Graphic Designer Resume: Examples and Tips for 2023

Why’s it hard to write a good graphic designer resume?

It’s not.

But nobody does it. Why not? Poor branding. Fix that, and you’ll get so much work you’ll need a new Wacom in a month. It all comes down to proving you’re no stranger to Photoshop, Illustrator, typography, and print design.

But you’ve got to walk a fine line.

This guide will show you:

• A graphic designer resume examples better than most.
• How to ace your graphic designer job description on a resume.
• How to write a graphic design resume that gets the interview.
• Why picking the right few graphic design achievements is the #1 key to get hired.

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Looking for a different creative position? Explore our other guides:

• 3d Artist Resume
• Animator Resume
• Film Industry (General) Resume
• Game Design Resume
• Instructional Designer Resume
• Production Assistant Resume
• Social Media Manager Resume
• UX Designer Resume
• Web Designer Resume
• Visual Artist Resume

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Professional Resume Examples.

Graphic Designer Resume Example

A graphic designer creates visual designs and graphics for a wide range of projects, including websites, advertisements, marketing materials, packaging, and more. A graphic design job requires creativity, strong visual design skills, and proficiency in using design software and tools.

Now, here’s how to write a graphic design resume:

1. Use the Right Graphic Designer Resume Format

Rule #1:

Get graphic design resume format right. If you don’t, the manager knows you can’t tell CMS from crop marks.

Here’s how to format your resume:

• Pick the reverse-chronological resume format. It puts your most hi-res achievement first.
• Use the best resume fonts, 10–14pt, 1-inch resume margins, big headings, and negative space.
• Avoid creative graphic design resumes printed on pizza boxes or brochures. Cute won’t get you hired.
• Go for a one-page resume. This is the most appealing resume length.
• Start with a resume header. Name, phone number, email address. No snail mail or photo.
• After the header, add a graphic designer resume objective, then work experience, then education, and skills.
• Add resume extra sections like additional activities, and hobbies to make the hiring manager notice you.

Expert Hint: Use a graphic designer resume PDF unless the job description says no. They’re noiseless, and in 2023, they’re also machine-readable.

2. Start With a Hero Graphic Design Resume Objective

What’s first?

Lead off with a resume objective (or resume summary).

Make it like a hero graphic, with—

1. An adjective (Talented, hard-working, creative)

2. Job title (Graphic Designer)

3. Years of experience (3+, 4+)

4. How you’ll help (provide high-quality design)

5. Flashiest achievements (cut costs by 15%)

These two graphic design resume examples are your proof:

Bam. That first graphic design resume sample is responsive. The measurable achievements will make hiring managers ooh and ahh.

What if You’ve Got No Experience?

You’ve still got achievements. Pack them into your graphic designer resume objective.

See? No job, but a great graphic designer resume summary.

Should you write a graphic designer resume objective or a resume summary? An objective used to list your goals. In 2023, it’s more powerful to show how you can help.

Expert Hint: Write your resume objective or summary for graphic designer jobs last. That’ll give you a whole palette of great material to pick from.

3. Write a Gorgeous Graphic Designer Resume Job Description

Here’s the magic:

Most won’t write a good resume job description. Do it, and you’ll stand out like Paula Scher.

Here’s how:

1. Read the job ad.

2. Highlight the graphic design resume skills and duties.

3. In your resume bullets, show you bleed those things.

Let these graphic designer resume examples paint the picture.

Why will #1 excite the art director? It’s those juicy measurable resume achievements.

Graphic Design Resume Example—No Experience

Even with no job experience, you can write a graphic design resume sample like that.

Bonus tip:

Don’t copy-paste skills to put on a resume from a list. To hiring managers, that looks like forgetting to k e r n.

Instead:

1. Spot the design skills in the job ad.

2. List them in your resume for graphic design jobs.

3. Inject proof in your resume bullets.

Job ad wants: (1) daily design experience (2) leadership skills (3) strong design skills.

That graphic designer resume example fits you to the job like it was sprayed on. Those accomplishments with numbers do the trick.

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Graphic Designer Resume Skills List

Remember, Don’t use skills lists. And don't flood your resume with them. 5-10 is the sweet spot. For reference, here are the most important resume skills for a graphic designer:

Hard Skills:

• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Acrobat
• Free Hand
• Sketching
• Print Design
• InDesign
• HTML/CSS
• Corel Draw
• Typography
• Layout

Soft Skills:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Time Management
• Color Theory
• Planning and Organization
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Creativity
• Technology
• Research
• Taking Criticism

Expert Hint: Got stock imagery skills? Those are in demand. Check out this study by Graphic Design USA.

4. Turn the Education Section Into a Reason to Hire You

Who cares about education?

The sad truth? On graphic designer resumes: nobody. But—

Use your resume education section as a rebrand and you’ll stand nine feet above the rest. These graphic design resumes examples show how:

That first graphic designer sample is a Rembrandt. Those achievements prove your passion. Why?

You cared about it way back when.

Expert Hint: Is your graphic design resume experience thinner than a raster layer? Show more resume education achievements like teams, groups, and projects.

5. Beautify Your Graphic Designer Resume With Bonus Sections

Most graphic designer resumes look identical.

Like Lorem Ipsum text.

Make yours stand out, and you’ll look like David Carson in a world of kitsch. To do it, add resume extra sections that show you love design.

These two graphic design resume examples will help:

Striking.

Those first graphic design resume samples stick out like a Banksy. They prove you love your art. That means you’ll self-motivate.

Expert Hint: For rave reviews, add a cover letter to your resume for graphic design jobs. Your job options will fractalize. Learn how to write a cover letter from our handy guide.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

For a great graphic designer resume:

• Use the graphic designer resume template up top. It’s got all the elements to get you in the door.
• Customize your graphic design resume like a Maceala MacKenzie original. Each bullet point should match the job description.
• Don’t be arbitrary. Even education in a resume for graphic designer jobs should show accomplishments that fit.
• Add aesthetic extras like conventions and pro associations. But—only if they match the job offer.

Do you need to write a cover letter as well? Check out the guide to write a cover letter for a Graphic Design position.

Got questions on how to write a great resume for a graphic designer? Not sure how to show graphic design on a resume? Leave a comment. We’re happy to reply.