Graphic Design Resume Templates and Examples for 2024

Graphic Design Resume Templates and Examples (Downloadable)

• Entry level
• Midlevel
• Senior level

PDF

DOCX

Google Docs

PDF

DOCX

Google Docs

PDF

DOCX

Google Docs

As a graphic designer, you have a unique ability to resolve issues creatively through visual art. Your resume should demonstrate how you can turn abstract concepts into clear, engaging designs that tell a story to a specific audience. This guide of tips and examples will help you level up your graphic designer resume.

Key takeaways:

• Convey your specialty: Whether digital design, print media, branding, or user experience (UX), clearly display your expertise in a way that positions you as an ideal candidate.
• Quantify achievements: Numbers — like graphics — can help tell a story. Use metrics, percentages, and measurable outcomes to illustrate your impact in previous design positions.
• Optimize with keywords: Include relevant graphic design skills and keywords from the job ad throughout your resume to help get your application through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

How To Write a Graphic Design Resume Example

As a graphic designer, your resume must demonstrate to potential employers that you excel in design and branding principles. Your graphic design resume should include these sections:

• Contact information
• Profile
• Key skills
• Professional experience
• Education and certifications

1. Share your contact information

Display your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile at the top of the page. This information should be current and error-free so potential employers can easily reach out to you for an interview. If you happen to have a digital portfolio of your latest and greatest designs, include a link here as well.

2. Create a profile by summarizing your graphic design qualifications

In about two to three sentences, summarize your professional background, relevant skills, and experience as a graphic designer. Use this section to make a strong, eye-catching introduction. Emphasize your unique strengths and integrate keywords from the job description to show you’re a good match for the position.

Consider how you’re a leading force within your field. For example, you could mention how you use data-driven insights to enhance your visual storytelling. Or, you can tell about how you have a unique ability to streamline design workflows to increase efficiency and productivity.

3. Add your graphic design experience with compelling examples

In your work history section, list your most relevant experiences. Jobs, freelance work, internships, and school projects can be mentioned here. Create bullet points under each position to list your duties and achievements. Focus on those that best reflect the type of design work you would be doing for potential employers.

Think about your creative process from conceptualization to execution and which parts are most relevant to the job. Being in a digital field, describe how you’ve used design tools and software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch. If you have experience in web design, talk about your familiarity with platforms like WordPress or Shopify.

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

Quantifying your experience is a great way to highlight accomplishments and the impact of your work on a project outcome or client goal. Using numbers such as percentages, dollar signs, and other key performance indicators helps to demonstrate how your work contributed to the company’s bottom line and overall success.

Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application

To stand out in a competitive job market and make it through ATS, plan on tailoring your resume for every position you apply for. Each graphic design job will be different. It’s your goal to demonstrate how you can meet the design expectations of potential employers and show you understand their needs.

Modify sections of your resume to customize it accordingly. For example, if a job emphasizes package design, bring any relevant projects into focus. If the ad mentions “visual identity,” “UX design,” or specific software names, work these terms into your resume if you’re qualified in these areas.

What if you don’t have experience?

If you’re a graphic designer with little to no experience, there are several things you can do to make up for it on your resume:

• Highlight your education: If you have a degree or certification in graphic design, make sure to include it on your resume. This will show that you have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the field.
• Include relevant coursework: If you don’t have much work experience, consider describing relevant classes you’ve taken. Demonstrate to potential employers you have the skills required for the job.
• Volunteer or freelance: Consider volunteering or freelancing to gain experience in the field. This will give you the opportunity to work on real-world projects and build your portfolio.

4. List any education and certifications relevant to graphic design

Whether in graphic design or a related fine arts field, four-year degrees are often a requirement for graphic design positions. Even if you haven’t graduated yet, start off with your highest degree in your education section. You can provide the expected graduation date so hiring managers know when you’ll be finished with school.

If you’ve earned any design-related certifications, include those as well. Anything to set you apart from other candidates will help your chances of landing an interview. Whether you’re an Adobe expert or you’ve had industry-specific training, list it here.

5. List key skills and proficiencies for graphic design

Create a skills list to show you have the perfect combination of hard and soft skills for the graphic design job. Technical (hard) skills are specific to your job, while soft skills are the capabilities and personality traits that allow you to succeed in any role. By listing both, you can show you have the technical expertise and personal qualities needed to excel. Here’s a list of common skills for your graphic design resume:

Resume writer’s tip: Use descriptive action verbs

When describing your past experiences, it’s important to use powerful action verbs. These help create an impact when you’re delivering information, giving the reader a clear understanding of what you’ve done. By using action verbs, you can emphasize your role in the projects you’ve worked on and highlight the skills you’ve used on the job. Here are some examples:

How To Pick the Best Graphic Design Resume Template

Select a template that complements your aesthetic and showcases your design skills without too many graphics or competing colors. A cluttered layout can make it difficult to read and might call your design skills into question. Modern templates with a clean and simple format can go a long way.

While it’s important to have an eye-catching resume, ensure the actual content is easy to navigate. Use design principles to make enough room for all of your information, and avoid using fonts that are difficult to read.

Graphic Design Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Design Resume Examples and Advice

How do you align your resume with a graphic design job description?

Social media and e-commerce are driving the need for businesses and companies to increase their online presence. They depend on graphic designers like you to help create visuals for their marketing needs. This demand is projected to grow employment by about 3% over the next decade.

To compete for the best graphic design positions, your resume must align with the job description. That means using keywords and showing how you’re the ideal fit for the role. For example, if a company needs someone who can create compelling infographics, focus on your own relevant experience in data visualization and graphic content creation.

What is the best graphic design resume format?

A graphic design resume should start with your most important information first — your unique technical design skills. The combination format is the best option for this approach, providing enough space for your hard and soft skills and a professional experience section. Once hiring managers know the extent of your abilities, they’ll go on to observe your progression in the field and success as a designer.

Check Out Related Examples

Artist Resume Templates and Examples

By: Andrew Stoner

Creative Resume Templates and Examples

By: Andrew Stoner

Photographer Resume Templates and Examples

By: Andrew Stoner

Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.