Graphic Design Resume [Sample & Guide]

Graphic Design Resume Sample & Guide. Finding it challenging to articulate your creative potential in a clear and concise manner? Our sample of a graphic design resume, along with some helpful writing advice, can get you started in the right direction.

You Can Download the Sample of Our Graphic Design Resume HERE

Graphic Design Resume (Text Format)

Make sure that the format of your resume is appropriate for your individual experiences and the circumstances of your life.

Phone: (xxx) xxx – xxxx
Email: [email protected]
Address: City, State, Zip Code
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/username

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Senior Graphic Design Specialist with 6+ years of experience in the management of the complete design process, from conceptualization to delivery. Expert at interdepartmental coordination and communication. Skilled with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, and web design applications (Dreamweaver, HTML). Able to stretch the boundaries of web design and digital storytelling to help my client’s brands stand out.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST
Experion, New York, NY / 2020 – Present

Lead in the design, development, and implementation of the graphic, layout, and production communication materials while helping clients cut their costs by an average of 12%.
Delegate tasks to the 7 members of the design team and provide counsel on all aspects of the project.
Supervise the assessment of all graphic materials in order to ensure quality and accuracy of the design.
Oversee the efficient use of production project budgets ranging from $2,000 – $25,000.

GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST
Stepping Stone Advertising, New York, NY / 2016–2020

Developed numerous marketing programs (logos, brochures, newsletters, infographics, presentations, and advertisements) and guaranteed that they exceeded the expectations of our clients.
Managed up to 5 projects or tasks at a given time while under pressure to meet weekly deadlines.
Recommended and consulted with clients on the most appropriate graphic design options based on their overall marketing goals.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

InDesign
Illustrator
Photoshop
Figma
Blender
Sketchbook
HTML & CSS

EDUCATION

B.A. FINE ARTS / GRAPHIC DESIGN
Rochester Institute of Technology,
Rochester, NY
2014 – 2016

WEB DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE
Rochester Institute of Technology,
Rochester, NY
2012 – 2014

PORTFOLIO

www.designportfolio.com

INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN
Created a series of 12 infographics for LegalTemplates.net illustrating the different forms of lease agreements.

WEB DESIGN
Led a redesign of Wicket Software’s homepage, utilizing Material
Design principles.

DOCUMENT DESIGN
Created a series of Microsoft Word document templates for Golf Weekly using InDesign.

5 Tips for Writing a Professional Graphic Designer Resume

Make sure you know how to create a resume in a way that puts your greatest attributes front and centre before you start putting words on the page.

Since you are a graphic designer, you probably already know how to build a design for your resume that will grab people’s attention. However, it may not come as naturally to know what information to include on your resume in order to attract potential employers.

Here are five strategies for developing a fantastic graphic designer resume that shows your skills without losing visual attractiveness, which you can use whether you’re seeking to get more freelancing assignments or just want to find a steady employment as a graphic designer at a large company:

1. Write a winning graphic designer’s objective

Your objective statement on your resume should be between three and four sentences long and provide a concise overview of your relevant experience, achievements, and talents. Additionally, it should allow you to directly address the particular organisation and role that you are looking for.

Because hiring managers typically don’t have a lot of time to browse over a candidate’s entire portfolio, graphic designers should begin their resumes with an objective rather than their portfolio.

If you’re looking for a job in graphic design, the purpose section of your resume should communicate four crucial pieces of information:

Years of design experience, your job title, and your primary responsibilities
Your most important accomplishments or notable projects you worked on
Your most valuable technical skills (like Figma or Adobe Creative Suite)
Your immediate career goals

The following is an illustration of a powerful purpose for a graphic designer resume:

Senior Graphic Design Specialist with over six years of experience managing the entire design process, from the stage of concept creation to the point where the final product is delivered. During my time at my previous employer, I was responsible for spearheading the drafting of new branding guidelines, which contributed to a 15% boost in conversions. Applications from Adobe Creative Suite (including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), Microsoft Office, and web design software are all inside your comfort zone (Dreamweaver, HTML). I am looking to make use of my experience in design in order to land a position as a Lead Graphic Designer.

Employers are already aware of the professional quality of the candidate, the number of years of experience they have, and the fact that they have managed all phases of the design process after reading only the first phrase. The candidate then describes their technical skill set and emphasises a notable professional success that they have achieved. The candidate’s aspirations for their professional life should be stated in the final sentence.

2. Highlight key graphic design resume skills

Employers are looking for designers who have previous experience working with the most recent design tools and who have a well-developed skill set. Putting together a clear and complete abilities section for your resume is the most effective strategy to make a good impression on any firm that is hiring for graphic design positions.

Whether you’re a freelance graphic designer or seeking for a position in-house, the following are some of the most in-demand abilities that employers are looking for in this industry:

Media Production
Infographic Design
Photo Editing
Web Design
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Dreamweaver
Figma
HTML
CSS
UI/UX Design
Print Design
Logo Creation
Branding
Typography
Color Theory

However, companies are interested in more than just your technical skills and knowledge. The most talented graphic designers are those who are excellent communicators, quick to respond, and imaginative. It is important to demonstrate to potential employers that you have all of the attributes they are looking for in a candidate by including a balance of both hard talents and soft skills on your resume.

Include the following in your resume as examples of your soft abilities in graphic design:

Communication skills
Collaboration
Teamwork
Idea exchange
Self-management
Decision making
Organizational skills
Brainstorming
Inspiration
Imagination
Creativity
Innovation
Experimenting
Patience
Time-management
Goal setting
Planning
Delegation

3. Address the job description

It may be tempting to showcase your work experience in an innovative manner; but, doing so is typically not an effective strategy to convince potential employers that you are the most qualified individual for the job. Instead, the purpose of the part about your work experience should be to respond to the requirements that are outlined in the job description.

Begin the process of creating a resume for a career in graphic design by reading the advertisement for the position you are interested in and making a list of the qualifications that are given under the heading “Requirements.”

Consider the following example of a real job description:

Because of the nature of this work, the ability to collaborate, organise, multitask, and participate in all aspects of the design process are all highly valued.

The following is an illustration of how an experience section can look on a resume for graphic design work that is tailored to the needs of this position:

EXPERION, New York, NY

A B2B marketing firm that has helped over 200 companies position, promote and market their unique brands.

Senior Graphic Design Specialist, May 2011 – present

Lead in the design, development and implementation of the graphic, layout, and production communication materials while helping clients cut their costs by an average of 12%.
Worked with the marketing team to develop innovative graphics and materials.
Supervise the assessment of all graphic materials to ensure quality and accuracy in the design.
Oversee the efficient use of production project budgets ranging from $2,000 – $25,000.

STEPPING STONE ADVERTISING, New York, NY

A full-service ad agency devoted to the well-planned execution of customized direct and digital marketing campaigns.

Graphic Design Specialist, Aug 2009-May 2011

Developed numerous marketing programs (logos, brochures, newsletters, infographics, presentations, and advertisements) and guaranteed that they exceeded the expectations of our clients.
Managed up to 5 projects or tasks at a given time while under pressure to meet weekly deadlines.
Recommended and consulted with clients on the most appropriate graphic design options based on their overall marketing goals.
Created 4+ design presentations and proposals a month for clients and account managers.

Take note of the fact that the job description lists certain talents, and that those skills are highlighted in this example. This is one of the most effective ways to wow potential employers and show them that your experience is a perfect match for what they are looking for in a new graphic design hiring.

4. Add a portfolio section to your resume

When it comes down to it, the most crucial factor for an employer to take into account when employing a graphic designer is whether or not the candidate’s previous work is of a good enough quality and whether or not it meets their requirements.

On the other hand, the calibre of your work is not something that can be simply communicated through your graphic design CV. Because of this, it is absolutely necessary to give a link to your portfolio so that prospective employers may quickly and easily review your work for themselves.

To begin, go to your existing resume and add a new section. Call this new part either “Portfolio” or “Projects.” After that, provide a rundown of the various kinds of design work that you’ve done, followed by a more in-depth discussion of the projects that you’ve been a part of (or are currently working on).

The following is an illustration of what a resume’s portfolio section for graphic design might look like:

If you are running out of room on your resume, rather than developing a separate section for it, you might want to think about just including a link to your online portfolio in the heading of your document instead.

5. Keep your design functional

It is tempting, when seeking employment as a designer, to produce a visual resume that is artistic and captivating. However, the disadvantage of utilizing an atypical structure for your resume is that it will likely be difficult to read, which will make it more challenging for hiring managers to locate the information they require.

In the end, the greatest resumes for graphic design are the ones that combine functionality with visual appeal. You don’t need to make your resume look boring, but you should stick to a traditional resume format that organizes your information in a way that is logical and easy to read. Instead of using a unique layout, you should stick to a traditional resume format that organizes your information in a way that is easy to read.

TIP: If you want to construct a resume that is in the form of an infographic, you should treat it more like a supplemental document than your primary resume.