Breaking into the art world or leveling up your creative career isn’t just about talent—it’s about presentation. Whether you’re a freelance illustrator, gallery artist, digital designer, or muralist, your resume is a critical tool in communicating your skills and experience to potential clients, galleries, and employers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a professional artist resume example that aligns with industry expectations and showcases what makes you stand out. If you’re wondering how to organize your achievements, include your exhibitions, or list your creative skills, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into an artist resume that works in the real world.
ARTIST RESUME EXAMPLE
Name: Ava J. Rivera
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: ava.rivera@example.com
Website/Portfolio: www.avariveraart.com
Location: Brooklyn, NY
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Creative and detail-driven visual artist with over 6 years of experience in mixed media, digital illustration, and mural creation. Known for bringing bold concepts to life through visual storytelling. Exhibited in group and solo shows across NYC and collaborated with design studios, nonprofit organizations, and private clients. Passionate about using art to challenge perspectives and spark conversation.
SKILLS
Digital Illustration (Procreate, Adobe Illustrator)
Painting (Acrylic, Watercolor, Oil)
Mural Design and Execution
Storyboarding and Visual Concepts
Art Direction and Branding
Client Communication and Collaboration
Exhibit Curation & Installation
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Freelance Visual Artist
New York, NY | Jan 2020 – Present
Completed over 45 commissioned works for private collectors and brands
Designed and painted three public murals for community revitalization projects
Illustrated editorial spreads for online publications and print zines
Partnered with a nonprofit for an art therapy workshop series in underserved communities
Junior Illustrator | Art & Ink Studio
Brooklyn, NY | Mar 2018 – Dec 2019
Created visual assets and editorial illustrations for brand campaigns
Assisted lead designer in storyboarding for short-form animations
Contributed concepts for seasonal product packaging
Worked cross-functionally with writers, art directors, and project managers
EXHIBITIONS
Solo Show: “Between Light & Form” – ArtHaus Gallery, NYC, 2023
Group Show: “Urban Threads” – Flatiron Arts Collective, NYC, 2022
Pop-Up: “Reimagining Ritual” – Indie Creatives Festival, Brooklyn, 2021
EDUCATION
BFA in Fine Arts
School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
Graduated: 2017
CERTIFICATIONS
Adobe Certified Expert – Illustrator
Certificate in Mural Art Techniques, Pratt Institute
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING AN ARTIST RESUME
Lead with a powerful summary. Artists often have varied backgrounds—use your summary to unify your creative story and focus on your unique style or medium.
Show your process through achievements. Don’t just list job titles—talk about the number of commissions, types of exhibitions, or the scale of your mural projects.
Include a link to your online portfolio. Most art-related roles will expect to see visual samples, so make it easy for them.
Customize for your goal. Are you applying for a residency, gallery representation, or freelance gig? Tweak the resume to suit the opportunity.
Keep it visually clean. Resist the urge to over-design your resume. Let your work speak for itself in the portfolio; keep the resume format minimal and readable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What should an artist include in a resume?
Include your contact information, professional summary, artistic skills, relevant work experience, exhibitions, education, and certifications. Always link to your portfolio.
2. How long should an artist’s resume be?
Ideally, keep it to one page, especially for freelance work. Two pages may be fine if you’ve got extensive exhibition history or teaching credentials.
3. Do artists need a resume for freelance gigs?
Yes. Even for freelance or commission-based work, a professional resume shows that you take your craft seriously and gives clients confidence in your reliability.
4. Should I list exhibitions on my artist resume?
Absolutely. Your exhibition history is a vital part of your artistic credibility. Include solo and group shows, especially if held at notable venues.
Ready to build your own artist resume? Use this example as a foundation and make it your own by highlighting your authentic creative voice. Whether you're pitching to a gallery, a creative agency, or a private client—your resume should reflect the artist behind the art.
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