4 Graphic Design Resume Examples & Templates for 2024

A graphic designer communicates ideas through visual concepts, primarily using design software. They create compelling visuals that inspire and captivate audiences, working on everything from posters and billboards to packaging, logos, and marketing materials. Graphic designers collaborate with clients and team members to ensure that designs meet project goals and brand standards. 

To create an effective graphic design resume, you should highlight your creativity, technical skills, and ability to translate client requirements into stunning visual designs. 

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Graphic Design Resume Example

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Entry-Level / Junior Graphic Designer Resume

An entry-level/junior graphic designer is a starting position. Their primary role is to assist in creating visual content, including logos, social media graphics, and promotional materials. Entry-level designers work under the guidance of more experienced designers, gaining essential skills and knowledge. They collaborate with clients to understand their needs and deliver designs that meet their expectations. Take a look at this entry-level graphic designer resume sample:

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Mid-Level Graphic Designer Resume

A mid-level graphic designer has several years of experience and takes on more responsibility than an entry-level designer. This position involves developing and implementing branding strategies, creating a wide range of visual content, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Mid-level designers often collaborate with marketing teams and clients to enhance brand identity and increase engagement. They play a key role in delivering high-quality designs on time. Let’s take a look at a mid-level graphic designer resume sample:

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Experienced / Senior Graphic Designer Resume

A senior graphic designer holds a high-level position within the design team. They have extensive experience and expertise in creating impactful visual campaigns and leading design projects. Senior designers manage and mentor junior designers, ensuring the overall quality of the design work. They’re responsible for developing branding strategies, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and delivering innovative design solutions that drive brand engagement and sales. Here’s a senior graphic designer resume sample:

Now, let’s see how you can create a document that’s just as impressive as these graphic designer resume examples.

Resume Templates for Graphic Designers

We’ve analyzed 11 million resumes made in the Zety Resume Builder, and here are the top 3 graphic designer resume templates:

Cascade

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An eye-catching resume template that’s also professional? It’s possible if you choose our Cascade. With a two-column layout, it’s a very readable template, which is always a plus, considering how many resumes land on recruiters’ desks! I think graphic designers are right for choosing Cascade before other resume templates.

Concept

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A minimalist resume template with a might column on the left-hand side, a big header, and nice resume icons. I think it’s obvious why Concept is one of the top picks for graphic designers. It’s impossible to go unnoticed with this template!

Diamond

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A truly unique resume template, Diamond is one of my personal favorites. Having a huge header with your name and contact information is a plus, but what really got my attention are these diamond-shaped icons. Having such a creative resume template as a graphic designer is a great idea!

How to Write a Graphic Designer Resume

1. Create a Perfect Format for Your Graphic Design Resume

Before you start working, you visualize what the end project will look like. I am describing both your day-to-day designer’s tasks and creating a perfect resume for a graphic designer. So let’s discuss your resume layout.

How to perfectly format your graphic designer resume sample?

• Divide your document into sections and categories to make it more readable. This division can look like this:
• Resume Header
• Career Objective or Resume Summary Statement
• Resume Work Experience Section
• Resume Education Section
• Relevant Skills
• Additional Resume Sections (such as languages, hobbies, certificates, courses, etc.)
• Include your contact information. Do it below the header to ensure your recruiter won’t miss that part!
• Select a modern resume-friendly font. There are more to choose from than you might expect!
• Choose the right margins for your resume. An inch on each side and a line spacing of 1.15 would work perfectly.
• Have a correct name for your resume.
• Save your graphic designer resume as a PDF file.

And now you know what a graphic designer's resume format should look like. Let’s get to writing.

Pro Tip: I usually recommend a reverse chronology resume format, as it makes your latest accomplishments the most visible. However, for a creative individual such as yourself, you might want to consider a functional resume format, also called a skill-based resume. This structure emphasizes how you’ve practically used your skills in the past and showcases them throughout your employment history. You can also consider using a combination of these two formats: a combination resume format.

2. Impress Recruiters with Your Experience on a Graphic Designer Resume

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designer employment (including you) is projected to grow by 3 percent by 2032. That's rather slow, and the competition is fierce. You need an amazing resume to land the best jobs. And the most important part of it? Your professional experience.

How to highlight your experience in a graphic designer resume?

• Re-read the job description carefully. That’s the only way to tailor your resume to fit it perfectly.
• Talk about your accomplishments on a resume instead of your duties. Everyone has duties, but those who have accomplishments get hired.
• Add some resume action words, as they make every resume impressive.
• Quantify your achievements whenever it’s possible. Nothing says you’ve accomplished something better than some solid numbers.
• Don’t list non-critical or routine day-to-day tasks unless they’re in the job ad.
• Include the most impressive achievement in a separate bullet point.

But what if you’re trying to write a graphic designer resume with no experience? 

There can be some hard and soft skills to put on a resume for a graphic designer, hiding in your past duties and accomplishments. Think about some transferable skills that can show you’ve got relevant experience, and consider creating an eye-catching resume to show you have the skills necessary to impress. Finding the right internship might also be a good idea if you want to start your work as a graphic designer.

Take a look at some examples of graphic designer’s responsibilities:

Graphic Designer Keywords for a Resume:

• Develop and create visually appealing graphics and layouts for print and digital media.
• Design branding materials such as logos, business cards, and brochures.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to produce compelling visual content for advertising campaigns.
• Utilize design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to craft professional graphics.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and high-quality output.
• Communicate with clients to understand their vision and provide design solutions that meet their needs.
• Conduct market research to stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into projects.
• Prepare and present design concepts to clients and stakeholders for approval.
• Implement feedback and make necessary revisions to designs based on client input.
• Create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes for web and mobile applications.
• Ensure consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all visual materials.
• Develop and design packaging for products, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal.
• Coordinate with printers and other production teams to ensure accurate reproduction of designs.
• Maintain an organized library of design assets and resources for future use.
• Optimize graphics for various platforms, including social media, websites, and print materials.

Here are some action verbs for graphic designer resumes I gathered. They will help you effectively show your responsibilities and achievements:

Graphic Designer Resume Action Verbs:

• Developed
• Created
• Designed
• Collaborated
• Utilized
• Managed
• Communicated
• Conducted
• Prepared
• Implemented
• Presented
• Optimized
• Coordinated
• Maintained
• Researched

There’s your experience section. Now, let’s talk about your education!

A graphic designer resume or a graphic designer CV? If you’re wondering what’s the difference visit our guide: CV vs Resume.

3. Shine with Your Education Section on a Resume for a Graphic Designer

A resume must show your college years, as this shows your recruiter your educational background.

A high school diploma works well if added correctly to your resume. The same goes for an unfinished college degree on a resume. And if you put your college diploma on a resume, it can also impress the recruiter. 

How to show your education in a graphic designer resume?

• Build your education section using the following information:
• School Name and Location
• Years in School
• Degree
• Add some extra information, if there is any worthy of highlighting. It can be a high GPA on a resume, relevant coursework, something that highlights your soft skills, etc.

But what if you’re still learning?

You can still write a great graphic design resume education section even if you haven't finished college yet. Just focus on your areas of passion, interest, and accomplishments so far.

I’ve mentioned some skills before. Let’s talk a bit more about them and how you can make them stand out among other resumes.

Pro Tip: If you're wondering how far back your resume should go, avoid going beyond 20+ years of experience unless required.

4. Put Skills on a Graphic Design Resume

Did you know that according to the HR statistics we’ve gathered, it takes 100–200 job applications to get one job offer? And a recruiter spends an average of 7 seconds looking at resumes. So, you need a great set of skills to catch your recruiter’s attention. 

How to highlight your graphic designer skills on a resume?

• Read the graphic designer job description. 
• Highlight all the relevant skills you’ve spotted.
• Create a master list of all the skills you have. Think about your hard and soft skills.
• Include all the necessary software skills you possess. 
• List up to 10 professional skills on your resume that the company you’re applying to prioritizes. Try to search for the clues in the job ad and on their website!

20+ Graphic Designer Resume Skills:

• Communication Skills
• Detail-Oriented Skill
• Organizational Skills
• Customer Service Skills
• Stress Management
• Active Listening
• Teamwork Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• MS Office Skills
• Creative Thinking
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Time Management
• Conceptual Skills
• Photoshop 
• Illustrator 
• InDesign 
• Acrobat 
• HTML/CSS 
• Free Hand 
• Corel Draw
• Sketching 
• Typography 
• Layout

There’s one more skills category. Learn all about it: Technical Skills

6. Add Other Sections to Your Graphic Design Resume

You might impress your recruiter with your experience, education, and skills. But you can add one more thing that doesn’t fit into those three categories and can mirror what was highlighted within them. It’s what we call additional sections on your resume.

What to put in the additional section on your graphic designer resume?

• Licenses & certifications
• Language skills
• Conferences you attended
• Publications on a resume
• Memberships and associations
• Hobbies and interests
• Awards on a resume
• Volunteer work

Time to create a perfect resume profile from what you’ve already written.

Pro Tip: Choose only what’s the most relevant for the job opening and what’s the most suitable for the company you're applying for. Then, include it as an additional resume section.

7. Write an Ideal Resume Summary or Resume Objective for a Graphic Design Resume

It’s time to take a step back and create a perfect beginning for your resume. We do this part now, because after you’ve put all the other sections, it will be way easier to create what goes on the top of your resume. And that’s a resume summary or a resume objective.

What’s the difference between these two?

• A resume summary is for an experienced candidate. 
• A resume objective is for a candidate with less than a year of experience.

Now that you know the difference, just structure your resume profile using one of the following formulas:

Graphic Designer Resume Summary (Formula)

Graphic Designer Resume Objective (Formula)

But hold for just a second! Let’s boost your chances of getting hired even more.

Pro Tip: Write your resume objective or summary last. It’s easier to create them when you have all your resume sections ready.

8. Include an Impressive Online Portfolio in Your Graphic Designer Resume

As a graphic designer, you might want to show your previous work. That way, your recruiter will know immediately what you’re capable of. 

How to create a portfolio for a graphic designer resume?

• Select the right online platform for your graphic design portfolio. You can also try to make a personal website that will help you show your work.
• Choose your best work. Think not only about what’s the most impressive but also what’s the most relevant for the position you’re after.
• Include necessary information. Some of your designs might require an explanation and further information about awards they helped you win.

Almost there. One more thing to add: a cover letter.

Want to combine your resume with your portfolio? Read our guide: Portfolio Resume

9. Add a Superb Cover Letter to Your Resume for a Graphic Designer

If you’re wondering how to secure an interview, you should also wonder how to write a cover letter. Because having it written well will skyrocket your chances of securing an interview, just as politeness will skyrocket your chances of not hearing that beeping noise on the other side of the line.

How to write a cover letter for a graphic designer?

1. Format your cover letter. Make it consistent with your resume.
2. Start your cover letter by showing passion and some achievements. That’s how you grab the reader’s attention.
3. Mind the correct length of your cover letter. Keep it on one page.
4. End your cover letter by suggesting a precise date and time for a meeting. It’s a call to action, and it’s really hard to refuse.

To write a perfect cover letter, use your resume as an inspiration. It’s all there! You just need to add some small words to it, and you have a second document to your application process!

Learn more about writing a perfect cover letter for the position you’re after. See our guide: Graphic Design Cover Letter.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Make sure to see other guides for related positions if you want to broaden your job search:

• Artist Resume
• Animator Resume
• Interior Designer Resume
• 3D Artist Resume
• Photographer Resume
• Game Design Resume
• Instructional Designer Resume
• Fashion Designer Resume
• Illustrator Resume
• 500+ More Resume Examples

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm
• https://www.hrdive.com/news/eye-tracking-study-shows-recruiters-look-at-resumes-for-7-seconds/541582/