Creative & media

Illustrator resume example

Illustrators are hired through portfolios. The resume should show clients and publications, the kinds of work you do (editorial, books, packaging) and reliability on deadlines.

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Illustrator resume summary example

Freelance illustrator with 7 years creating editorial, packaging and children’s book illustration. Illustrated 6 published picture books and 120+ editorial commissions, all delivered on deadline.

Notice the pattern: title and years of experience, then the strongest result with a number. See more in resume summary examples.

Experience bullet examples for an illustrator

  • Illustrated 6 published picture books, one shortlisted for a national prize
  • Delivered 120+ editorial illustrations for magazines and newspapers, all on deadline
  • Created packaging illustration for a tea brand sold in 2,000 stores
  • Run workshops for schools and libraries
  • Designed 300+ greeting cards and seasonal ranges

Each bullet starts with an action verb and ends with a result. That is what separates an achievement from a job description.

Skills for an illustrator resume

Digital illustrationProcreateAdobe PhotoshopAdobe IllustratorWatercolourCharacter designPicture-book layoutEditorial illustrationClient briefsDeadline management

Keywords that appear in illustrator job postings

Applicant tracking systems match your resume against the posting. These terms recur in real illustrator listings, use the ones that are true for you, in the posting’s own wording.

illustrationdigital artProcreatePhotoshopIllustratoreditorialchildren’s bookscharacter designportfoliofreelancedeadlinesclient communication

Paste a specific job description into the ATS resume checker to see exactly what your resume is missing.

Tips for writing an illustrator resume

  1. Your portfolio link is the most important line.
  2. List publications and recognisable clients.
  3. Show the range of formats you work in.

Questions

What skills should I put on an illustrator resume?

List the specific skills the job posting asks for that you genuinely have. For illustrator roles, common ones include Digital illustration, Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Watercolour, Character design, Picture-book layout, Editorial illustration.

How long should an illustrator resume be?

One page for most candidates. Two pages only if you have many years of directly relevant experience and every line earns its place.

Can I use this illustrator resume example for free?

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