How to Write a Resume for a Job in the Arts

How to Write an Arts Resume That Actually Works

Want your dream arts job? It's not just about talent; you need a resume that really shines. Think of it as your artistic calling card – a chance to show off your skills and experience. This guide will help you create one that gets noticed.

The Arts Resume Challenge: Showing, Not Just Telling

The tricky part? Translating artistic achievements into something concrete. Unlike a corporate job with clear numbers, art is…well, art. You need to show your skills and vision in a way everyone understands. Don't just list projects – show your impact!

Crafting a Killer Arts Resume: The Key Ingredients

• Contact Info: Your name, number, email, website (a must!), and location – keep it clean and professional.
• Summary/Objective (Optional): A short, powerful statement about your skills and goals. Tweak it for each job; show them what you offer them.
• Skills: Show off what you know! List both hard skills (like Photoshop, Illustrator, video editing) and soft skills (teamwork, communication, etc.).
• Experience: Don't just list jobs and dates. Use the STAR method (see below!) to explain your accomplishments. Quantify whenever possible. Instead of "Designed posters," try "Designed posters that increased event attendance by 20%."
• Portfolio Link: This is HUGE. Your online portfolio is your best friend. Make sure the link is easy to find.
• Education: Degrees, workshops, awards – anything that boosts your cred.
• Awards & Recognition: Show off those awards and grants! They prove you're awesome.
• References: "References available upon request," or list 2-3 people.

Your Secret Weapon: The STAR Method

The STAR method makes describing your work easy. Here's how it works:

• Situation: Briefly set the scene. What was going on?
• Task: Your role – what needed to be done?
• Action: What you did. Be specific, use action verbs!
• Result: What happened because of your actions? Numbers are great here!

Example:

Situation: A small non-profit needed a new brand – limited budget, tight deadline.

Task: I designed their logo, colors, fonts, and brand guidelines.

Action: I researched their audience, created several logo options, got their feedback, and finalized the design. Then I created style guidelines to keep everything consistent.

Result: Website traffic jumped 30% in the first quarter, donations went up 15%!

Tailoring Your Resume: One Size Doesn't Fit All

A generic resume is a no-go. Read the job description carefully. Find the keywords they used. Highlight your skills and experience that match exactly what they're looking for.

Building a Portfolio That Wow's

Your portfolio is as important as your resume. It's a visual representation of your best work. Make sure it's:

• Easy to use: People should find your work easily.
• Visually stunning: It should reflect your style and professionalism.
• Mobile-friendly: Looks great on phones and tablets.
• High-quality images: Show your work in the best light.
• Organized: Group your work by type or medium.
• Updated: Add your newest and best work regularly.

Resume Formatting: First Impressions Matter

How your resume looks matters. Consider these things:

• Professional font: Avoid anything too quirky or hard to read.
• Use white space: Don't cram everything together. Make it easy to read.
• Use bullet points: Makes it easy to scan.
• Proofread!: Typos are a big no-no.
• PDF format: Keeps everything looking perfect on different devices.

Keywords: Help the Computers Find You

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for keywords. Research what words are used in your field (graphic design, illustration, photography, etc.) and weave them naturally into your resume.

Beyond the Resume: Networking and Cover Letters

Your resume isn't everything. Network! Go to industry events, connect on LinkedIn, reach out to people. And write a killer cover letter that shows your personality and passion for the job.

Conclusion: Make Your Resume Shine

Creating a great arts resume takes thought. Combine creative flair with a professional approach, and you'll boost your chances of landing that dream job. Keep updating it as your career grows. Good luck!