As a freelance artist, you may struggle with demonstrating a cohesive career narrative due to the diverse range of projects and clients you work with. Our guide provides tailored strategies to help you weave your varied experiences into a compelling story that showcases your unique skills and professional growth.
Here's what you'll learn from the quickest and most effective strategies to writing your resume:
- Sample industry-leading professional resumes for inspiration and freelance artist resume-writing know-how.
- Focus recruiters' attention on what matters most - your unique experience, achievements, and skills.
- Write various resume sections to ensure you meet at least 95% of all job requirements.
- Balance your freelance artist technical expertise with personality to stand out amongst candidates.
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Tips and tricks for your freelance artist resume format
Before you start writing your resume, you must first consider its look-and-feel - or resume format . Your professional presentation hence should:
- Follow the reverse-chronological resume format , which incroporates the simple logic of listing your latest experience items first. The reverse-chronological format is the perfect choice for candidates who have plenty of relevant (and recent) experience.
- State your intention from the get-go with a clear and concise headline - making it easy for recruiters to allocate your contact details, check out your portfolio, or discover your latest job title.
- Be precise and simple - your resume should be no more than two pages long, representing your experience and skills that are applicable to the freelance artist job.
- Ensure your layout is intact by submitting it as a PDF. Thus, your resume sections would stay in place, even when assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS).
Different regions expect different formats – Canadian resumes, for example, may look unique.
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PRO TIP
List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.
Traditional sections, appreciated by recruiters, for your freelance artist resume:
- Clear and concise header with relevant links and contact details
- Summary or objective with precise snapshot of our career highlights and why you're a suitable candidate for the freelance artist role
- Experience that goes into the nuts and bolts of your professional qualifications and success
- Skills section(-s) for more in-depth talent-alignment between job keywords and your own profile
- Education and certifications sections to further show your commitment for growth in the specific niche
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Portfolio of previous work showcasing artistic style, versatility, and technical skills
- Relevant work experience with specific reference to successful projects and client satisfaction
- Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, or 3D modeling software)
- Understanding of design principles, color theory, and storytelling
- Positive testimonials or references from past clients, collaborators, or employers
The experience section or the essence of your professional freelance artist resume
Recruiters always have and always will appreciate well-written freelance artist resume experience sections.
The experience section is perhaps the most crucial element of your professional presentation, as it needs to answer job requirements while showcasing your technical expertise and personality.
Create your best resume experience section yet by:
- Selecting only relevant experience items to the role you're applying for;
- Always ensure you've listed a metric to quantify your success alongside each experience item;
- Create a narrative that showcases your freelance artist career succession: this goes to show the time and effort you've invested in the field to build your experience from the ground up;
- Within each experience bullet, consider a problem you've solved, the skills you've used, and the bigger impact this has made in the organization.
Take a look at how other real-life professionals have curated their experience with the freelance artist samples below:
Work Experience
Freelance Graphic Novelist & Illustrator
Marvel Entertainment
06/2019-05/2024
- Successfully completed over 150 commissioned artworks for clients including Marvel Comics, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat business.
- Managed the end-to-end creative process for character designs in a published graphic novel, which sold over 10,000 copies in the first six months.
- Developed and delivered a 12-piece gallery collection showcased at Art Basel Miami, yielding a 30% uptick in professional networking opportunities.
Work Experience
Independent Visual Artist & Animator
The New Yorker
01/2017-12/2019
- Created an original cover art for 'The New Yorker,' which was featured in their 'Best of the Year' issue, enhancing my portfolio visibility.
- Spearheaded and marketed a personal online art store, growing my client base by 150% within the first year.
- Collaborated on a multimedia campaign for Nike that included illustrations and animations, generating a 25% increase in customer engagement online.
Work Experience
Lead Concept Artist & Project Manager
Blizzard Entertainment
03/2015-02/2017
- Led a team of artists in creating environmental art for the top-rated video game, which grossed over $400 million in global sales.
- Conducted interactive art workshops at Comic-Con International that improved audience engagement and boosted social media following by 40%.
- Orchestrated a successful Kickstarter campaign for an art book project, surpassing the funding goal by 150% and ensuring the timely publication.
Work Experience
Freelance Conceptual Designer & Brand Collaborator
Threadless
11/2012-10/2015
- Designed and licensed a line of fantasy-based apparel for Threadless, increasing brand's reach in the pop culture market.
- Negotiated and secured a contract to provide monthly editorial illustrations for 'Wired' magazine, enhancing my industry authority as an artist.
- Curated and organized a local art festival, attracting over 5,000 visitors and significantly boosting the exposure of participating artists.
Work Experience
Storyboard Artist & Digital Illustrator
Pixar Animation Studios
08/2009-07/2012
- Provided 30+ storyboard frames for an Oscar-winning animated short film, contributing to its critical acclaim and success at international film festivals.
- Built strong client relationships by reliably delivering custom artwork for private collectors, accounting for 35% of my annual income.
- Implemented a digital marketing strategy for my freelance services, resulting in a 200% increase in website traffic and higher online commissions.
Work Experience
Book Illustrator & Art Instructor
Scholastic Inc.
02/2011-01/2013
- Collaborated with a team of authors to create book illustrations for a best-selling young adult series, contributing to its top 100 ranking on Amazon.
- Expanded service offerings to include digital portraits, recording an average of 50 portrait commissions per month with a 95% customer satisfaction rate.
- Hosted a series of successful virtual art classes, attracting and educating over 500 participants interested in developing their digital illustration skills.
Work Experience
Muralist & Commissioned Portrait Artist
Self-Employed
06/2014-05/2016
- Partnered with local businesses to create mural art, effectively doubling my in-city client requests within one year.
- Launched a Patreon campaign to fund independent art projects, achieving consistent monthly support that covered 100% of project costs.
- Executed a series of commissioned pet portraits that gained media attention, featured in 'Pet Life Magazine' boosting my commission rate by 30%.
Work Experience
Digital Artist & NFT Creator
Freelance
04/2013-03/2014
- Successfully transitioned from traditional to digital art forms, enhancing service offerings and leading to a feature profile in 'Digital Arts' magazine.
- Specialized in creating NFT artwork before the trend peaked, resulting in early adoption benefits and a dedicated collector base.
- Implemented a customer feedback system, which led to a refined commission process and improved satisfaction rates by 20%.
Work Experience
Art Exhibition Curator & Online Educator
Skillshare
09/2016-08/2017
- Organized and managed an international art exhibition in Paris, leading to partnerships with three European art galleries.
- Crafted a series of digital art tutorials for Skillshare, resulting in over 10,000 students enrolled and enhancing my online teaching presence.
- Provided pro bono concept art for indie game developers, gaining valuable networking connections within the gaming community.
Work Experience
Mixed Media Artist & Eco-Art Product Developer
Austin Creative Alliance
07/2011-06/2014
- Pioneered the use of AR in art installations for an immersive experience at SXSW, greatly increasing my profile in tech-art crossover fields.
- Conceptualized and executed a line of eco-friendly art supplies catering to a niche market, which constituted 25% of my earnings by the end of the first year.
- Leveraged social media to crowdsource art project ideas, resulting in a series that received accolades for community engagement and creativity.
The following content includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top responsibilities present on the task lists for freelance artist professionals.
Top Responsibilities for Freelance Artist:
- Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
- Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
- Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
- Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.
- Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
- Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.
- Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.
- Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
- Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.
- Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Include the number of completed projects to demonstrate your experience and productivity.
- Specify the size of key projects in terms of budget to showcase your ability to handle significant financial responsibilities.
- List the number of clients you have worked with to indicate your market reach and collaborative experience.
- Use percentages to denote the growth in social media following or website traffic due to your artwork to underscore your influence and marketing skills.
- Quantify the number of pieces sold or exhibited to convey the demand and exposure of your work.
- Highlight the reduction in time or resources due to process improvements you implemented on creative projects to prove efficiency.
- Mention any awards or rankings by number to emphasize recognition and competitiveness within the field.
- Detail the variety of mediums or techniques you are proficient in by counting them, to demonstrate versatility and technical skill.
Action verbs for your freelance artist resume
Instead of simply mentioning your tasks, share what you have done in your previous positions by using action verbs. For example, instead of saying “Client communication”, go for “Communicated with X number of clients weekly”. Use these power words and make your application shine!
Experience section for candidates with zero-to-none experience
While you may have less professional experience in the field, that doesn't mean you should leave this section of your resume empty or blank.
Consider these four strategies on how to substitute the lack of experience with:
- Volunteer roles - as part of the community, you've probably gained valuable people (and sometimes even technological capabilities) that could answer the job requirements
- Research projects - while in your university days, you may have been part of some cutting-edge project to benefit the field. Curate this within your experience section as a substitute for real-world experience
- Internships - while you may consider that that summer internship in New York was solely mandatory to your degree, make sure to include it as part of your experience, if it's relevant to the role
- Irrelevant previous jobs - instead of detailing the technologies you've learned, think about the transferable skills you've gained.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Showcase any ongoing or recent educational efforts to stay updated in your field.
Freelance artist resume skills section: writing about your hard skills and soft skills
Recruiters always care about the skill set you'd bring about to the freelance artist role. That's why it's a good idea to curate yours wisely, integrating both hard (or technical) and soft skills. Hard skills are the technology and software you're apt at using - these show your suitability for the technical aspect of the role. They are easy to track via your experience, certifications, and various resume sections. Your soft skills are those personality traits you've gained over time that show how you'd perform in the specific team, etc. Soft skills are more difficult to qualify but are definitely worth it - as they make you stand out and show your adaptability to new environments. How do you build the skills section of your resume? Best practices point that you could:
- Include up to five or six skills in the section as keywords to align with the advert.
- Create a specific technical skills section to highlight your hard skills aptitude.
- Align the culture of the company you're applying to with your soft skills to determine which ones should be more prominent in your skills section.
- Make sure you answer majority of the job requirements that are in the advert within your skills section.
A freelance artist's resume requires a specific skill set that balances both industry-specific hard skills with personal, soft skills. Discover the perfect mix for the freelance artist role from our list:
Top skills for your freelance artist resume:
HARD SKILLS
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
CorelDRAW
Procreate
Clip Studio Paint
3D Modeling Software (e.g., Blender, Maya)
Graphic Design Principles
Digital Painting Techniques
Printmaking Techniques
Animation Software (e.g., After Effects)
SOFT SKILLS
Creativity
Time Management
Communication
Adaptability
Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Critical Thinking
Client Relationship Management
Next, you will find information on the top technologies for freelance artist professonals from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Top technologies for Freelance Artist’s resume:
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Photoshop
- GroupMe
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
PRO TIP
Listing your relevant degrees or certificates on your freelance artist resume is a win-win situation. Not only does it hint at your technical capabilities in the industry, but an array of soft skills, like perseverance, adaptability, and motivation.
Listing your education and certifications on your freelance artist resume
Don't underestimate the importance of your resume education section . As it may hint at various skills (and experience) that are relevant to the job. When writing your education section:
- Include only higher education degrees with information about the institution and start/end dates
- If you're in the process of obtaining your degree, include your expected graduation date
- Consider leaving off degrees that aren't relevant to the job or industry
- Write a description of your education if it presents you with an opportunity to further showcase your achievements in a more research-focused environment
When describing your certifications on your resume, always consider their relevancy to the role. Use the same format to describe them as you would for your education. If you're wondering what the best certificates out there are for freelance artist roles, check out the list below.
The top 5 certifications for your freelance artist resume:
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) - Adobe
- Certified Graphic Designer (CGD) - Graphic Designers of Canada
- User Experience (UX) Design Certificate - Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g)
- Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) - Association for Talent Development (ATD)
- Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) - Autodesk
The content below includes information from "O*NET OnLine" by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data represents the top associations for freelance artist professionals.
Top US associations for a Freelance Artist professional
- American Craft Council
- Association of Medical Illustrators
- Glass Art Society
- National Association of Independent Artists
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
PRO TIP
If you happen to have plenty of certificates, select the ones that are most applicable and sought-after across the industry. Organize them by relevance to the role you're applying for.
Recommended reads:
Should you write a resume summary or an objective?
No need to research social media or ask ChatGPT to find out if the summary or objective is right for your freelance artist resume.
- Experienced candidates always tend to go for resume summaries. The summary is a three to five sentence long paragraph that narrates your career highlights and aligns your experience to the role. In it you can add your top skills and career achievements that are most impressive.
- Junior professionals or those making a career change, should write a resume objective. These shouldn't be longer than five sentences and should detail your career goals . Basically, how you see yourself growing in the current position and how would your experience or skill set could help out your potential employers.
Think of both the resume summary and objective as your opportunity to put your best foot forward - from the get go - answering job requirements with skills.
Use the below real-world freelance artist professional statements as inspiration for writing your resume summary or objective.
Resume summaries for a freelance artist job
- Seasoned freelance illustrator with over a decade of experience in creating compelling visuals for children's books and editorial content. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and skilled in traditional mediums. Achieved recognition as Illustrator of the Year at the Global Art Awards for a bestselling picture book series.
- Multifaceted graphic designer transitioning to freelance artistry, carrying a substantial 8-year professional background in corporate branding. Mastery of digital design tools and a fresh, avant-garde approach to visual storytelling. Noteworthy project includes a rebranding campaign that increased client engagement by 40%.
- Dynamic 3D artist pivoting from a successful 6-year career in the gaming industry to a freelance setting. Expertise in 3D modeling, texturing, and animation with a portfolio that includes award-winning assets for top-rated games. Spearheaded a VR project that won ‘Best Virtual Experience’ in an international tech fest.
- Aspiring freelance painter aiming to leverage a pure passion for fine arts to establish a presence in the art community. Strong foundation in art theory and proficient in various painting techniques. Seeking to embark on a journey that aligns personal creative expression with engaging community projects.
- Artistically inclined professional with a rich background in marketing looking to infuse 7 years of strategic planning and creative campaign management into a freelance art career. In-depth knowledge of visual communication and a track record of increasing brand visibility through innovative design solutions.
- Energetic and imaginative individual prepared to dive into freelance artistry with a keen eye for aesthetics and a spirited dedication to learning. No formal experience, but a rich portfolio showcasing versatility in mediums and styles. Committed to developing a signature approach while contributing to diverse artistic projects.
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Average salary info by state in the US for freelance artist professionals
Local salary info for Freelance Artist.” Source: My Next Move, National Center for O*NET Development. Accessed 10/15/2024
| State | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| US National Average | $59,300 |
| California (CA) | $135,160 |
| Texas (TX) | $33,680 |
| Florida (FL) | $47,170 |
| New York (NY) | $70,340 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $58,210 |
| Ohio (OH) | $45,100 |
| Georgia (GA) | $62,760 |
| Michigan (MI) | $38,170 |
Bonus sections for your freelance artist resume
Looking to show more personality on your freelance artist resume? Then consider including a couple of extra sections.
They'd benefit your application by highlighting your most prominent:
Key takeaways
Securing your ideal job starts with crafting a compelling freelance artist resume. It should not only highlight your professional strengths but also reflect your personality. Key aspects to remember include:
- Choose a clear, easily editable format, allowing more time to focus on the content of your resume;
- Emphasize experience relevant to the job, focusing on your impact on the team;
- Opt for a resume summary if you have extensive professional experience, and a resume objective if you're just starting out;
- Include technical skills in the skills section and interpersonal skills in the achievements section;
- Recognize the importance of various resume sections (e.g., My Time, Projects) in showcasing both your professional abilities and personal traits.
Freelance Artist resume examples
Explore additional freelance artist resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Freelance Artist
As a Junior Freelance Artist, you are responsible for creating visual content, collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life, and ensuring projects meet specific guidelines and deadlines. In your resume, be sure to discuss your past projects, your creative process, and any notable collaborations that highlight your capabilities. Include skills such as digital illustration, proficiency with design software, and an understanding of color theory to enhance your profile. Additionally, mention your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and your knack for turning client feedback into improved work, as these will impress potential clients or employers.
Senior Freelance Artist
As a Senior Freelance Artist, you are responsible for creating high-quality visual content that meets client specifications and elevates their brand. On your resume, discuss your experience with diverse projects, collaboration with clients, and your ability to meet tight deadlines. Highlight skills such as advanced proficiency in design software, strong communication abilities, and a keen eye for detail. Also, be sure to mention past projects that led to increased client engagement and any awards or recognitions you've received that underline your expertise.
By Role
Freelance Concept Artist
As a Freelance Concept Artist, you are responsible for creating visual designs and concepts that help bring ideas to life for various clients or projects. On your resume, be sure to discuss your previous experience working with clients, the diversity of projects you've handled, and any notable collaborations you’ve been a part of. Highlight your proficiency in digital art software, your ability to sketch and illustrate, and your understanding of color theory and design principles. To further demonstrate your worth, include examples of successful projects that led to client satisfaction and any awards or recognitions you’ve received in your field.
Freelance Digital Artist
As a Freelance Digital Artist, you're responsible for creating visually compelling artwork for various digital platforms, often tailoring your creations to fit the unique needs and visions of your clients. On your resume, be sure to highlight your relevant work experience, any notable projects you've completed, and the range of art styles you're proficient in. Include skills such as proficiency in graphic design software, strong communication abilities, and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure. Demonstrating your reliability and a diverse portfolio will help potential clients or employers recognize the unique value you bring to the table.
Freelance Graphic Artist
As a Freelance Graphic Artist, you are responsible for creating compelling visual concepts that captivate and communicate effectively. On your resume, highlight your experience with various design projects, your ability to meet tight deadlines, and your proficiency with industry-standard software. Be sure to include skills such as creativity, attention to detail, and adaptability. Finally, emphasize your successful client collaborations and portfolio of diverse projects to demonstrate your professional worth.
Freelance Visual Artist
As a Freelance Visual Artist, you are responsible for creating compelling visual content across a range of media, tailored to meet the specific needs of your clients. On your resume, you should highlight recent projects, list notable clients or collaborations, and mention any awards or recognitions you’ve received. It’s important to include skills such as digital illustration, graphic design software proficiency, and time management. Demonstrating your ability to meet deadlines consistently and showcasing positive client testimonials will reinforce your professional reputation.
Freelance 3D Artist
As a Freelance 3D Artist, you are responsible for creating visually engaging and accurate 3D models, textures, and animations to meet your clients' needs. On your resume, you should discuss your experience with various 3D modeling software, previous collaborative projects, and successful client outcomes. Be sure to highlight your proficiency in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, as well as your understanding of lighting and rendering techniques. Include your ability to meet tight deadlines and your knack for translating complex concepts into captivating visuals that resonate with clients.
Freelance Character Artist
As a Freelance Character Artist, you are responsible for designing and creating detailed and visually compelling characters for various media, including games, films, and digital content. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience with character design software, your ability to meet tight deadlines, and any notable projects you've worked on. Highlight your proficiency in tools such as ZBrush, Maya, or Blender, as well as your strong understanding of anatomy and character anatomy design principles. Additionally, mention your track record of client satisfaction and your ability to adapt to different artistic styles to demonstrate your worth to potential employers.
Freelance Environmental Artist
As a Freelance Environmental Artist, you are responsible for creating visually compelling and immersive environmental designs for various media, including video games and films. On your resume, you should discuss your experience with different design software, past projects that highlight your creative expertise, and collaborations with teams or clients to achieve specific visual goals. Make sure to highlight skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting, as these are crucial for bringing your environments to life. Additionally, emphasize your ability to meet project deadlines and your knack for innovative problem-solving to demonstrate your professional value.
Freelance Illustrator Artist
As a Freelance Illustrator Artist, you are responsible for creating compelling and visually engaging artwork that meets clients' needs and project specifications. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience with a range of illustration styles, your ability to meet deadlines, and successful collaborations with well-known clients. Highlight your proficiency with design software, strong storytelling abilities, and keen attention to detail. To demonstrate your worth, include examples of projects that exceeded client expectations and any unique techniques or innovations you have developed in your work.
Freelance Fine Artist
As a Freelance Fine Artist, you are responsible for creating original artworks and illustrations tailored to client specifications or for independent sale. On your resume, you should highlight your expertise in different art mediums, your ability to meet deadlines, and your experience collaborating with clients or galleries. Include skills like digital artistry, creative problem solving, and proficiency in art software to demonstrate your capabilities. Mention your successful exhibitions and any notable awards or recognitions to emphasize what you bring to the table.
Freelance Mixed Media Artist
As a Freelance Mixed Media Artist, you are responsible for creating visually compelling artwork by combining various materials and techniques to produce unique, original pieces that resonate with audiences. On your resume, you should highlight your experience with diverse media, the successful completion of client projects, and exhibitions or showcases where your work has been featured. Be sure to include skills such as creative design, project management, and proficiency with specific tools relevant to mixed media art. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning your ability to meet client deadlines consistently and your knack for translating creative visions into tangible, impactful art.
Freelance Animation Artist
As a Freelance Animation Artist, you are responsible for creating captivating animations that bring stories and characters to life. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience with various animation software, successful projects you've completed, and any collaboration with clients or teams. Highlight your skills in character design, storyboarding, and time management to demonstrate your expertise. Additionally, mention any awards or recognitions you've received and feedback from satisfied clients to reinforce your worth in the industry.
