Graphic designer resume template: example & tips
In graphic design, the portfolio decides – the resume is the invitation to look at it. Agencies and in-house teams want to see at a glance which clients and media you have designed for, which programs you know and whether you can also handle print production, motion or web. A good resume is a piece of design in itself: clear, typographically clean, without gimmicks.
Our pick
Creative Accent
PremiumATS-safe ✅Photo moduleWhy this template
A clear design accent and plenty of room for projects – the portfolio link sits right in the header. The template shows design sense and stays readable for applicant tracking systems.
Example summary
Your summary sits right below your name. Replace everything in square brackets with your own details.
Graphic designer with [number] years of experience at [an agency/in-house], focused on [branding/editorial/packaging/digital]. Designs for clients in [industries] from concept to press-ready files; skilled in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma. Portfolio: [link].
What a strong Graphic designer resume looks like
Sample bullet points for your experience. Where it says [number], put your own figure – made-up numbers fall apart in the interview.
- Developed a brand identity for [client/industry] including logo, color system and style guide
- Designed [number] campaign visuals per year for print, social media and out-of-home
- Laid out a [number]-page annual report from concept to press-ready files
- Built InDesign and Figma templates that let the marketing team create assets on their own
- Designed packaging for a product line with [number] variants in close coordination with the printer
- Animated social media clips in After Effects
- Presented concepts in pitches alongside account and creative leads
Hard skills
- Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
- Figma for digital layouts and prototypes
- Typography and layout
- Brand identity and guidelines
- Print production (color profiles, PDF/X, proofs)
- Motion design (e.g. After Effects)
- Illustration and photo editing
- Presenting concepts to clients
Soft skills – with proof
- Questioning briefs before starting a design
- Turning client feedback into better work
- Meeting production deadlines
- Working with copywriters, account teams and printers
ATS keywords for Graphic designer resumes
Terms that come up often in job ads for this role. Only use what is true for you – ideally in the wording of the ad you are applying to.
- Graphic Designer
- Visual Designer
- Brand Identity
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Figma
- Typography
- Layout
- Print Production
- Motion Graphics
- Campaign Design
- Packaging
Tips for your Graphic designer resume
- Put your portfolio link at the very top, clickable in the PDF. Without a portfolio, a design application rarely gets reviewed.
- Name clients or industries and media for each role. Agencies want to see whether you know their world.
- Describe your role honestly: concept, production artwork or art direction. It affects level and salary.
- Show production know-how – prepress, color management, file formats. It separates you from purely conceptual profiles.
- Design your resume with restraint. It should show that you master type and grids, not every effect at once.
Salary
Pay depends on location, employer, experience and certification – a single number says little. For current figures by occupation, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)