A good designer resume focuses on your relevant skills like web development, user-centered design, or cross-team collaboration. Give examples of your past success as a designer or in similar roles, and show your knowledge base by citing any related training or certificate programs you’ve done. This guide provides expert tips to help you create a results-driven resume showing your best designer qualifications.
“Designer resumes should highlight creativity, technical tools, and project outcomes. Show how your visuals bring ideas to life.”
— Carolyn Kleiman, Resume and Career Advisor
Most Popular Designer Resumes
Visual Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is effective because it demonstrates a clear progression in skill level and responsibility over time. The measurable outcomes (such as a 20% increase in engagement) help convey the real value the applicant brings to employers. The skills section is relevant and organized, making it easy for hiring managers to evaluate. Learn how to sharpen your resume achievements: how to make a resume.
Product Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is compelling because it links the applicant’s design ideas to real business outcomes. Leading a product redesign that increased user engagement gives hiring managers something tangible to appreciate. It also features a clean structure and thorough education and certification sections. For more formatting help, check out this resume summary examples guide.
Game Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is successful because it uses strong, specific verbs to show what the candidate accomplished — "led," "developed," and "oversaw" all convey leadership and ownership. These verbs, paired with quantifiable results, give a complete picture of capability. For more on how to structure impactful resumes, visit this resource on best resume formats.
Branding Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is a great example of how to tie branding strategy directly to business results. Using bullet points links design efforts to measurable impact, like engagement and retention. The layout makes it easy to scan key achievements. Learn more about what makes resumes effective by checking out what to put on a resume.
Creative Graphic Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume works well because the writer quantifies creative contributions without overstating. From increased click-through rates to closed deals, each point connects design to results. For more ideas on how to structure creative experience, check out this breakdown of best resume formats.
Freelance Graphic Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is particularly effective because it demonstrates the candidate’s adaptability and client-centered approach. Even though it's freelance work, each bullet connects actions with concrete impact. Learn more about showcasing freelance experience in your resume by reviewing this resume skills guide.
Entry-Level Graphic Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume stands out for its clear focus and strong foundational skills. For a recent graduate, it effectively uses internships and assistant roles to show growth and initiative. If you’re a new designer, check out teen and entry-level resume examples to learn how to build a resume with limited experience.
Senior Graphic Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume clearly communicates senior-level expertise with leadership accomplishments and large-scale branding work. Each bullet point connects visual output to audience engagement and business goals. Learn how to structure high-impact leadership resumes by reviewing resume outline examples.
Canva Graphic Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume highlights Canva-specific experience and results, which is essential when applying for jobs that prioritize speed, budget, and accessibility. If you're designing primarily in Canva, it’s still crucial to show impact. For more advice, read this guide on the best fonts and formatting choices for your resume.
Graphic Designer Intern Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume stands out by showing initiative and hands-on contributions in early design roles. The candidate makes their school and internship experience meaningful with clear results. Learn how to strengthen entry-level resumes like this by reviewing this resource for listing your education on a resume.
Graphic Designer Manager Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume shows clear leadership and team impact. The applicant not only led projects but improved systems, saving time and increasing consistency. If you’re managing people or processes, use your resume to highlight those operational improvements. For help framing that experience, check out this guide on resume objectives and summaries.
Graphic Designer (ATS-Friendly) Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume uses a clean structure that will perform well in automated tracking systems without sacrificing content quality. ATS-friendly doesn't mean boring; it just means optimized for screening. For more tips on creating resumes that pass ATS scans, review this resource on resume formats.
Graphic Designer and Illustrator Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume does a great job of combining design and illustration in a cohesive way. It proves that blending creativity and results can work on paper — and in your portfolio. Want to highlight dual specialties like this? Start by reading this advice on resume interests and creative skills.
Infographic DesignerResume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume showcases niche design expertise with real-world results, like higher time-on-page and social engagement. If you work with content and data, visuals can tell the story, and your resume should too. For tips on what belongs in each resume section, check out what to put on a resume.
UX/UI Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is strong because it blends creativity with technical results. By focusing on user drop-off, usability, and dashboards, the candidate speaks directly to measurable impact. Learn how to align your resume with job descriptions by visiting this guide on resume alignment.
Web Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume clearly connects technical skills to UX improvements. Hiring managers can easily spot how this designer improves load times, bounce rates, and functionality. Learn more about technical skills hiring managers value by reviewing this article on technical skills for resumes.
Motion Graphics Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume effectively highlights niche tools like After Effects while linking video design to performance metrics like engagement and lead generation. For more creative resume inspiration, explore this guide on resume interests and soft skills.
Design Strategist Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume bridges the gap between creative work and business impact. Strategy roles require big-picture thinking, and this resume reflects that without sacrificing clarity. For help organizing big-picture experience, see this guide on listing certifications.
Packaging Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume connects creative design with business needs like cost savings and sales boosts. The inclusion of manufacturing experience makes it well-rounded. Learn how to expand your resume beyond design by reviewing this guide on resume content.
Environmental Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is strong because it shows how design can shape physical environments in meaningful, measurable ways. Whether increasing traffic or reducing waste, the candidate demonstrates value. To improve the relevance of your resume sections, check out this guide on what to include in a resume.
Art Director Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume stands out for clearly demonstrating leadership, team outcomes, and revenue impact. It strikes a balance between high-level oversight and creative execution. To learn how to build your resume around leadership and collaboration, read this guide on resume language skills.
Fashion Graphic Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume reflects a deep understanding of the fashion cycle and shows how visuals contribute to tangible retail success. Learn how to showcase industry-specific value in your resume by reading this guide on resume skills.
Logo Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume excellently focuses on one core specialty — logos — without losing depth or context. It’s a great example of niche expertise that’s in demand. Want to see how your resume stacks up? Try this resume comparison tool.
Digital Product Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume clearly shows how product designers operate at the intersection of design and development. The experience section shows not just what was designed, but why it mattered. Learn more about structuring this type of resume by exploring this resume formats guide.
Interactive Designer Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume shows how interactive design can create memorable, measurable digital experiences. It blends visual design with interactivity, making it ideal for innovative employers. For ideas on showcasing your range, read this article on how to put volunteer work on a resume.
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Designer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Designer Resume
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your designer qualifications
In a brief paragraph at the top of your resume, catch hiring managers’ attention by giving the three to five main reasons you’ll excel in your next design job. (Note: most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.)
Example
Visual designer with a strong background in graphic design and communication, holding a Master’s degree in visual design from Parsons School of Design. Skilled at developing and executing visual design concepts, partnering across functional lines, and incorporating feedback to improve design quality. Deep knowledge of color theory, typography, and user interface (UI) design principles, demonstrated by successful stints at Warner Bros. Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section for your designer role
Use your resume’s experience section to give examples of your background and success in roles similar to the design job you’re after. For each job in your recent work history, brainstorm your duties and achievements on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, choose the most relevant ones to include as bullet points on your resume. With this approach, you can write a detailed and design-focused experience section.
Example
Senior Product Designer, Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA | June 2017 to present
- Led design of a new feature in Adobe Creative Cloud that improved user engagement by 20%
- Collaborated with other business functions on the successful launch of three major product updates
- Conducted user research to inform design decisions, raising user satisfaction scores by 15%
3. Include relevant education and certifications for your designer role
Give the basics on any bachelor’s degree(s) you’ve completed or worked toward. Then, flesh out this section with any certifications or other details that help show your design knowledge.
Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note optional template areas appear in [brackets].
Education
Template
- [Candidate:] Degree Name — [Major, Minor], School Name, City, ST or online | [Year]
- [Relevant honors, activities, or coursework]
Example
- Bachelor of Science – Game Design and Development, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY | May 2018
Certifications
Template
- Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
- [Description]
Example
- Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023
4. List pertinent key skills for your designer role
Add a key skills section to show how you can contribute to your target job. These may include soft skills like time management, hard skills, and programs like Adobe Illustrator. Below are some common skills and keywords for designer resumes:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adobe Creative Suite | Concept development |
| Design execution | Digital marketing |
| Game mechanics development | Graphic design |
| Illustration | InVision |
| Player testing and feedback | Print design |
| Product branding | Prototyping |
| Team collaboration | Time management |
| Typography | Usability design |
| User experience (UX) design | User-centered design |
| Web design | Web development |
How To Pick the Best Designer Resume Template
As with most vocations, designers should use a resume template that’s simple and straightforward. Opt for a layout that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font, and avoid any template with a colorful or elaborate design. Also, ensure the template complies with applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to screen resumes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Designer Resume Examples and Advice
Why should I use a Designer resume example as a template for my own resume?-
A Designer resume example provides a solid foundation for structuring your own resume. It showcases how to highlight achievements, use quantifiable metrics, and present your experience in an organized manner. You can personalize it by adding your unique qualifications and adjusting sections to better reflect your skills and career history.
What are common action verbs for designer resumes?-
It's easy to get stuck when writing the experience section of a resume. You may start to run out of action verbs to describe your work. To help you with this challenge, we compiled the list of common action verbs below that describe designer roles.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Clarified | Created |
| Decreased | Designed |
| Developed | Enhanced |
| Established | Fostered |
| Generated | Grew |
| Illustrated | Increased |
| Introduced | Launched |
| Ranked | Reduced |
| Rendered | Streamlined |
| Updated | Won |
How do you align your resume with a designer job posting?-
One great way to customize your resume is by adding brief descriptions of the places you've worked in [brackets] right next to or below the company name. Company descriptions let you show any similarities between your past employers and the one who posted the job. For example, you've worked for companies of a similar size or industry. Or you've worked at organizations with a similar mission or leadership philosophy. By adding these details, you can make your resume more relevant to the job opening.
What is the best designer resume format?-
Most designers should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format's experience section and the functional format's profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format.)
A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two features. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section enables you to display your career highlights at the top, regardless of whether they're from that work history or another part of your background. As a result, you can present yourself both clearly and strategically. With this format, you give hiring managers the best view of your experience and relevant strengths so they can decide to call you for an interview.
Should my designer resume be one or two pages?-
Your designer resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have fewer than 10 years of experience. A two-page resume can be effective for seasoned professionals with a longer track record if it highlights accomplishments and skills directly relevant to the job. Every detail should add value and strengthen your candidacy.
Limit your work experience to the past 10 to 15 years, unless earlier positions are highly relevant. Keeping your resume concise and targeted will make a strong and memorable impression on potential employers.
To increase your chances of an interview, write and submit a strong cover letter. The key to a good cover letter is tailoring it to each job opening. Read our cover letter guide to learn how. For more tips and examples, see our graphic design cover letter guide.
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