Graphic Design Resume Examples

Downloadable Examples

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for graphic designers will grow by 3% from 2018 to 2028, which is equivalent to around 8,800 jobs. This growth is dependent on industry, with positions in newspaper, book and periodical publishers expected to decline by 22%. However, jobs for graphic designers in computer systems design is projected to grow by 24%. As businesses continue to grow their online presence, many will also look to graphic designers to help them design a professional, engaging brand.

Although the number of positions is expected to grow, there may still be strong competition for available jobs. A well-written resume is crucial to helping you stand out from other applicants. On this page, you’ll find downloadable resume examples for entry-level and experienced graphic designers, as well as tips for crafting a better resume and shaping it to match a specific job description.

Downloadable Resume Examples

No Experience

Example #1 No Experience

2-3 Years

Example #2 2-3 Years

5-10 Years

Example #3 5-10 Years

10+ Years

Example #4 10+ Years

Graphic Design Resume Examples

Years of Experience
  • No Experience 0
  • 2-3 Years 2-3
  • 5-10 Years 5-10
  • 10+ Years 10+

Brad Douglas
brad.douglas@email.com
(123) 456-7890
842 McCartney Street, Portland, OR 87902

Profile

Creative and detail-oriented entry-level graphic designer with strong innovation and project design abilities. Superior time management and organizational skills with the ability to complete simultaneous projects efficiently while meeting all client requirements. Able to work independently or as a collaborative member of a professional design and marketing team.

Key Skills

  • Design software: Adobe Creative Suite
  • Coding and web design: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP
  • Familiarity with user experience design principles
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Experience in cohesive brand creation

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, GPA 3.6
Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH September 2015 – June 2019

Courses Completed:

  • Contemporary Marketing + Art Direction
  • Design for Communication
  • Web Design

Professional Experience

Graphic Design Intern, Pinstripe Design Consultants, Cleveland, OH
September 2018 – November 2018

  • Assisted in creation of visual media components for films and television
  • Created custom logos for websites based on customer specifications
  • Provided assistance to graphic design team members as needed

Graphic Design Intern, Design Addicts, Portland, OR
June 2017 – August 2017

  • Alter graphic elements and convert graphics to correct format
  • Designed infographics and social media graphics based on existing brand identity, leading to client gaining viral attention
  • Create color boards, trend boards and brand boards for creative projects

Gabriella Rossi
g.rossi@email.com
(123) 456-7890
6276 Carmel Drive, San Antonio, TX 43215

Profile

Enthusiastic and creative graphic designer with expertise in digital design tools, including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Dedicated to developing cohesive brand identities. Proficient at creating engaging designs, collaborating with clients and developing visual solutions for communication challenges.

Key Skills

  • Excellent artistic and drawing abilities
  • High degree of communication skills
  • Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Problem solving ability
  • Experience in web design and print production

Education

Bachelor of Science in Design, GPA 3.4
Arizona State University, Tempe AZ September 2014 – June 2018

Courses Completed:

  • Visual communication
  • Motion graphics and interaction design
  • Technology for design

Professional Experience

Junior Graphic Designer, Lorenna Design, San Antonio, TX
July 2018 – Present

  • Design and develop custom logos, media materials and product packaging for clients
  • Interpret brand and marketing needs from client briefings and meetings, using clarifying questions to determine exact requirements, leading to fewer revision requests
  • Review final layouts and designs and make recommendations for improvement as required

Graphic Design Intern, SKC Marketing and Design, Tempe, AZ
September 2017 – December 2017

  • Conducted marketing research on demographics and marketing to determine best design for client brands
  • Coordinated with design team to develop branding concepts, product ideas and design support
  • Assisted in design of logos, brochures and product packaging for multiple clients

Tiana Brown
tiana.brown@email.com
(123) 456-7890
84 Palmer Court, Atlanta, GA 54321

Profile

Graphic design specialist with 7+ years’ experience managing the complete design process from concept to completion. Dedicated to improved user experience through visual design, using creative and innovative UX design principles. Skilled with Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop, as well as web design applications, including HTML and CSS.

Professional Experience

Graphic Designer, Caramel Apple Consulting, Atlanta GA
July 2015 – Present

  • Work collaboratively with team of designers, web developers and client project staff to improve UX of website login and design for 10+ clients, improving user engagement and decreasing bounce rate
  • Created cohesive brand identity, including custom logo and typography, for online gift company, leading to 30% increase in social media engagement and 20% increase in sales
  • Provide art direction for photo shoots and edit images as needed using Adobe Photoshop

Graphic Designer, Janet Grossi, Inc., Atlanta, GA
June 2013 – July 2015

  • Successfully translated production information into concrete design for marketing material, including newsletters, brochures, promotional material and website
  • Consulted with members of product design team regarding making products user-friendly and visually appealing
  • Work within constraints of existing branding and language guidelines while still creating innovative designs under strict deadlines

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Design Media Arts
University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA September 2009 – June 2013

Key Skills

  • Technical skills: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator
  • Strong knowledge of digital marketing and design
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Problem solving
  • Collaboration

Certifications

  • UX Certificate, Bentley University, 2017

Vijay Kumar
v.kumar@email.com
(123) 456-7890
522 Ross Street, Lincoln, NE 34567

Profile

Creative and innovative graphic designer with 11 years’ experience in developing visual materials that create a cohesive message, grow brand recognition and increase sales. Dynamic team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to lead teams of designers and marketing professionals. Experienced working on multiple projects in environment with strict budget and deadline requirements.

Professional Experience

Senior Graphic Designer, Purple Llama Marketing, Lincoln, NE
April 2015 – Present

  • Manage and lead a team of four designers in the production of marketing materials, including graphic design, photography, website design and audio-visual needs
  • Collaborate with clients, senior executives, copywriters and marketers to determine best design direction and present design ideas and drafts to team
  • Oversee the efficient use of project budgets of up to $30,000

Graphic Designer, Draper Pryce & Partners, Lincoln, NE
January 2012 – April 2015

  • Successfully manage and coordinate graphic design projects as part of larger advertising projects, consistently meeting deadlines and client requirements
  • Create and conduct presentations for clients, leading to signing of million-dollar contracts with national and international businesses
  • Developed artwork and layout for banners, posters, publications, flyers and print and digital signage

Education

Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design
Rochester University, Rochester, NY September 2007 – June 2009

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic & Interactive Design
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2003 – June 2007

Key Skills

  • Design software knowledge, including InDesign and Photoshop
  • High level of creativity and innovation
  • Typography
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • High level of communication skills
  • Public speaking and presentation skills

Certifications

  • Adobe Certified Expert – Adobe InDesign, 2016
  • Adobe Certified Expert – Adobe Photoshop, 2016

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Graphic Design Resumes

Highlighting key skills and appropriate action verbs can help ensure that your resume is singled out for further investigation. Many hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help them sort through large numbers of applications. This software scans each resume and evaluates it based on the number of keywords and phrases included that match the company’s needs. The more keywords you include in your resume, the higher the chance that the hiring manager will see it and invite you for an interview.

Key Skills & Proficiencies
Accuracy Analytical skills
Artistic ability Attention to detail
Branding Coding
Communication skills Creativity
Delivering presentations Photoshop
Illustrator InDesign
Innovation Interpreting client needs
Marketing Negotiation
Organizational skills Print design
Teamwork Technology
Time management Typography
UX Design
Action Verbs
Analyze Brand
Code Collaborate
Communicate Create
Design Draft
Draw Edit
Innovate Interpret
Lead Liaise
Negotiate Organize
Prepare Present

Tips for Writing a Better Graphic Design Resume

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Design and technology skills are an essential part of being a graphic designer, but communication skills are equally important. Communicating well with an employer or client allows you to clarify their needs and translate that vision into a design that exceeds their expectations. To ensure a hiring manager is aware of your communication skills, include them in the key skills and professional experience sections of your resume. Pro tip: Tie your communication experience to concrete outcomes that emphasize the benefits you can bring to your new employer.

Example #1

Good

Use communication skills, active listening and clarifying questions to interpret client needs and produce required design, leading to 50% fewer revision requests

Bad

Design graphic based on client needs

Example #2

Good

Communicate and collaborate with team of executives, marketers and product designers to produce design that meets needs of all stakeholders

Bad

Work with team to create logo

Highlight Your Graphic Design Education

Most employers look for a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field when hiring new employees. This demonstrates that the applicant understands the essentials of graphic design, including design principles, printing techniques, graphics production and computerized design. Many employers also appreciate training in marketing, business and writing, which helps designers work in project teams. It’s important to include educational details, such as school name, location, degree earned and graduation year; however, adding your achievements or coursework can give employers a clearer understanding of the knowledge you can bring to the position.

Example #1

Good

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, September 2015 – June 2019

  • Excelled in design for use in online spaces
  • Completed coursework in marketing and business writing
  • Provided graphic design work for school paper, including redesigning logo and website, and preparing pages for print

Bad

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI September 2015 – June 2019

Example #2

Good

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY September 2013 – June 2017

Areas of study include:

  • Motion design
  • Typography
  • Packaging systems
  • Marketing

Bad

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY September 2013 – June 2017

How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description

Job descriptions clearly state the skills and attributes the company considers essential in an ideal candidate. Hiring managers use the document to assess each resume and determine if applicants will move forward in the hiring process. Including experiences and attributes that match the key skills detailed in the job description is essential to helping you stand out from other applicants.
To determine what to highlight in your resume, look to the skills and experience mentioned first in the job description. These are generally the most important requirements. You should also include attributes that are mentioned more than once. Focus on including concrete examples that demonstrate how your achievements and experiences meet those requirements and steer clear of repetitive and generic descriptions.

Example Graphic Designer Job Description

Oak Marketing is looking for an experienced and creative graphic designer to create engaging graphics for our customers. The successful candidate will collaborate with clients and other marketing team members to formulate complete brand marketing solutions and take ownership of all graphic elements, including logos, illustrations, typography and layouts. The position also involves managing projects to ensure they are completed on time and under budget.

Responsibilities:

  • Study design briefs and determine requirements
  • Work as part of a team to provide complete marketing solutions
  • Determine project schedule and budget and consistently meet deadlines
  • Prepare drafts and present ideas to clients and team
  • Utilize software to develop logos, typography and other designs
  • Stay up to date with graphic design trends and technological advances

Qualifications:

  • Creativity
  • Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field
  • Knowledge of marketing or digital marketing
  • Technological skills in Adobe Creative Suite
  • Teamwork and communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong knowledge of graphic design principles and trends

The job description shows that the ideal job applicant will have the following skills and attributes:

  • Creativity
  • Teamwork
  • Ability to determine requirements
  • Adobe Create Suite software skills
  • Marketing knowledge
  • Ability to create graphic elements, including logos, typography and illustrations
  • Project management
  • Monitor graphic design trends

Look at what you highlighted in the job description and make sure you include skills and experience that match the requirements. An example of how to include this information in your resume can be found below:

Graphic Design Work Experience Example

Senior Graphic Designer, Coyote Designs, Canton, OH
March 2015 – Present

  • Collaborate with clients to determine graphic design solutions that help them meet their marketing requirements
  • Utilize Adobe Creative Suite and other design software to develop creative and engaging graphic elements, including custom logos, typography and illustrations for print and online publication
  • Determine project schedules and budgets and work with a team of three graphic designers to ensure projects are delivered on time and under budget
  • Conduct market research on demographics and design trends to ensure designs effectively communicate the intended message and remain fresh and up to date

Other Resume Examples