Illustrator Resume Example & Writing Guide

Illustrator resume (text format)

The resume of an illustrator at Resume Genius

Eunice Wang, an illustrator at Resume Genius, secured the role after we reviewed her impressive resume, which you can see here:

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Why Eunice’s resume stood out:

• Extensive software proficiency: Eunice is skilled in a wide range of illustration tools, including Procreate, Harmony, Figma, Dragonframe, Maya, and the Adobe Creative Suite. Her diverse expertise allowed for a fast onboarding process, saving us time and resources. Be sure to list all the illustration tools you’re familiar with on your resume.
• Top-tier education: Eunice’s degree from the prestigious Pratt Institute signaled her high academic and professional standards. If you’ve graduated from a well-regarded institution, highlight it prominently on your resume.
• Quantifiable achievements: Eunice’s resume impressed us with clear data points, such as producing over 60 illustrations per quarter in her previous role, showcasing her productivity. Always quantify your achievements to give hiring managers a concrete sense of your capabilities.

How to write an illustrator resume

Creating an effective illustrator resume requires a careful balance of visual appeal and professionalism.

Follow these steps to create a resume that will catch the eye of potential employers and demonstrate your qualifications as an illustrator.

1. Open with a strong resume summary

Begin your resume with a concise resume summary statement of 2-3 sentences that encapsulates your professional identity, key skills, and career goals.

Highlight your unique artistic style, years of experience, and any notable achievements or specializations.

2. Highlight your technical skills and creativity

Create a dedicated skills section that showcases both your technical abilities and creative talents.

List technical skills and software proficiencies such as Adobe Creative Suite, digital drawing tablets, and any 3D modeling tools you’re familiar with. Prioritize any skills you have that are featured in the job description.

Here are some other common technical skills for an illustrator resume:

• Digital Illustration (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate)
• Vector Art
• 2D Animation
• Concept art
• Storyboarding
• Print design (resolution, color calibration, and layout for various formats)
• UX/UI Design integration
• Typography and lettering
• Branding and iconography
• 3D Illustration (e.g., Blender)
• Sketching
• Watercolor
• Printmaking
• Photography

3. Expand on past projects in your experience section

In your work experience section, focus on relevant projects and accomplishments rather than just listing job duties. Use the bullet points to describe specific illustrations or campaigns you’ve worked on, detailing your role, the techniques you used, and the impact of each project.

Wherever possible, quantify your achievements such as “Created 20+ character designs for an award-winning children’s book series” or “Increased client’s social media engagement by 30% through a series of custom promotional illustrations.”

This work experience section highlights the illustrator’s diverse skills and accomplishments across different areas of illustration. It also emphasizes quantifiable achievements, collaboration skills, and adaptability to different project requirements and mediums.

If you’re a freelancer, you can list notable clients or projects as separate entries, like this:

This format allows the illustrator to showcase their diverse client base and highlight specific projects for each client. It demonstrates their ability to work across different markets (publishing, editorial, animation) and adapt their style to various requirements.

4. Outline your education and certifications

Include your formal education, listing any degrees in illustration, fine arts, or related fields. Mention relevant coursework, honors, or special projects completed during your studies.

If you have any additional certifications or specialized training in illustration techniques or software, include these as well.

These sections complement the illustrator’s experience by showcasing the illustrator’s formal education in the field and ongoing dedication to professional development through certifications and specialized courses.

Average illustrator salaries in the US

After you’ve written your resume, make sure you use it to apply for jobs within a fair salary range.

The following table includes information from the most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report (May 2024). Here are the ten states with the highest salaries for illustrators, as well as the national average for your reference when applying for work.