Illustrator CV Example & Writing Guide

As an illustrator, you have an innate ability to convey stories, emotions, and ideas through our visual creations. So, if your next project is securing a new gig as an illustrator, it’s time to take those skills and put them towards your next masterpiece: a job-winning illustrator CV.

Luckily for you, Resume.io is here to help. As a top resource for job seekers, our library of CV examples covers dozens of professions including creative careers like yours. So, we know something about communicating your professional worth through your writing.

This CV guide, along with the corresponding CV example will cover the following topics:

• What does an illustrator do?
• How to write an illustrator CV (tips and tricks)
• The best format for an illustrator CV
• Advice on each section of your CV (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional CV layout and design hints.

What does an illustrator do?

As an illustrator, you play an important part in informing people’s lives. The visuals you create to accompany texts could be for children’s books, articles or textbooks, or even important reports. There are many sectors that need concepts made more accessible or entertaining through illustrations.

While opportunities might be most obvious in publishing, illustrators also work in marketing and entertainment. The skills of an illustrator could come in handy for anything from advertising campaigns to storyboards and concept designs for visual media like films. There are other opportunities that fall outside these broad areas, such as fashion illustration, greeting card illustration, and courtroom sketching.

How to write an illustrator CV

Before anything else, make sure your illustrator CV contains the following elements:

• The CV header
• The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The CV skills section
• The education section

The rest of this guide will focus on how to fill out each section, depending on what the role you’re applying for requires.

Choosing the best CV format for an illustrator

The best CV format for a creative professional such as an illustrator is usually the reverse chronological format. This prioritises the employment history section. Here you can prove that you have experience in the type of work your client or prospect employer is looking for. 

Functional CV samples are also an option. This CV format prioritises the skills format and is often chosen by entry-level candidates. However, most hiring managers would prefer to see a portfolio which shows your skills in action accompanied by a traditional CV.

If you are new to the workforce, remember to milk any bits of previous professional experience you have and always relate it to the job you are applying for. The CV sample below will give you a starting point that you can adapt based on where you are in your illustrator career.

CV summary example: outline your best bits

A picture is worth a thousand words, but in your CV summary you have just three or four sentences to capture the hiring manager’s attention. Prioritise your most impressive and relevant achievements that make you qualified for this role in particular.

Our CV sample summary below  will give you a starting point to craft your own. This is just one way you can communicate your best bits in such a short space. 

Employment history sample: illustrate your experience

Your illustrator CV should include a list of your most recently held job positions with the most recent at the top. Create a subheading for each role containing your position, the organisation you worked at, dates of employment, and location.

Underneath this subheading include several bullet points highlighting your key achievements and responsibilities during your time in the role.

CV skills example: the finishing touch

Your ability to illustrate is a given. However, you should still list the most relevant skills for the job in this section in order of importance. Read the job description for inspiration and mimic the keywords you see written there. 

For instance, the names of illustrator software you are proficient in. See our CV sample content below for ideas.

Illustrator CV education example

Perhaps you have an art foundation degree, a bachelor’s in illustration. Or perhaps you learnt your craft from the school of hard knocks. Regardless, this section should include your most recent education. 

List the name of the qualification, the institution you studied at, dates attended, and location. The CV sample content below will show you how it’s done.

CV layout and design: you know the drill

As if you needed reminding, visual communication counts. On your CV it’s twice as important. Make sure the document  is laid out clearly with a legible font and simple colour scheme. 

You may be a creative, but even for the most creative of jobs your CV is still a professional document. As an illustrator you might be susceptible to perfectionism on this point. To avoid that perfectionist procrastination, consider using one of our field-tested CV templates and take off some of the pressure.

Key takeaways for an illustrator CV

1. Even for creatives such as an illustrator, the best CV format is reverse chronological.
2. Your illustrator portfolio is non-negotiable: make sure you link it at the top of your CV!
3. Make sure your CV is laid out clearly with a legible font and simple colour scheme for optimum visual communication.
4. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to design, go ahead and use a template! That way, you can focus on the content of your CV.