Graphic Designer Resume

Graphic Designers use computer software to create visual concepts that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They design advertisements, brochures, magazines, book covers, and logos.

‍How to Write a Summary for a Graphic Designer

Mention your previous experience. Did you work for an in-house design studio? Do you do freelance artwork on the side? Where did you intern?
Describe your greatest strength. Are you organized and punctual? Do you excel at designing logos?
Explain what you’re eager to accomplish in the next stage of your career. Are you looking to work in marketing, or education? Do you prefer designing products or marketing materials?

How to List Your Work Experience as a Graphic Designer

Use reverse chronological format. List your most recent jobs first, as this shows managers how you’ve gained experience in the industry.
Use action verbs related to being a Graphic Designer. Verbs are critical to demonstrating what you can do for the company. Review the following list for some powerful examples.

Analyzed
Created
Designed
Drafted
Drew
Ensured
Executed
Highlighted
Illustrated
Implemented
Organized
Oversaw
Prepared
Presented
Sketched

See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.

Senior Level Work Experience as a Graphic Designer

Drafted monthly layouts for a 60-page print magazine, La Fleur, including image spacing and typography
Designed the company’s professional stationary, including letterheads, signature lines, and embossed seal
Created three company logos, including one for English fashion-house Pretty Little Thing
Worked as a collaborative member of the communications team, advocating for excellent brand representation across all published media
Ensured brand consistency across all digital formats, including social media, website, and email logos and letterheads
Oversaw a staff of 13 in-house artists and 6 rotating freelancers
Reviewed resumes and portfolios to find freelance graphic designers for additional projects, ensuring that freelancers fit the company’s needs
Managed and executed graphic design needs for 10 brands, including fashion and food, at various levels of maturity and market penetration
Designed, directed and translated conceptual input into packaging layouts, instruction sheets, parts diagrams, troubleshooting guides and spec sheets for Company Elantra
Maintained product data in project databases, files and archives
Coordinated with product managers on project specifications for Elantra products, packagings and label designs

Junior Level Work Experience as a Graphic Designer

Presented and defended designs and key deliverables to peers and executive level stakeholders
Illustrated design ideas using storyboards, process flows and sitemaps
Designed 12 book covers, 2 of which were New York Times best-sellers, using Adobe Illustrator
Created a billboard-size advertisement for a renowned law firm
Prepared finished copy and art by operating typesetting, printing, and similar equipment; and purchasing from vendors
Illustrated artistic concepts by designing rough layouts of art and copy regarding arrangement, size, type size and style, and related aesthetic concepts
Defined the tone and voice of the company's brand by drafting the logo and typography for all company publications
Developed a color palette that reflected the brand’s professionalism and friendliness
Worked with producers and strategists to ensure work aligned with creative briefs and timelines

How to List Your Skills as a Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers not only need to specify their artistic abilities, but also other business and interpersonal skills, such as the following:

Creativity
Time Management
Organizational Skills
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Artistic Abilities

Tip: Be specific about your artistic and computer skills. For example, note that you can create magazine layouts, or logos. For computer skills, list the softwares in which you are well-versed, such as Adobe Creative Suite or Photopea.

How to List Your Education as a Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers generally require a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Or, you can have a degree in any field and complete a technical training course in graphic design and still meet many job qualifications.

Graphic designers must keep up with new and updated computer graphics and design software, either on their own or through formal software training programs. Professional associations that specialize in graphic design, such as AIGA, offer courses intended to keep the skills of their members up to date.

Graphic Designers can also receive certifications in graphic design software, which can help your resume to stand out. Examples of such softwares include Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, and Inkscape.

Additionally, many jobs require Graphic Designers to submit a portfolio of their work. Most individuals will stock their portfolio with samples they created during college, or internships, though independent work can also be submitted. The purpose of a portfolio is to provide an employer with visual examples of your work, so include your strongest pieces.

Requirements to be a Graphic Designer vary by state but generally involve the following:

Bachelor’s Degree
Updated knowledge in design software
Certifications in graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite
Complete a background check

Graphic Designer Career Overview

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Graphic Designers is declining at 4% per year. In 2019 there were 281,500 jobs available.

Average Salary

Graphic Designers make $52,110 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $89,210 depending on experience, industry, and location. Advertising, public relations, and related services are the top paying industries for Graphic Designers.

Top Paying Salaries by State