Craft Artist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable resume examples

Copyable Craft Artist Resume examples

Ever wondered what happens when artistic vision meets technical craftsmanship? Craft artists transform ordinary materials—clay, glass, metal, wood, textiles—into objects that are both functional and beautiful. They're the makers behind those one-of-a-kind ceramic mugs at local markets, the stunning stained glass in historic buildings, and the handwoven textiles that become family heirlooms. The field has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years, with artisan marketplaces like Etsy reporting over 7.5 million active sellers as of 2023—a 34% increase from pre-pandemic numbers.

Today's craft artists aren't just creating in isolated studios; they're building thriving businesses, teaching workshops, and connecting with global audiences through social media. The "handmade movement" has shifted consumer preferences toward authentically crafted items with stories and character. Many craft artists now blend traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities,

sometimes incorporating digital tools for planning or marketing while maintaining handcrafted execution. As sustainability concerns grow, the craft artist's approach to small-batch, locally-made goods positions them perfectly for a future where consumers increasingly value ethical production and personal connection to the things they own.

Junior Craft Artist Resume Example

Maya Thompson

Portland, OR • (503) 555-2187 • mayathompson.art@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/mayathompson • etsy.com/shop/MayaMakesStudio

Emerging craft artist with formal training in ceramics, fiber arts, and mixed media. Recently completed apprenticeship at Clayborne Studios while establishing my independent practice. Skilled at translating abstract concepts into tangible pieces that connect with viewers. Experienced selling through craft fairs, local shops, and online platforms.

Experience

Junior Studio Assistant | Clayborne Studios | Portland, OR | Jan 2022 – Present

  • Support lead artists in production of ceramic vessels, maintaining studio tools, and preparing clay bodies
  • Help manage kiln firing schedules for 3 electric and 1 gas kilns, tracking temperature curves and atmospheric conditions
  • Assist with glazing, trimming, and finishing pieces for gallery exhibits and wholesale accounts
  • Photograph finished pieces for online catalog and social media (grew Instagram following by 37%)

Independent Craft Artist | Maya Makes Studio | Portland, OR | Aug 2021 – Present

  • Create functional ceramics and fiber art pieces, selling through Etsy shop and 6 local markets annually
  • Developed signature line of hand-painted ceramic mugs featuring Pacific Northwest landscapes
  • Manage inventory of 75+ SKUs, tracking materials costs and production time to ensure profitability
  • Conduct monthly workshops teaching basic weaving techniques (avg. attendance: 8 participants)

Gallery Assistant (Part-time) | Handmade PDX | Portland, OR | Oct 2021 – May 2022

  • Assisted with installation and teardown of 9 rotating exhibits featuring local craft artists
  • Provided customer service during openings and regular hours, processed sales and managed inventory
  • Maintained gallery’s social media presence, posting 3x weekly to highlight featured artists

Education

BFA in Craft | Oregon College of Art & Craft | Portland, OR | 2021

  • Concentration: Ceramics and Fiber Arts
  • Senior Thesis: “Function & Form: Exploring the Intersection of Utility and Beauty”
  • Selected for student showcase exhibition, Spring 2021

Workshops & Additional Training

  • Advanced Glaze Chemistry Workshop – Portland Pottery Supply (2022)
  • Natural Dye Techniques – Textile Arts Center (2021)
  • Raku Firing Intensive – Wildfire Ceramics (2022)

Skills

  • Ceramics (wheel throwing, hand-building, slab construction)
  • Fiber arts (weaving, embroidery, macramé)
  • Glazing and surface decoration techniques
  • Kiln operation (electric, gas, raku)
  • Product photography and styling
  • Basic woodworking and mixed media
  • Social media marketing (Instagram, Pinterest)
  • E-commerce platforms (Etsy, Shopify)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • Point-of-sale systems (Square, Clover)

Exhibitions & Markets

  • Portland Crafts Market – Vendor (Winter 2021, Spring 2022)
  • Emerging Artists Showcase – Handmade PDX Gallery (March 2022)
  • First Thursday Art Walk – Featured Artist at Clay Collective (May 2022)
  • Pacific Northwest Pottery Fair – Assistant Demonstrator (2021)

Mid-level Craft Artist Resume Example

Riley Jameson

Portland, OR 97214 • (503) 555-9028 • riley.jameson@email.com
linkedin.com/in/rileyjameson • instagram.com/rileyjamesoncraft

Versatile craft artist with 5+ years creating commercial and gallery pieces across multiple mediums including ceramics, textiles, and mixed media. Proven track record of balancing artistic vision with client needs, resulting in 87% repeat business rate. Background in both independent studio work and collaborative design teams with experience in teaching workshops and managing small-scale production.

EXPERIENCE

Lead Craft Artist, Riverstone Arts Collective • Portland, OR • March 2021 – Present

  • Create and manage production of 30+ ceramic and textile pieces monthly while maintaining artistic integrity and meeting client deadlines
  • Developed a sustainable materials initiative that reduced studio waste by 31% and cut supply costs by $4,200 annually
  • Lead bi-weekly workshops for groups of 6-12 community members, with 93% positive feedback ratings
  • Collaborated with 3 local businesses to create custom installation pieces, increasing studio visibility and generating $8,700 in additional revenue
  • Mentor 2 junior artists in techniques and business practices while managing production schedule

Studio Artist & Instructor, Eastside Makers Space • Portland, OR • Sept 2019 – Feb 2021

  • Produced and sold handcrafted ceramic vessels and textile art at 7 regional craft markets and 2 gallery shows
  • Taught 14 beginner-level throwing classes, increasing workshop attendance by 27%
  • Managed inventory of 60+ pieces across different price points and styles
  • Assisted in studio maintenance, kiln firing, and materials ordering for a community of 24 artists

Apprentice Ceramicist, Morgan Clay Works • Eugene, OR • May 2018 – Aug 2019

  • Assisted master potter in all aspects of production, from clay preparation to final glazing
  • Managed social media accounts, increasing followers by 740 and online sales by 22%
  • Helped coordinate 3 successful gallery shows featuring studio work
  • Developed skills in wheel throwing, hand-building, and glaze chemistry through mentorship

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics and Textiles
University of Oregon, Eugene • 2014-2018
Graduated with honors, Senior showcase featured in university gallery

Certificate in Small Business Management for Artists
Portland Community College • 2020

SKILLS

  • Ceramics: Wheel throwing, hand-building, glaze formulation, kiln operation (electric & gas)
  • Textiles: Weaving, natural dyeing, embroidery, basic pattern-making
  • Mixed Media: Found object integration, assemblage, resin casting
  • Technical: Adobe Creative Suite, basic 3D modeling, studio photography
  • Business: Inventory management, pricing strategy, craft fair applications, online shop management
  • Teaching: Workshop development, beginner to intermediate instruction, demonstration techniques

EXHIBITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Pacific Northwest Craft Exhibition – Featured Artist (2022)
  • Rose City Art Market – Best in Show, Ceramics Category (2021)
  • Portland Makers Collective – Quarterly showcase (2019, 2020, 2022)
  • Awarded creative grant from Oregon Arts Commission (2021) – $2,750 for sustainable materials research

Senior / Experienced Craft Artist Resume Example

Elaine M. Parkwood

Portland, Oregon | (503) 217-4826 | e.parkwood@craftmail.com | linkedin.com/in/elaine-parkwood
www.elaineparkwood.com

Versatile craft artist with 10+ years creating original mixed-media fiber art and sculptural pieces for galleries, private collectors, and commercial clients. My work blends traditional textile techniques with contemporary materials—resulting in pieces that have been featured in 7 solo exhibitions and acquired by the Portland Museum of Contemporary Craft. Known for my unique approach to sustainable materials and workshop leadership that’s helped over 300 emerging artists develop their craft.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lead Artist & Studio Director | Wildcraft Studio | Portland, OR | 2019-Present

  • Manage a 3,200 sq ft collaborative studio space shared by 14 artists, overseeing equipment maintenance, materials inventory, and scheduling
  • Secured $78,500 in grant funding to launch “Craft for Community” program bringing arts education to underserved Portland neighborhoods
  • Design and lead advanced fiber arts workshops (natural dyeing, weaving, paper-making) with 97% positive feedback scores
  • Curate quarterly exhibition series featuring emerging Pacific Northwest craft artists, increasing gallery foot traffic by 37%
  • Developed partnership with 3 local sustainable farms to source natural dye materials, reducing studio material costs by $4,300 annually

Resident Artist & Instructor | PNW Craft Collective | Seattle, WA | 2016-2019

  • Created 4 major textile installation pieces for corporate and public spaces, including the 18×24 ft “Watershed” piece for Seattle Public Library
  • Taught 6-8 workshops per month in fiber arts techniques to students ranging from beginners to professional artists
  • Mentored 12 emerging artists through year-long professional development program
  • Collaborated with marketing team to increase workshop enrollment by 41% through targeted social media campaigns
  • Jury member for annual Pacific Northwest Craft Fair, reviewing over 300 artist applications

Fiber Artist | Self-Employed | Portland, OR | 2013-2016

  • Produced and sold mixed-media textile art through 5 regional galleries and online marketplace
  • Fulfilled 32 custom commissions for private collectors and interior designers
  • Exhibited work in 11 group shows and 2 solo exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest
  • Organized and participated in 8 pop-up craft markets featuring local artisans

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MFA, Fiber Arts | Oregon College of Art & Craft | Portland, OR | 2013
Thesis: “Reimagining Traditional Weaving Techniques for Contemporary Public Spaces”

BFA, Studio Art | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | 2010
Concentration in Textile Design, Minor in Art History

Artist Residencies & Certifications:

  • Penland School of Craft, Summer Residency Program (2018)
  • Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Open Studio Residency (2015)
  • Natural Dye Certification, Botanical Colors Workshop Series (2014)
  • Traditional Weaving Techniques, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts (2012)

SKILLS

  • Fiber Arts: Weaving, tapestry, embroidery, natural dyeing, felting, papermaking
  • Materials: Wool, silk, cotton, linen, hemp, recycled textiles, handmade paper
  • Techniques: Large-scale installation, sculptural fiber construction, site-specific work
  • Studio Management: Equipment maintenance, materials sourcing, scheduling, budgeting
  • Business: Grant writing, commission contracts, pricing strategies, artist statements
  • Teaching: Workshop development, demonstration techniques, student assessment
  • Digital: Adobe Creative Suite, basic website maintenance, social media marketing
  • Languages: English (native), Spanish (conversational)

EXHIBITIONS & RECOGNITION

  • “Fiber Futures” – Solo Exhibition, Russo Lee Gallery, Portland, OR (2022)
  • “Material Memory” – Invitational Group Show, Bellevue Arts Museum, WA (2020)
  • Oregon Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship (2019)
  • Featured Artist, American Craft Magazine (Winter 2018 issue)
  • “Textile Translations” – Portland Museum of Contemporary Craft (acquisition, 2017)

How to write a Craft Artist Resume

Introduction

Getting noticed in the competitive craft industry takes more than just artistic talent – you need a resume that showcases your unique skills and experience. I've helped hundreds of craft artists land their dream jobs, and the difference between getting an interview or getting overlooked often comes down to how well your resume communicates your artistic identity and professional capabilities. Your resume is essentially your professional portfolio's companion piece – it needs to be just as thoughtfully crafted as your art.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and visually balanced – after all, you're an artist! But resist the urge to go overboard with design elements that might distract from your qualifications.

  • Stick to 1-2 pages max (one page is ideal unless you have 7+ years of experience)
  • Use consistent spacing and margins (½ to 1 inch all around)
  • Choose readable fonts like Georgia, Garamond, or Calibri in 10-12pt size
  • Incorporate subtle artistic touches without sacrificing readability
  • Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for .doc format)
While your portfolio shows what you can create, your resume proves you can work professionally. Balance artistic expression with business professionalism – potential employers need both!

Profile/Summary Section

Start with a punchy 3-4 sentence summary that captures your artistic identity and professional value. This isn't an artist statement (save that for your portfolio) – it's a quick snapshot of who you are professionally.

Example: "Ceramic artist with 6 years of experience creating functional stoneware and sculptural pieces. Skilled in wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glaze formulation. Demonstrated success selling through galleries, craft fairs, and online platforms with 78% of customers becoming repeat buyers. Experienced workshop instructor comfortable teaching all skill levels."

Professional Experience

List your experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements rather than just duties. Even freelance and self-employed work counts – just structure it professionally.

  • Include studio positions, apprenticeships, gallery representation, and teaching roles
  • Quantify achievements where possible (sales figures, production volume, class sizes)
  • Highlight specific technical skills used in each role
  • Mention collaborative projects, commissions, or notable clients

For independent artists, create a professional entry like:
"Independent Ceramic Artist | Jane Smith Ceramics | 2019-Present"

Education and Certifications

Formal art education matters, but so do workshops, mentorships, and specialized training. Include:

  • Degrees in fine arts, craft media, or related fields
  • Significant workshops or master classes (especially with renowned artists)
  • Technical certifications (like kiln operation, materials safety)
  • Apprenticeships or residencies

If you're self-taught, emphasize your dedication to learning through consistent workshop participation or mentorship arrangements.

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many jobs, even creative ones, use Applicant Tracking Systems to screen resumes. Include relevant keywords from the job posting, such as:

  • Specific craft techniques (hand-building, wheel-throwing, metalsmithing)
  • Materials expertise (porcelain, silver, reclaimed wood)
  • Equipment proficiency (kilns, torches, looms, 3D printers)
  • Business skills (inventory management, pricing strategy, social media marketing)

Industry-specific Terminology

Show your expertise by naturally incorporating craft-specific language. This might include:

  • Process terms: bisque firing, warp tension, lost-wax casting
  • Material knowledge: cone 6 glazes, 14k gold-fill, acid-free materials
  • Business terminology: wholesale accounts, consignment, artist co-ops

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on artistic vision while neglecting business accomplishments
  • Including prices of your work (inappropriate for a resume)
  • Using overly flowery language that sounds unprofessional
  • Failing to mention technical skills and equipment proficiency
  • Not including links to your portfolio or online shop (if applicable)

Before/After Example

Before: "Made pots and sold them at craft shows."

After: "Produced 300+ functional stoneware pieces annually, generating $24,000 in revenue through 14 juried craft shows and an Etsy shop with 4.9-star average rating from 156 reviews."

Remember that your resume complements your portfolio – it should demonstrate that you're both a talented artist and a professional who understands the business side of craft. Good luck with your application!

Soft skills for your Craft Artist resume

  • Client communication – ability to translate abstract concepts into concrete plans while managing expectations through each project phase
  • Problem-solving flexibility when materials or techniques don’t behave as expected (my workarounds have saved numerous tight-deadline projects)
  • Creative collaboration with other artists, often bridging different artistic disciplines for joint exhibitions
  • Time management across multiple commissioned pieces – I’ve maintained 94% on-time delivery despite complex project requirements
  • Constructive critique skills, both giving and receiving feedback that improves work without crushing creative spirit
  • Mentorship of emerging craft artists, providing technical guidance while preserving their unique artistic voice

Hard skills for your Craft Artist resume

  • Glass Blowing & Kiln Forming Techniques
  • Metalsmithing (silver/gold soldering, wire wrapping)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • 3D Printing & Digital Fabrication
  • Ceramic Wheel Throwing & Hand-Building
  • Technical Drawing & Pattern Making
  • Inventory Management Systems (Craftybase, Shopify)
  • Textile Dyeing & Surface Design
  • Photography & Product Styling