievements and accolades in the art world. This not only adds credibility but also shows their dedication and passion for their craft.
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Features a unique personal style
The resume reflects the artist’s unique personal style, not just in the content but also in the design and layout. This gives potential employers or galleries a glimpse into the artist’s creative vision and individuality.
Looking for a specific job title? Check out more resume examples related to your career field:
Browse other popular samples
Picking a format and template for your artist resume
Your resume format plays a central role in telling your story. There are three main formats to choose from, and each one is suitable for a different stage in your career as an artist.
- Seasoned artists would be best served by the chronological resume format. Emphasizing your work history, this format allows you to highlight your skills within the context of each exhibition or project you’ve been part of, starting with the most recent and working backward. Plus, it’s widely popular with job seekers and hiring managers alike.
- Midcareer artists may want to consider the combination resume format. This hybrid format helps you balance your skills and experience. For example, if you’re aiming for a curator position, you can use this format to showcase your artistic successes and skills while giving equal weight to your work history.
- New artists should opt for the functional resume format. This skills-based format can be your ally for an entry-level role or career transition. For example, if you’re transitioning from traditional painting to digital art, you can easily emphasize your transferable skills, such as color theory or composition, throughout multiple skills sections.
After you’ve selected the right format, the next step is the most fun for artists — choosing a visually appealing design.
How to choose an appropriate template
As an artist, your resume template will be seen as an extension of your artistic identity. It should not only be visually compelling but also organized in a way that allows your career narrative to unfold effortlessly, much like a well-curated art exhibition.
Consider using a modern template to mirror the innovative and avant-garde nature of your work. The modern template’s blend of color and clean lines can echo your artistic style without overshadowing the content of your resume. Or perhaps you prefer a creative template that showcases your one-of-a-kind sensibility.
Perhaps your art leans more toward minimalism or you prefer to let your work speak for itself. Then, a simple template could be the perfect choice. This classic style offers an uncluttered, easy-to-read layout that allows your artistic achievements to take center stage.
Remember, gallery curators, art directors and hiring managers often have to review a ton of applications, so choose a template that makes your key skills, exhibitions and notable accomplishments immediately apparent. Clear section headings, bullet points and ample white space can help guide the reader’s eye, much like how a viewer’s gaze is guided in an art gallery.
If you’re seeking a specific file format, check out our Word resume templates or opt for a Google Doc template.
Now, let’s discuss how to create a resume that is unique and captivating.
How to write an artist resume in 5 easy steps
Whether you’re a seasoned artist with a long list of exhibitions or a recent art school graduate ready to make your mark on the world, a well-crafted resume is important.
Your resume is a blank canvas, and if you fill in the details, it can open doors to galleries, grant applications, art residencies or teaching positions.
So, how do you paint a portrait of your career? Let’s take it step by step.
Step 1
Study the job description carefully
Job advertisements are a wonderful resource for all job seekers, including artists. You should analyze these job ads to glean key skills and techniques — such as oil painting, digital illustration or sculpture — that are in demand in the art world. You can also see exactly what specific galleries, museums or design agencies expect from you and tailor your resume accordingly.
This is important because employers in the art industry often look for candidates who have specific skills or experience with certain mediums. These criteria typically involve a set of keywords related to skills and qualifications.
A well-crafted artist resume is customized to include keywords showing employers you have what it takes to perform the role. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you may be overlooked.
To make an ATS-friendly resume, you’ll need to customize it to the job description. That’s why if you can incorporate the right keywords successfully, you’ll improve your chances of landing a job interview.
For example, if the job description for the artist role you seek asks for experience with oil painting, digital illustration and sculpture, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your artist resume. But remember — only include them if they apply to you. Never stretch the truth on your resume.
Meanwhile, look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add your identified keywords. Then, go through your resume and make sure that what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that it resonates with potential employers.
By incorporating the relevant keywords found in the job ad into your resume — like “oil painting” and “digital illustration” — you’ll successfully navigate the initial screening process, bringing you one step closer to your resume being reviewed by a real person and not just a machine.
Now, it’s time to start writing. Don’t worry, you shouldn’t be intimidated by the blank canvas! It may sound like a lot, but once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and will get your artist resume better results than if you don’t tailor it.
Step 2
Paint your career portrait with a professional summary
First, start your resume with an engaging resume profile. Resume profiles come in two distinct types — professional summaries and career objectives — and both can be very effective for artists of all stripes.
Professional summaries are concise overviews of your career and are well-suited to those with a consistent artistic journey, typically taking on more responsibility from job to job. They are especially great for artists with significant quantifiable achievements to share, such as the number of exhibitions participated in or pieces sold.
Resume objectives, on the other hand, outline your career goals and aspirations. They are particularly useful for artists who are new to the field, such as career changers and recent grads. Plus, they offer an opportunity to highlight transferable skills and the unique value you can bring to a new organization or gallery.
Let’s take a look at how each of these would look on an artist’s resume.
Artist professional summary example:
Experienced artist with over 10 years of experience specializing in contemporary abstract painting. Proven track record in creating compelling pieces that have been exhibited in over 20 galleries nationally, with a 40% increase in pieces sold over the last five years. Known for innovative concepts and ability to create thought-provoking visual narratives.
Artist resume objective example:
Recent graduate of XYZ Art School seeking to apply knowledge of various art forms and excellent conceptual skills as an artist at Golgan Gallery. Passionate about exploring societal themes through art and committed to creating pieces that provoke thought and conversation.
Step 3
Showcase your most relevant artistic skills
As an artist, you possess a unique set of skills — it’s time to highlight them on your resume. Your skills section should showcase a blend of technical abilities and creative talents.
Hard skills demonstrate your proficiency in areas like different art mediums, techniques and software knowledge, as well as creative talents like your ability to conceptualize and execute unique art pieces.
Soft skills are equally important in the art world, complementing your technical abilities. These include skills like communication, collaboration and adaptability, which can be critical when working on collaborative projects or dealing with clients and galleries. Your ability to accept and implement feedback can also be a valuable asset, as it shows your commitment to growth and improvement.
In a field as subjective as art, these interpersonal skills can often be the difference between a successful collaboration or exhibition and a missed opportunity.
Let’s look at examples of skills that artists often include on their resumes.
Technical and creative skills for an artist resume
- Oil painting
- Sculpture
- Digital art software
- Photography
- Mixed media
- Art history knowledge
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Receptiveness to feedback
Here is an example of a well-done artist skills section:
- Proficient in various art mediums: oil painting, sculpture and digital art.
- Exceptional originality and attention to detail.
- Expertise in conceptual creativity and visual storytelling.
- Strong knowledge of art history and current art trends.
- Excellent spatial awareness and color theory skills.
- Proficient in using digital art software and photography.
Don’t overlook your computer skills. Whether managing your online portfolio, using digital art software or promoting your work on social media, your digital skills can give you a competitive edge.
Step 4
Craft your work experience section
You should view your resume as your professional canvas reflecting your skills and experiences. The best way to showcase your previous achievements is by detailing work experience on your resume. List your roles, starting with the most recent, with bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements for each one.
Your technique and creativity should be the stars of your resume, but remember, artists need help from others. Highlight any collaborations or group exhibitions to underline your ability to work within diverse teams and contexts — an important part of the art world.
Before we share an example, consider using action words on your resume. These vibrant verbs can animate past experiences, giving life to your older projects.
Here’s an example of a great artist work history entry:
Freelance Artist, Self-Employed
New York, NY
January 2018 – Current
- Created and sold over 100 pieces of original artwork, increasing annual income by 30%.
- Developed personalized art pieces for clients, leading to a 20% increase in repeat commissions.
- Collaborated with a diverse group of artists for a group exhibition, fostering a culture of creative exchange.
- Worked cross-functionally with galleries and art dealers to optimize art sales, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue.
- Kept pace with emerging art trends and techniques, leading to early adoption of innovative styles for improved client satisfaction.
The example above shows how quantifiable metrics put a specific value on your contributions. Being an artist is important, and the numbers speak volumes about your abilities.
Step 5
Detail your relevant training and education on your artist resume
Education can serve as a gateway into the art world, and your resume should reflect that.
Start adding education on your resume by listing your degrees, starting with the highest level, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine arts, and working backward. That said, while many artists hold specialized degrees in art, museums and galleries welcome those with diverse educational paths.
Next, you’ll want to mention any relevant workshops or residencies you’ve attended. This could include workshops in specific art techniques, residencies at renowned art institutions or even business management courses if you’re aiming for a managerial role in a gallery or museum.
How to list your artist education:
Education
Master of Fine Arts
Columbia University, New York, NY
Artist Residency
Yaddo, Saratoga Springs, NY
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Optional sections for your artist resume
Awards and professional affiliations
As you prepare your artist resume, consider highlighting your most remarkable achievements with an awards section. These recognitions can show off your innovative work, excellence in your craft or contributions to major art projects.
Similarly, spotlighting professional affiliations or memberships can give you a competitive edge. These credentials display your commitment to continually developing your expertise and knowledge in the field of art.
How to list awards on your artist resume:
Best in Show – National Art Exhibition, 2024
- Received recognition at the National Art Exhibition for a series of paintings exploring the theme of identity and displacement.
Emerging Artist Grant – Art Council, 2020
- Awarded by the Art Council for a proposed project on interactive installations in public spaces.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions and important art shows form the backbone of a compelling artist resume. These demonstrate your ability to turn artistic concepts into tangible, functional works.
Featuring significant exhibitions in your artist resume provides insight into your creative and problem-solving skills. It’s particularly effective when these skills align with the requirements of your target role, emphasizing your expertise in the field.
How to list exhibitions on your artist resume:
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Solo Exhibition, “Urban Landscapes”
Curated a solo exhibition at the XYZ Gallery, New York, NY, showcasing a series of urban landscape paintings. -
Group Exhibition, “Art and Society”
Participated in a group exhibition at the ABC Museum, Los Angeles, CA, contributing a mixed-media installation exploring societal norms.
Residencies and workshops
Your participation in residencies and workshops can be evidence of your commitment to honing your craft and learning from others. Additionally, these experiences significantly broaden your artistic perspective and can give you an edge in a competitive field.
How to list residencies and workshops on your artist resume:
- Artist Residency, Yaddo, Saratoga Springs, NY
- Workshop on Abstract Painting, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
Interests and hobbies
Adding hobbies and interests to your artist resume can provide a peek into your personality and other interests, supplementing your professional accomplishments. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance — your chosen hobbies should reflect transferable skills and be pertinent to the art field.
For example, a hobby of visiting art museums can underscore your dedication to learning from other artists, while blogging about the latest art trends can highlight your passion and commitment to staying updated in the field.
How to list interests and hobbies on your artist resume:
- Visiting art museums and galleries.
- Maintaining a blog on contemporary art trends and innovative techniques.
- Conducting art workshops for local community centers.
Volunteer work
Volunteer work, especially when it’s related to your field, can be a valuable addition to your resume. It shows your dedication to the community and your willingness to use your skills to benefit others.
How to list volunteer work on your artist resume:
- Conducted art workshops for children at local community centers.
- Volunteered at a local art festival, assisting in setting up exhibitions and guiding visitors.
- Organized a charity art auction to raise funds for art education in underserved communities.
Tell your story with a cover letter
In a fiercely competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can be the brushstroke that sets your application apart.
Even when cover letters aren’t required, they can highlight your unique skills and experiences that your resume might not fully express.
It’s also the ideal space to share your artistic journey or your aspirations in the realm of art. Perhaps you want to share the satisfaction of seeing your work in a gallery for the first time, or the thrill of mastering a new technique or medium. Additionally, if you have any career gaps on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain them.
If you’re unsure where to begin, our guide on how to write a cover letter and successful cover letters examples can provide some inspiration.
To ensure your cover letter is as polished as your portfolio, select a cover letter template to personalize in our Cover Letter Builder. Ideally, it should mirror the formatting of your resume.
Let your passion for art shine through on your cover letter, and you’ll be one step closer to securing your dream role.
Artist resume — key takeaways
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Tailor your resume to the job description
Align your resume to each job description, incorporating specific artistic skills, styles and mediums mentioned in the listing.
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Include a variety of skills
Showcase both your technical and conceptual skills. From mastery of different mediums to the ability to conceptualize and execute a vision, a balanced skill set is essential.
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Quantify your achievements
Whenever possible, include metrics to showcase your success, such as the number of pieces sold, exhibitions participated in or awards received.
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Showcase relevant credentials
Include any art-related qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine arts, or any specialized art courses you’ve completed.
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Highlight your practical experiences
Your practical experiences as an artist are very important. Be sure to detail the type of projects you’ve worked on, the mediums you’ve used and any significant accomplishments during this period.
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Include any specializations or unique skills
If you’ve specialized in certain styles or have unique skills like digital art or sculpture, be sure to include this information. It demonstrates your commitment to advancing in the field.
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Consider adding a cover letter
Your words matter even in a field as visually oriented as art. Make the case for being the best candidate with a well-crafted cover letter.
Commonly asked questions about resume writing
Last Updated: July 07, 2024
Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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