by A graphic designer's resume is a critical part of your professional portfolio. A polished document will ensure describing your qualifications in the perfect light.
This article offers a comprehensive resume writing guide, breaking down the process into smaller steps. From structuring your graphic designer resume effectively to showcasing your skills and experience, we delve into the art of presenting yourself on paper.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, mastering the art of resume creation can make all the difference in landing your dream design job.
"Design is thinking made visual."
Graphic designer resume examples
Web graphic design resume sample
Brand graphic designer resume sample
Brendan Boxman
brendan-boxman@email.com | 727-896-8389 | St Petersburg, FLObjective:
Dynamic and innovative branding designer with a keen eye for detail and a demonstrated history of crafting captivating visual identities. Eager to apply my expertise in brand strategy and design to drive the success of forward-thinking organizations.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (2021)
- University of South Florida | St Petersburg, FL
Certified Brand Strategist (2020)
- Central Michigan University | Remote
Brand Management Certification (2020)
- University of London | Remote
Skills:
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Strong understanding of branding principles and design concepts
- Ability to conceptualize and execute visual identities across various platforms
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work on time
Experience:
Branding Designer | ArtWorks Design (St Petersburg, FL)
June 2021 - Present
- Develop visual identities and branding materials for more than 100 clients across various professional industries.
- Collaborate closely with clients to understand their brand vision and objectives, translating concepts into compelling design solutions.
- Lead brand strategy workshops and presentations, guiding clients through the brand development process and ensuring alignment with their business goals.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initial concept development to final delivery, while maintaining high standards of quality and creativity.
Graphic Design Intern | ArtWorks Design (St Petersburg, FL)
May 2020 - September 2020
- Assisted senior designers in creating branding materials, including logo concepts, packaging designs, and promotional materials.
- Conducted research and participated in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative design ideas and concepts.
- Supported the design team in executing design projects, including image editing, layout design, and preparation of design files for print and digital distribution.
- Contributed to team meetings and client presentations, gaining valuable insight into the branding and design process.
Portfolio and links:
- Website: brendan-boxman-designs.com
- LinkedIn: brendan-boxman
- Instagram: brendan-boxman01
- Company's Facebook: art-work-designs-co
Style and formatting
When writing a graphic designer resume, you need to use the appropriate format and style.
Here are key tips to keep in mind:
- Be mindful of the resume length: it should be one page in most cases.
- Use clean, professional fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri.
- Ensure font size is readable (10-12 points for body text, 14-16 points for headings).
- Maintain an uncluttered layout with plenty of white space.
- Keep the formatting consistent throughout the document.
Ultimately, having an appealing graphic designer resume is essential for a graphic designer looking to make an impression.
Use action verbs to describe your work experience and achievements. This will help make your resume more dynamic and engaging.
Contact information
"Design is the intermediary between information and understanding."
The contact details section should remain brief and include only the most essential facts about you.
Contact info:
- Your full legal name
- Physical address or desired location for moving
- Professional email
- Up-to-date phone number
You may choose to share other personal details if you find them relevant to the job, like your picture, birthday, and others. However, don't take too much of the page space as your main objective is to share your qualifications and skills.
Resume summary
In 2022, the field of graphic design encompassed approximately 270,900 positions, with 19% of individuals being self-employed. (U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
A resume summary is a brief statement at the top of your document that highlights your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. It provides a snapshot of your professional profile and sets the tone for the rest of the resume.
Here are some tips on writing a graphic designer resume summary:
- Highlight Key Skills: Mention your core competencies, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, web design, or branding.
- Showcase Experience: Include your years of experience and the types of projects you've worked on, like marketing campaigns or UX/UI design.
- Mention Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments, such as increasing client engagement by a certain percentage or successfully leading major design projects.
- Tailor to the Job: Customize the summary to align with the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences.
- Keep It Concise: Limit your statement to 3-4 sentences to ensure it remains clear and impactful without overwhelming the reader.
Now, let's look at the graphic design resume summary examples to help you get started.
Entry-Level Graphic Designer:
"Enthusiastic graphic designer with a passion for visual storytelling with a Bachelor's degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and eager to apply creative skills to real-world projects. Known for strong attention to detail and ability to collaborate effectively in team environments."
Mid-Level Graphic Designer:
"Seasoned graphic designer with 5 years of experience in branding, printing, and digital designing. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions on time and within budget. Strong ability to conceptualize ideas and translate them into visually compelling designs that resonate with target audiences."
Senior Graphic Designer:
"Experienced senior graphic designer with over a decade of experience in leading design projects from concept to completion. Expertise in branding, UI/UX design, and print media, with a focus on delivering innovative and impactful design solutions. Proven ability to mentor junior designers and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives."
Education
Graphic designers typically require a bachelor’s degree and should showcase a portfolio highlighting their creativity and originality. (U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Possessing the right credentials is vital for getting hired in the competitive graphic design industry. This resume section allows you to talk about your educational background to provide evidence that you have the necessary knowledge to do the job.
Begin listing academic history with your highest degree first. Indicate the institution attended, major, type of degree obtained, and graduation year. Stating a GPA can also be beneficial if it reflects positively on your capabilities.
Incorporate applicable coursework or seminars you have joined as well as any certifications achieved or honors attained in school. They will help signify your initiative to stay informed of the latest trends in the industry, which will make you an attractive candidate.
Graphic designer resume - sample education section:
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | University of New Hampshire at Manchester (Manchester, NH)
- Completed in 2022
- Graduated with honors
- Courses completed: Design Rhetoric, Motion Graphics and Interaction Design, Visual Communication
Associate of Arts | Great Bay Community College (Portsmouth, NH)
- Graduated in 2020
- 4.00 GPA
Seminars and conferences:
- Adobe MAX 2023. The Creativity Conference | Las Vegas, CA (2023)
- Attended local workshops on design fundamentals, UI/UX design principles, and branding basics (2018 - 2022)
Certifications
Adding certificates is a great approach to distinguish your document from other graphic design resumes submitted. These credentials illustrate that you have taken the time to invest in your development.
See some examples below.
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
- Validates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Demonstrates advanced skills in using industry-standard design software.
Graphic Design Specialization by California Institute of the Arts (Coursera)
- Covers fundamental graphic design principles, including typography, composition, and branding.
- Provides a well-rounded education in essential design skills and concepts.
Google UX Design Certificate
- Focuses on user experience design principles and methodologies.
- Equips designers with skills to create user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing interfaces.
Certified Graphic Designer (CGD) by Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC)
- Recognizes professional competency in graphic design.
- Requires meeting high standards of education, experience, and portfolio quality.
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Emphasizes the importance of content in design projects.
- Teaches how to create visually compelling content that drives engagement and conversions.
Including these certifications on a graphic designer resume can help demonstrate your expertise in the field.
The value of specific certifications varies by the graphic design job you're applying for. For web design or development roles, HTML5 or CSS3 certifications are beneficial.
Work experience
"Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style."
To list your employment history, always begin with the latest job or project you have completed.
Specify the company you worked for, location and the dates you were there, what role you held, and responsibilities you had. Ensure to include any recognition you have received while working in that particular role.
When writing the work experience section as a self-employed graphic designer, highlight key projects and emphasize your ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines independently.
Also, remember to acknowledge freelance designs you produced in between jobs or after college. This will show employers your diverse expertise as a graphic designer.
Graphic designer resume examples - work history
Freelance Graphic Designer | Self-employed (Myrtle Beach, SC)
April 2020 - Present
- Design logos and other branding materials for 13 startup companies, helping to establish strong trademark identities.
- Create visuals for social media campaigns, resulting in a 50% increase in followers for clients using Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva.
- Collaborate closely with clients to develop visuals that meet their needs and brand identity, ensuring satisfaction and consistency.
- Optimize designs for web and mobile devices, adhering to web standards and best practices, and ensuring seamless user experience across platforms.
Graphic Designer | Queen City Creative Studio (Charlotte, NC)
June 2016 - March 2020
- Developed visuals for marketing campaigns, increasing website traffic by 20% using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Designed website layouts with Sketch, improving user engagement by 10%.
- Created commercial materials for new product launches, enhancing brand visibility.
- Managed design teams of up to 8 people and led creative projects from concept to completion, utilizing project management tools like Trello and Asana.
By following these tips, you will be on the way to constructing a persuasive graphic design resume that features all your pertinent experience and talents.
Portfolio
In May 2023, graphic designers had a median annual wage of $58,910. The top 10 % earned over $100,450. (U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
A portfolio is crucial for a graphic designer as it showcases their work experience, creativity, and technical skills. It provides potential employers or clients with tangible evidence of the candidate’s capabilities, style, and versatility.
A well-curated portfolio highlights successful projects, demonstrating the designer's ability to meet client needs. It acts as a visual resume, creating a strong impression and distinguishing the applicant in a competitive industry.
Websites to share your work:
| Name of the website | Description |
|---|---|
| Behance. | A popular platform for creative professionals to showcase portfolios and connect with other designers. |
| Dribbble. | A community for designers to share small screenshots of their work and receive feedback from peers. |
| PortfolioBox. | A website builder specifically for creatives, allowing you to make a professional online portfolio. |
| Adobe Portfolio. | Part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, it enables you to quickly and easily build a personalized portfolio site. |
| Squarespace. | A versatile website composer that offers stylish templates perfect for creating a professional portfolio. |
| Wix. | Another website creator with a variety of customizable templates, including options tailored for portfolios. |
| Carbonmade. | A simple and easy-to-use platform for building a clean and professional portfolio. |
| Cargo. | A service that provides both free and premium options for building a portfolio, with a focus on showcasing visual work. |
| WordPress. | A highly customizable platform that allows for extensive portfolio functionality with various themes and plugins. |
| Weebly. | A user-friendly website builder that offers customizable templates, suitable for creating a professional portfolio. |
Graphic design skills for resume
The resume for a graphic designer should also have a designated section about professional skills. This is where you can showcase the abilities that make you the perfect choice for the role.
It's a good idea to highlight both, your hard (technical) capabilities as well as soft (interpersonal) skills.
Graphic design resume hard skills:
- Graphic Design Software. Proficiency using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, etc.
- Typography. A good understanding of font families, sizes, weights, and spacing.
- Layout Design. The capability of generating pleasing layouts for websites and print materials.
- Image Editing & Manipulation. Knowledgeable in color correction, retouching, compositing, etc.
- Animation & Motion Graphics. Competent in animation principles and is able to create motion graphics.
- Print Production & Pre-press. Knowing the proper techniques to prepare projects for printing.
- 3D Modeling. Experienced in creating 3D models for video games or films.
- HTML & CSS Coding. Skilled in coding for web development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages.
- Video & Audio Editing. Editing videos or audio recordings for multimedia creations.
- Printing Techniques & Production Processes. Understanding the printing process and applying proper production techniques to ensure quality output.
You will also be in a better position if you demonstrate knowledge of responsive web design, UX/UI design principles, digital marketing, SEO, and advertising.
Graphic design resume soft skills:
- Creativity. Developing innovative solutions to design challenges.
- Adaptability. Possessing the capability to adjust to changing circumstances.
- Critical Thinking. Evaluating data and forming logical conclusions.
- Communication. Effectively conveying ideas in both verbal and written form.
- Collaboration. Working alongside other professionals to guarantee positive outcomes.
- Time Management. Performing quickly and efficiently without compromising quality.
- Leadership. Demonstrating the ability to take charge of a project or team.
- Flexibility. Adapting designs to meet customer requirements.
- Discipline. Managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
- Attention to details. Spotting errors in design and taking corrective action.
Additional information
"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works."
Apart from the sections listed above, there are other things you can mention on your graphic designer resume. Consider adding the following details:
| Resume section | Description |
|---|---|
| Awards. | Highlight any honors or recognitions received for your design work. |
| Hobbies. | Share interests that reflect your creativity and can relate to your professional skills, showcasing your well-rounded personality. |
| Professional Affiliations. | Mention memberships in professional organizations like AIGA or Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC). |
| Volunteer Experience. | Include volunteer work that involved design projects, emphasizing your community involvement. |
| Internships. | Detail your internship experiences, explaining what skills you developed there and what contributions you made. |
| Freelance Work. | Describe significant freelance projects, particularly those that demonstrate your versatility and range. |
| References. | Provide the names, job titles, contact information, and brief explanations of professional relationships for individuals who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. |
| Workshops and Conferences. | Talk about relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences you’ve attended to show continuous learning and industry engagement. |
| Languages. | Mention any additional languages you speak, especially if you're fluent and it could benefit your role. |
| Publications. | Write down the names of articles, blogs, or design pieces you’ve published, either online or in print. |
These graphic designer resume sections can help paint a fuller picture of your professional background and capabilities, making your resume stand out to potential employers.
Social media links
Graphic design is essential for marketing products and is integral to brochures and logos. Consequently, graphic designers often collaborate with individuals in advertising, promotions, public relations, and marketing. (U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
A graphic designer resume may include social media connections to display examples of their work. Profiles on platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, can give employers a perspective on your abilities and experience.
How to use social media for your benefit:
- Instagram. Publish visual content and build a following through regular posts, Stories, and IGTV.
- Pinterest. Create boards to showcase your design projects and inspirations, reaching a broader audience.
- Twitter. Post updates, network with other designers, and participate in industry discussions.
- LinkedIn. Highlight your professional experience, share your portfolio, and connect with industry experts and potential clients.
- Facebook. Use a dedicated business page to share your work, engage with followers, and participate in design-focused groups.
- TikTok. Make short, engaging videos showcasing your design process and projects to reach a younger audience.
- YouTube . Produce detailed video tutorials, design process videos, and portfolio showcases to attract a global audience.
- DeviantArt. Upload your artwork and design projects, get feedback from the community, and connect with other artists.
- Medium. Write and distribute articles about your design process, industry trends, and project case studies to establish yourself as a thought leader.
- Tumblr. Share your design work in a blog format, combining visuals and text to provide context and engage with a creative audience.
When including links to social media on a graphic designer resume, ensure the content is professional and relevant to your graphic design career. Only include platforms where you actively showcase your work.
Resume builder recommendation
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This free online resume builder offers many benefits among which are:
Pre-made templates
- Choose from a range of pre-made resume templates that you only to fill in with your information.
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AI assistance
- Take advantage of AI suggestions for picking the best words when composing resume summary or work experience sections.
- See the list of recommendations for the skills to include on your graphic design resume.
Quick results
- Effortlessly input your information and move the sections around to your liking.
- Save time with quick customization options, reducing hours spent on formatting.
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Graphic designer's cover letter
A good graphic design cover letter can be detrimental to catching HR's attention and landing a job interview.
Writing a well-composed cover letter could be challenging. However, with the following advice, you will exhibit your skillset and bring you nearer to acquiring your desired employment.
Helpful tips
- Learn about the company's values and culture. Take time to research the organization and its mission statement. This will give you insight into their corporate culture and help you tailor your cover letter to fit their ideals.
- Begin with a polite greeting. It is advisable to address the hiring manager by name, if possible. Use "Dear Hiring Manager" phrasing if you're unsure who will receive your letter.
- Write a strong introduction. Briefly mention your background and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in the position.
- Be informative but concise. Keep in mind, employers only have a few minutes to read the letter, ensure it is not too long.
- Share examples. Indicate how your experience has made you an exceptional specialist. Include tangible results from past projects or initiatives that exemplify your abilities.
- End with a call-to-action message. Thank and encourage the reader to contact you for further discussion.
Good graphic designer cover letter example:
Dear Ms. Mathews,
I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the graphic designer position at Artistic Designs Inc., as advertised. With a passion for innovative design and a proven track record of delivering tangible results, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
What excites me most about the opportunity at Artistic Designs Inc. is your commitment to pushing creative boundaries and delivering exceptional design solutions. I am eager to join a forward-thinking team where I can continue to hone my craft and make meaningful contributions to impactful projects.
In my previous role at Visionary Creations, I spearheaded several design initiatives that resulted in tangible outcomes. For instance, I led a rebranding campaign that elevated our client's brand visibility and resulted in a 30% increase in customer engagement. Additionally, my strategic approach to UX/UI design led to a 25% improvement in website conversion rates, driving significant business growth.
In addition to my design skills, I bring strong attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset to the table. I thrive in fast-paced environments and am adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery without compromising on quality.
I am particularly impressed by Artistic Designs Inc.'s recent projects, such as the innovative campaign for the launch of "DesignSpark", and am eager to contribute my expertise to similar endeavors. I am confident that my combination of skills and experience makes me a strong fit for the graphic designer position.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Warm regards,
Michael Brennan
This graphic design cover letter example effectively showcases the candidate's passion for innovative design and their ability to deliver tangible results. It demonstrates a strong understanding of the company's values and projects, while also highlighting the applicant's relevant skills and experiences.
Bad example:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I'm submitting my application for the Graphic Design position at your company because I believe I am qualified to do it well. I'm highly experienced in this field and have worked with many renowned companies before. I'm well versed with experience in many projects related to logo designs, graphics layouts & web development. They have been appreciated by many customers around the world.
I am certain that if given an opportunity I can bring value to your business. I'm a valuable asset to assist in accomplishing your goals via creative designs & solutions with no holdup at all!
Thanks & Regards, James
This cover letter example is not effective because it fails to feature any unique qualities or achievements of the applicant. It does not reveal enthusiasm for the role. The cover letter must explain what makes you competent for this particular job instead of being a generic appeal to the hiring manager.
Writing a graphic design cover letter with no experience
When you are fresh out of college, focus on other applicable experiences and professional knowledge. Demonstrate your interest in artistry by mentioning freelance projects, relevant college coursework, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities.
Entry-level graphic designer cover letter example:
Dear Mr. Moeller,
I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level graphic designer position at Creative Visuals Co., as advertised. With a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Creative Arts University and a passion for creativity, I am eager to contribute to your team and further develop my skills in a professional setting.
During my studies, I acquired proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as a strong foundation in typography, layout design, and color theory.
I also had the opportunity to work on various academic projects, such as designing branding materials for local businesses and creating digital illustrations for children's books. These experiences have equipped me with the practical skills and creative mindset necessary to thrive in a dynamic design environment.
In my eyes, Creative Visuals Co. is the company's pioneering ethos in design and its unwavering commitment to crafting influential visual solutions. I'm particularly attracted to the vibrant workplace atmosphere and the emphasis placed on fostering creativity and expertise among team members.
I eagerly anticipate bringing my unique viewpoint and passion to projects that resonate with the company's ethos and culture, while also honing my graphic design skills alongside a cadre of skilled professionals.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my education, skills, and passion for design make me a strong candidate for the entry-level graphic designer position.
Warm regards,
Abigail Sladen
Proofread
"Creativity is nothing but the way to solve new problems."
Reviewing your graphic design resume and cover letter is an important step in preparing your application.
An employer wants to know you have the skillset to produce high-quality work. Poor grammar and spelling errors can give a negative impression about you.
Proofreading and spellchecking tips:
- Take Your Time. Set aside dedicated time to carefully review your document. Take an hour or a day break to approach the paper with fresh eyes.
- Read Aloud. Reading your documents aloud can help identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes that may have been missed during silent reading.
- Use Specialized Tools. Leverage spelling and grammar-checking services. However, remember that they may not catch every error, so manual review is still necessary.
- Print and Review. Print a physical copy of your resume and cover letter and check them with a pen or highlighter. Seeing your documents in a different format can make errors more noticeable.
- Get a Second Opinion. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to read your resume and letter. They can provide valuable feedback on clarity and catch mistakes that you overlooked.
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling graphic designer resume requires a strategic approach. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can showcase your skills, experiences, and creativity effectively.
Writing a strong document can take some time and effort, so make your life easier with the online resume builder!
Look at the graphic design resume examples, follow this guide and you will be sure to impress potential employers.
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