How To Write an Illustrator Resume
To write a strong illustrator resume, showcase your ability to bring ideas, stories, and messaging to life through visual art. As an artist, you understand your work speaks volumes about your skills and creativity. A well-crafted resume is equally important in your efforts to impress and persuade potential clients and employers.
In this guide, real examples and expert tips will help you craft a results-driven resume. You’ll learn how to highlight the most impressive aspects of your experience as a professional within the creative arts industry.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
Give readers a brief yet compelling glimpse into your professional background as an illustrator by distilling what makes you qualified for the job in a few sentences. Start with your job title, years of experience, and details about your style and expertise. Include information that establishes your alignment with the job you’re applying for and shows the value you can bring to the organization.
For example, if you’re trying to get on with a children’s book project, discuss your ability to work with authors and publishers to create engaging illustrations. Or suppose you’re going for a job in video game development. You could mention your specialization in concept art and your capacity to translate abstract ideas into stunning visuals.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
A senior illustrator with over 10 years of experience in creating physical and digital illustrations for enterprise clients. A strong history of leading dynamic teams in both commercial and artistic settings to develop engaging design concepts.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
A dynamic illustrator with extensive experience using digital illustration tools such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign to create print and digital marketing materials. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams and clients to develop a cohesive brand identity.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
The best way to construct your professional experience section is to focus on accomplishments instead of job duties. Give clients a clean list of bullet points outlining the results you’ve achieved in your career. Use action verbs as you write, showing how you can contribute meaningfully to their creative vision. Provide tangible examples of your artistic talents by highlighting specific projects and tangible examples from throughout your work history.
Underscore your ability to be part of a diverse team, as you often work with others on collaborative projects. For example, if you’re pursuing a job with a fashion brand, talk about times you’ve worked with copywriters and marketers to create illustrations for multimedia marketing campaigns. If you’re pursuing a job within the film or television industry, you’d highlight your background in creating character designs and storyboards.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Digital Illustrator, Black Cat Studios, Denver, CO | November 2016 – present
- Collaborate with illustrators and graphic designers to create 2D and 3D illustrations for client projects valued at up to $300,000, including brand logos, custom typography, and digital marketing assets
- Convert hand-drawn illustrations into digital illustrations, prepare digital assets for print production, and attend creative meetings with client stakeholders
- Create custom artwork, logos, and 2D illustrations for a client rebranding initiative, contributing to a 150% increase in social media followers
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Illustrator, Clover Studios, Houston, TX | January 2019 – present
- Conceptualize and illustrate brand logos, social media materials, and print marketing materials based on client requirements
- Seek client approval for illustrated materials by submitting rough sketches for ideas based on client briefs
- Design and develop engaging character and scene illustrations
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Given illustration’s hands-on, technical nature, employers will be more interested in your skills than in a degree or certification. However, this academic information shows you’ve received practical training in specialized techniques or design principles. These can set you apart from other candidates and prove you’re current with the latest industry trends.
Senior-level illustrators would benefit from including credentials in marketing and management. Their positions often require skills outside of illustration, delving into business, team management, and project leadership. If you want to show off your software mastery, include certifications in any relevant Adobe programs to show you’re up to date with the latest in industry technology.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Illustration Emphasis
University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, September 2008 – June 2012
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] – [Completion Year]
Example:
Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe, 2018
Branding and Digital Marketing Certificate, Pratt Institute, 2016
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
Before reviewing resumes, most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to look for key skills and action verbs. This software helps them eliminate unqualified candidates and highlight those with abilities relevant to the position. The more keywords you include in your resume, the more likely you’ll be called in for an interview. Explore the list of words below to get familiar with common terms hiring managers use in their job descriptions:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| 2D animation | Adobe Creative Suite |
| Anatomy and proportions | Character animation |
| Character design | Color theory |
| Composition | Concept development |
| Digital illustration | Digital rendering |
| Dynamic posing | Environmental design |
| Hand drawing | InDesign |
| Marketing | Perspective drawing |
| Storyboarding | Typography |
| User experience (UX)/user interface (UI) design | Visual storytelling |
5. Provide a curated portfolio of your work
Employers need to see your work to know if your style and ability align with their needs. Providing employers with a physical or digital portfolio is often required and always recommended. With these curated examples, you give tangible proof of how you transform concepts into stunning visuals.
Physical portfolios are still a great way to get your work into the hands of art directors. You can send a copy with your application if the company is open to accepting physical portfolios. However, online portfolios are becoming the standard due to their ease of access. Digital platforms and websites make it simple to share your work quickly and efficiently through email or online applications.
How To Pick the Best Illustrator Resume Template
The best resume template for illustrators is clean and orderly, featuring your most relevant professional accomplishments and key skills. Opt for a simple style that aligns with industry norms and expectations while staying true to your personal brand. Although artistic flair is a nice touch, ensure the template maintains a professional appearance, allowing your content to shine. Hiring managers will better understand your artistic talents through your portfolio, so readability, organization, and coherence should be the top priority.
Illustrator Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-level
Mark Harris
[email protected]
(555) 555-1234
2719 Monroe Street, Houston, TX 77002
Profile
A dynamic Illustrator with extensive experience using digital illustration tools such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign to create print and digital marketing materials. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams and clients to develop a cohesive brand identity.
Key Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Layout Design
- Marketing Illustration
- Graphic Design
- InDesign
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, GPA 3.1
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON Houston, TX, September 2014 – June 2018
Professional Experience
Illustrator, Clover Studios, Houston, TX
January 2019 – Present
- Conceptualize and illustrate brand logos, social media materials, and print marketing materials based on client requirements
- Seek client approval for illustrated materials by submitting rough sketches for ideas based on client briefs
- Design and develop engaging character and scene illustrations
Junior Graphic Designer, HTX Marketing, Houston, TX
April 2017 – December 2018
- Supported with market research to help determine brand direction for clients
- Coordinated with creative and production departments to conceptualize creative concepts for digital and print materials
- Created illustrations for brochures and product packaging for clients
Katherine Johnson
[email protected]
(555) 444-0011
4367 McKinley Avenue, Denver, CO 80205
Profile
A Professional Illustrator with eight years of experience collaborating with clients to conceptualize and create high-quality illustrations. A strong history of using modern design principles to produce engaging visual solutions and enhance brand recognition.
Professional Experience
Digital Illustrator, Black Cat Studio, Denver, CO
November 2016 – Present
- Collaborate with illustrators and graphic designers to create 2D and 3D illustrations for client projects valued at up to $300K, including brand logos, custom typography, and digital marketing assets
- Convert hand-drawn illustrations into digital illustrations, prepare digital assets for print production, and attend creative meetings with client stakeholders
- Create custom artwork, logos, and 2D illustrations for a client rebranding initiative, contributing to a 150% increase in social media followers
Illustrator/Animator, ThinkBIG Designs, Denver, CO
May 2014 – February 2016
- Coordinated with web and graphic designers to create interactive animations, custom logos, and illustrations for client websites
- Created hand-drawn and digital illustrations for print marketing materials, including brochures, magazines, and catalogs
- Delivered high-quality illustrations and animations for social media content
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Illustration Emphasis
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER Denver, CO, September 2008 – June 2012
Key Skills
- Digital Illustration
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Animation
- Corporate Branding
- Communication
Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe, 2018
Jack Kingston
[email protected]
(555) 545-2211
3747 Forest Avenue, New York, NY 10013
Profile
A Senior Illustrator with 10+ years of experience in creating physical and digital illustrations for enterprise clients. A strong history of leading dynamic teams in both commercial and artistic settings to develop engaging design concepts.
Professional Experience
Senior Visual Designer, Area 21, New York, NY
November 2015 – Present
- Lead the design and production team in the conceptualization and creation of digital design elements for all marketing channels
- Collaborate with executive, marketing, and creative team members to develop engaging creative materials while meeting business objectives
- Ensure visual consistency of all brand materials, and establish a comprehensive brand style guide
Digital Production Artist, Black Rock Creative, Brooklyn, NY
July 2011 – February 2015
- Supported senior design staff by managing multiple design projects and interacting with clients throughout production
- Created email marketing templates based on mock-ups made in Adobe Photoshop
- Prepared graphics and illustrations to be used on marketing materials across all channels
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Arts
PRATT INSTITUTE Brooklyn, NY, September 2007 – June 2011
Key Skills
- Digital Media
- Adobe Illustrator
- Typography
- 2D & 3D Animation
- Creative Direction
Certifications
- Branding and Digital Marketing Certificate, Pratt Institute, 2016
Frequently Asked Questions: Illustrator Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for illustrator resumes?+
Action verbs can infuse a dynamic and engaging element into your writing and help you stand out during the hiring process. Consider using some of the action verbs below in your illustrator resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Built | Collaborated |
| Communicated | Conducted |
| Coordinated | Created |
| Delivered | Designed |
| Developed | Drew |
| Executed | Identified |
| Illustrated | Improved |
| Led | Managed |
| Oversaw | Presented |
| Produced | Provided |
| Sketched | |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
Over the next 10 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an increase of 1,700 job opportunities for fine artists, which includes illustrators, painters, and sculptors. With these projections in mind, aspiring illustrators need to take the time to optimize their resumes to stand out from the crowd.
Hiring managers already know what they’re looking for when they begin recruiting. Give yourself the best chance of landing an interview by mirroring the attributes listed in the job description onto your resume. Employ language used in the job posting, and choose the most relevant experiences and skills that showcase your fit for the role.
For instance, if a company is looking for an illustrator proficient in many different art styles, highlight projects across various mediums and styles to demonstrate your diverse ability. If an organization seeks an illustrator who excels in designing logos, you’d emphasize your background in collaborating with marketing teams to enhance brand messaging.
What is the best illustrator resume format?+
A reverse chronological resume format is particularly well-suited for illustrators due to the nature of the job. This format emphasizes your work history in a clear timeline and prominently displays your relevant projects, clients, and achievements. Although functional resume formats should be avoided, you could opt for a combination approach at the entry level. This format places your skills above your professional experience while providing detailed bullet points for your academic projects and work history.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
Write a cover letter to accompany your resume and enhance your chances of landing an interview during your job search. The secret to crafting a captivating cover letter is tailoring it to the organization or client you want to work with. Delve into our comprehensive cover letter guide to master this art. For more examples, explore our guides for graphic designers and artists.
