Graphic Designer Resume: Tips, Templates & Examples

The best graphic designer resume format is a reverse chronological format. The resume title for a graphic designer serves as the first impression and a quick summary of the candidate's professional identity. A resume for graphic designers must include clear and professional contact information. A compelling resume objective for a graphic designer must succinctly convey the candidate’s skills, passion, and what they aim to contribute to a prospective employer.

A graphic designer's work experience section on a resume must begin with the designer's most recent jobs. Creating a graphic design resume with no experience requires emphasizing relevant skills, education, internships, and any relevant projects or coursework. The education section typically details a candidate's academic background, highlighting degrees, the institutions the candidate attended, graduation dates, and any relevant coursework or achievements. Creating a graphic design resume requires showcasing relevant skills. Certifications enhance a graphic designer's skill set, demonstrate expertise, and make them more competitive in the job market. The awards section showcases achievements, making it stand out from the competition. Here's an example of how to effectively showcase awards.

A graphic designer's resume must exclude irrelevant personal information, generic objectives, outdated contact details, unrelated work experience, incomplete education history, references on the resume, personal hobbies, vague or outdated objective statements, unprofessional fonts and design, and salary history.

To tailor a graphic designer resume, review the job description, identify key skills and keywords, research the company to align with its values and preferences, highlight relevant experience, tailor the design portfolio to match the company's expectations, use action verbs, quantify achievements, adapt the design style to the company's aesthetic, incorporate relevant certifications strategically, and proofread for polished and error-free presentation.

Keywords on a graphic designer's resume are specific terms or phrases relevant to the field that help the resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human recruiters.

What is The Best Graphic Designer Resume Format?

The best graphic designer resume format is a reverse chronological format. The reverse chronological resume format showcases work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and working backward.

The most recent and relevant work experience is highlighted at the top using the reverse chronological resume format. Having up-to-date skills and expertise is crucial for graphic designers. The hiring manager quickly scans resumes, easily identifying qualifications and experience. The reverse chronological format simplifies the review process and immediately makes recent achievements visible. The reverse chronological format displays the career progression of the designer, showing how far one has come. Having had increasing levels of responsibility in previous positions is particularly important. Most employers and recruiters are accustomed to reviewing resumes in this format. It aligns with industry standards and expectations, making it more likely to be well-received.

There are other resume formats for graphic designers: functional resume and combination resume. The functional resume highlights the skills and qualifications of the graphic designers rather than their work history. It is useful for people with gaps in their employment history or who need to emphasize specific skills relevant to the job. The chronological and functional formats are combined in a combination (hybrid) resume format. The hybrid resume format showcases skills and qualifications while providing a detailed work history.

How to Make a Graphic Design Resume

Today's competitive job market makes it essential to craft a compelling resume to succeed in landing the job of one's dreams in graphic design. A standout resume is crucial to success for seasoned professionals looking for new positions and recent graduates hoping to launch their careers. To make a great graphic design resume, learn how to write sections of a resume.

Resume Title for Graphic Designer

The resume title for a graphic designer serves as the first impression and a quick summary of the candidate's professional identity. The resume title must be concise and attention-grabbing, providing a glimpse into the applicant's expertise.

Contact Info

A resume for graphic designers must include clear and professional contact information. Begin with the full name in a bold and slightly larger font to make it easily noticeable. Then, add the contact information, including a phone number and a professional email address. Including a portfolio link on a resume, personal website, or LinkedIn is appropriate, which is especially relevant for graphic designers. Ensure that voicemail messages and email addresses are polished and reflect a professional image.

Graphic Designer Resume Objective

A compelling resume objective for a graphic designer must succinctly convey the candidate’s skills, passion, and what they aim to contribute to a prospective employer.

Resume objective for graphic designer example:

Graphic Design Work Experience

A graphic designer's work experience section on a resume must begin with the designer's most recent jobs. The work experience section showcases the job title, company name, country, city, and employment dates.

Graphic Design Resume with NO Experience

Creating a graphic design resume with no experience requires emphasizing relevant skills, education, internships, and any relevant projects or coursework. Begin with a strong resume objective highlighting enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and commitment to excellence. Create a skills section listing software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), design principles, and other relevant skills like typography or color theory. Follow it with an education section detailing your degree, institution, graduation date, and any relevant coursework or achievements. Include a project section to showcase any design projects, even if they were part of your coursework or personal initiatives. Describe each project briefly, the tools used, and the impact or results achieved. Remember to keep the design clean, use a professional layout, and focus on showcasing your potential and willingness to learn, even if you lack formal experience. Highlighting skills, education, and relevant projects makes the resume attractive to potential employers.

Qualifications

The qualifications section provides a comprehensive overview of the candidate's achievements, responsibilities, and skills acquired during previous roles. Qualifications refer to the specific competencies and experiences that make the designer a strong candidate for a particular position.

• Produce visually stunning marketing materials, including brochures, social media graphics, and web assets, contributing to a 20% increase in brand engagement.
• Ensure brand consistency across all platforms by developing and implementing comprehensive brand guidelines, resulting in a unified and recognizable brand identity.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines and exceeding client expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to translate business objectives into compelling visual designs.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and keep up-to-date with emerging design trends and technologies.
• Interact directly with clients to understand their vision and provide creative solutions, fostering positive client relationships.

Graphic Designer Job Description

Effectively articulating work experience as a graphic designer on a resume requires a clear and detailed job description. Use concise bullet points with action verbs to highlight key responsibilities and achievements. Incorporate industry-specific terminology to showcase the knowledge and skills.

Graphic Designer job description example:

Education

the education section typically details a candidate's academic background, highlighting degrees, the institutions the candidate attended, graduation dates, and any relevant coursework or achievements. Include the most recent or relevant education first, and emphasize any academic achievements, honors, or extracurricular activities related to the field. Create a separate section under "Certifications" or "Training" for additional certifications and specialized training relevant to the position. The structure provides a clear and organized presentation of a candidate's educational background, making it easy for potential employers to understand qualifications quickly.

Skills for Graphic Design Resume

Creating a graphic design resume requires showcasing relevant skills. Both technical skills and creative abilities are included in these abilities. Include graphic designer skills such as the provided examples. 

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
• Typography and font selection expertise
• Logo and brand identity design
• Print and digital design production
• Image manipulation and retouching
• Layout design and composition
• User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
• Strong knowledge of design principles and aesthetics
• Illustration and vector graphics creation
• Time management and project coordination
• Effective communication and collaboration within teams and with clients

Hard Skills for Graphic Designers

Hard skills for graphic designers refer to the specific, teachable abilities and technical knowledge required to perform tasks related to graphic design effectively. Hard skills are usually quantifiable and are acquired through education, training, or practical experience. Here are examples of hard skills for graphic designers:

• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: Proficiency in Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is fundamental for graphic designers. These tools are the backbone of design work.
• Typography and Font Expertise: A keen understanding of typography principles and the ability to choose and manipulate fonts effectively are essential for creating visually appealing designs.
• Color Theory: An in-depth knowledge of color theory enables one to create designs that evoke specific emotions and resonate with the target audience.
• Image Editing and Manipulation: The ability to retouch and manipulate images is crucial for enhancing the visual elements of designs.
• Print Design Knowledge: Understanding the intricacies of print design, including bleed, resolution, and color modes, is vital for producing materials that look as good on paper as they do on screen.

Graphic Designer Soft Skills

Graphic designer soft skills refer to the interpersonal and personal attributes that complement technical skills and contribute to overall job performance. Soft skills are often more subjective and relate to how a graphic designer interacts with others, approaches tasks, and manages their work. Here are essential soft skills for graphic designers:

• Creativity: Graphic designers must possess an innate creativity to develop innovative and visually captivating designs that stand out from the crowd.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail ensures that designs are free from errors and inconsistencies.
• Time Management: Effective time management skills help consistently meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.
• Communication: Strong communication skills allow understanding client needs, presenting design concepts effectively, and collaborating with team members.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing design trends and technologies ensures that skills remain relevant in a dynamic field.

Technical Skills for Graphic Designers

Technical skills for graphic designers encompass the specific tools, software, and technologies necessary to create visual designs. Here's a list of essential technical skills for graphic designers:

• Web Design and Development: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and web design principles is valuable for graphic designers who work on digital projects.
• UX/UI Design: Understanding user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles is crucial for creating user-friendly digital interfaces.
• File Compression and Optimization: Knowledge of file formats and optimization techniques ensures that digital designs load quickly and look great online.
• Vector Graphics: Expertise in creating vector graphics is essential for producing scalable, high-quality designs.
• Animation and Motion Graphics: Familiarity with animation and motion graphics software allows for the addition of dynamic design elements.

Certifications

Certifications enhance a graphic designer's skill set, demonstrate expertise, and make them more competitive in the job market. A certification helps a candidate stand out in a competitive job market, demonstrating expertise and dedication. Including certifications strategically in a resume increases the odds of landing that dream graphic design job. Listed below are some valuable certifications for graphic designers.

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
• Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)
• Certified Professional in Graphic Design (CPGD)
• Certified Web Designer (CWD)
• Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP)
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ)
• HubSpot Design Certification
• W3Schools HTML and CSS Certifications
• User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP) for Designers

Awards

The awards section showcases achievements, making it stand out from the competition. Here's an example of how to effectively showcase awards. Highlight awards strategically in a resume to demonstrate expertise and evidence of contributions. The awards section effectively captures the attention of potential employers and sets the path to employment.

How to Link a Portfolio to a Resume

To link a portfolio to a resume, select an appropriate section on the resume for the portfolio link. The process is accomplished by creating a dedicated section titled "Portfolio" or "Work Samples." Include the hyperlink within the section so prospective employers easily access it. To inform the reader about the link's content, use a clear and concise description, such as "Online Portfolio".

Where to Put Portfolio Link on Resume

The placement of the portfolio link on a resume is crucial to ensuring it receives the attention it deserves. The portfolio link generally appears near the top of the resume, usually within the contact information section. The portfolio link ensures it is one of the first things potential employers see, increasing their likelihood of exploring work. Alternatively, the qualifications and experience can be prominently displayed within a dedicated "Portfolio" section. The key is to make it accessible and noticeable while maintaining a clean and professional layout.

What NOT to Include in a Graphic Designer Resume

Graphic designer resumes must not include the following elements.

• Irrelevant Personal Information: Details such as age, marital status, or religious affiliation do not directly relate to qualifications for the job.

• Generic Objectives: Broad, generic career objectives that lack specificity about the position or company.

• Outdated Contact Information: Any contact details that are no longer current or professional email addresses.

• Unrelated Work Experience: Jobs irrelevant to the graphic design field or the specific role.

• Incomplete Education History: Leaving out essential educational information like degrees, institutions, or graduation dates.

• References on Resume: Do not include a list of references directly on the resume; reference information must be provided upon request.

• Personal Hobbies: Listing unrelated hobbies or interests that do not demonstrate relevant skills or qualifications for the job.

• Objective Statements: Using vague or outdated objective statements that don't showcase value to the employer.

• Unprofessional Fonts and Design: Employing unconventional fonts, excessive colors, or overly creative layouts that distract from the content or make the resume difficult to read.

• Salary History: Revealing salary histories from previous jobs can limit negotiating power during salary discussions.

How to Tailor a Graphic Designer Resume

To tailor a graphic designer resume, follow the provided steps.

• Review the Job Description. Carefully examine the details provided in the job posting to understand the specific qualifications, skills, and experience the potential employer seeks.
• Identify Key Skills and Keywords. Identify and make note of the skills, keywords, and phrases that appear frequently in the job description. These terms are essential for optimizing a resume to match the job requirements.
• Research the Company. Learn about the organization's values, culture, and previous design projects before applying. The results of this research help tailor resumes to the company's design preferences.
• Highlight Relevant Experience. Employ past work experiences that directly relate to the position being applied for so that qualifications match the role's requirements.
• Tailor the Design Portfolio. Present projects that best reflect the company's design and branding expectations in the design portfolio.
• Use Action Verbs. Communicate achievements and responsibilities effectively using strong action verbs.
• Quantify Achievements. Resumes should include specific, measurable achievements to demonstrate impact.
• Adapt The Design Style. Match the color scheme and typography of the resume to the company's design aesthetic.
• Incorporate Relevant Certifications. Strategically include certifications and training in a resume to demonstrate qualifications.
• Proofread and Edit. Ensure the final document is polished and professional by identifying and correcting spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.

Resume Keywords for Graphic Designers

Keywords on a graphic designer's resume are specific terms or phrases relevant to the field that help the resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human recruiters. Including relevant keywords increases the chances of the resume passing through initial screenings. Here are some keywords for graphic designers commonly associated with graphic design:

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Typography
• Visual communication
• Illustration
• Branding
• Print and digital design
• Color theory
• Layout design
• User interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• InDesign
• Logo design
• Web design
• Animation
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Project management
• Portfolio
• Communication skills
• Client collaboration
• Marketing materials
• Responsive design
• Graphic design software
• Art direction
• Print production
• HTML/CSS
• SEO optimization
• Social media graphics
• Design trends
• Presentation design
• Wireframing
• Photo Editing
• Visual identity
• Motion graphics

Graphic Design Resume Examples

Key Takeaways:

1. Distinctive Resume Title: The resume starts with a clear and eye-catching title that immediately communicates the candidate's identity as a creative designer and their passion for art.
2. Structured Sections: The resume is organized into clearly defined sections, such as "Work Experience," "Skills," and "Education," making it easy for the reader to navigate and find relevant information.
3. Visually Appealing Layout: Using a clean and well-balanced layout and consistent fonts and spacing ensures readability and a visually pleasing presentation.

Pro Tip: Create a resume that reflects both personal style and the targeted industry by carefully selecting fonts, colors, and layout elements. Emphasize relevant skills and experiences in the resume for each job application.

FAQ

How do you explain Gaps in Employment On a Graphic Designer Resume?

A Graphic designer's resume must briefly explain employment gaps, such as freelance projects, additional skills, or personal growth. Emphasize any relevant experiences during those periods and how they contribute to your overall qualifications.

Should I include references? If so, what’s the best way to do that?

No, you should not include references on a resume. Create a separate document with the references' contact information, including the references’ name, title, company, phone number, and email, if required. Ensure to obtain their permission before sharing their details, and have the document ready upon request from potential employers.

How long should I wait to follow-up after I submit a resume for this job?

It's generally a good practice to wait about one to two weeks before following up after submitting your resume for a job. It allows the hiring team some time to review applications and assess candidates. Check the job posting for specific instructions, as some employers have a preferred follow-up timeline.