Graphic Designer CV: Free Template, Guide & Examples
Our resume toolkit and guide below: The ultimate vector for your career trajectory.
Are you a Graphic Designer eager to take the next step in your career? Do you worry that your CV might be overlooked in the competitive job market?
A badly-crafted CV can hinder your chances of landing that dream job. That’s why we’re here to offer support. Use our free CV builder and follow the expert advice in this guide, you can greatly increase your chances of being noticed by employers who recognize your talent.
In this article, we will provide you with practical guidance on:
- Which CV layout best suits your needs
- Essential keywords to include throughout your Graphic Designer CV
- Effective strategies for listing your education when you’re an entry-level Graphic Designer
- Recommendations on how to showcase your work experience in a senior Graphic Designer CV
Discover the winning strategy that will give you the best chance of securing a top Graphic Designer position.
Let’s get started!
Graphic Designer Keywords and Power Words
Keywords and power words are essential elements to incorporate into your CV as a Graphic Designer. They can help your CV stand out, grab the attention of hiring managers, and emphasize your skills and experience.
Keywords are specific terms or phrases that are relevant to your industry or profession. When recruiters or hiring managers scan CVs, they often use software or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that search for these keywords to filter and shortlist candidates.
Including relevant keywords in your CV increases the chances of it being noticed.
Here are 10 popular Graphic Designer keywords you should consider:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Print design
- Web design
- Typography
- Branding
- Illustration
- User experience (UX)
- Visual communication
- Creative problem-solving
- Digital media
Power words, also known as action verbs or strong verbs, are action-oriented words that add impact and depth to your CV.
They help convey your achievements and compellingly display your Graphic Designer skills.
Enhance your creative Graphic Designer CV with the power words contained in the list below:
- Designed
- Implemented
- Created
- Collaborated
- Streamlined
- Revamped
- Conceptualized
- Executed
- Optimized
- Innovated
Remember to tailor your keywords and power words to match the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
What CV Format is Best For You?
A CV should not only be accurate, relevant, and engaging but it should also be presented in the right format.
For entry-level Graphic Designers, a functional CV format is recommended. This format emphasizes your work history, showing your career progression and experience. Start with your most recent work experience, working your way back in reverse chronological order.
A chronological CV format may be more appropriate for experienced Graphic Designers. With this format, you highlight your skills, qualifications, and achievements, emphasizing your contributions to the design industry.
No matter what format you choose, make sure it is visually appealing and easy to read. Use bold headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space to create a clear and concise CV that showcases your skills and experience.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a winning CV that will land you your dream job in the graphic design industry.
Entry-Level Graphic Designer CV Tips
Are you struggling to land a job as an entry-level Graphic Designer?
Don’t worry, it’s not an impossible feat. Our practical tips and actionable guidance can help you create a CV that will stand out amongst the rest.
Entry-Level Graphic Designer CV Sample
Take a moment to explore the following entry-level Graphic Designer CV example. It will provide you with a clear understanding of how to structure an entry-level CV effectively.
Emma Wilson
23 Garden Street, London, SW1A 1AA
+44 1234 567890
emma.wilson@email.com
Personal Statement
Ambitious and creative Graphic Designer seeking an entry-level position in a dynamic and collaborative environment where I can contribute my skills and passion for design. Possessing a solid foundation in graphic design principles and a keen eye for detail, I am excited to begin my professional career in the design industry.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
London College of Design, London, 2021
Skills
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Strong understanding of typography, composition, and colour theory
- Excellent attention to detail when creating visually appealing and well-structured designs
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively, ensuring effective communication and teamwork
- Familiarity with industry trends and a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and design tools
- Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS for web design projects
Experience
Graphic Design Intern
PixelWorks Studios, London, June 2021 – September 2021
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to strategize and execute innovative design solutions, resulting in a 15% increase in customer engagement.
- Utilized tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Canva to create visually compelling designs.
- Ensured adherence to brand guidelines while providing creative input, leading to a 20% improvement in visual impact.
- Delivered projects within specified deadlines, achieving a 100% on-time completion rate and maintaining a high standard of quality in all design deliverables.
Projects
- Designed and implemented a visual identity for a local charity event, resulting in increased brand recognition and donations
- Created an interactive and visually engaging website mockup for a fictitious e-commerce brand, showcasing user experience and design skills
Graphic Designer Education Section When Starting
The education section of your junior Graphic Designer CV holds significant importance, especially when you are an entry-level candidate in the field of graphic design.
It allows you to feature your academic background, relevant certifications, and any specialized training you have completed.
The education section not only provides potential employers with an overview of your qualifications but also demonstrates your dedication and commitment to enhancing your skills in the industry.
Start with your highest level of education: Begin by listing your most recent or highest level of education first. Include the name of the institution, the degree or qualification earned, and the completion date.
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
XYZ University, London
September 2017 – June 2020 - Certification: Adobe Certified Associate in Photoshop
Certifications make you a more attractive candidate for employers. They emphasise expertise, and commitment to professional growth and differentiate you from other candidates by highlighting specialized skills.
Experienced Graphic Designer CV Tips
Seasoned Graphic Designers have great opportunities as the demand for these professionals is increasing. Craft an effective CV with the expert guidance in this section.
Create a narrative that showcases your experience and passion for graphic design. Begin with a captivating personal statement and make sure your Experience section is packed with relevant information.
Experienced Graphic Designer CV Sample
A Graphic Designer CV template can serve as a guide to writing your own.
Have a look at the senior Graphic Designer CV below to gain insights into how it’s done.
Lucas Green
57 Park Road, Manchester, M1 1AA
+44 7890 123456
lucas.green@email.com
Personal Statement
Passionate and innovative Graphic Designer with over 8 years of experience in leading design projects from conception to execution. Possessing a solid understanding of design principles, business strategy, and user experience, I am committed to delivering effective design solutions that exceed client expectations and drive business growth.
Experience
Senior Graphic Designer
DesignWave Agency, Manchester, June 2019 – Present
- Collaborated with a team of 5 designers to deliver high-quality designs for print, web, and digital media using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Researched target audiences, competitors, and industry trends to develop effective designs. Resulted in a 20% increase in user engagement and a 15% growth in website traffic.
- Managed client communication and ensured project alignment using project management tools. Improved client satisfaction ratings by 25%.
- Managed workloads and maintained project timelines, resulting in a 10% reduction in project delays.
Freelance Graphic Designer
Lucas Green Design, Manchester, September 2017 – May 2019
- Established and managed a successful freelance graphic design business, collaborating with clients across industries to deliver creative and effective design solutions.
- Developed and executed graphical elements for various deliverables such as brochures, infographics, website design, branding initiatives, and presentations.
- Managed a complex workload, delivering projects within specified timelines, and maintained high-quality standards, leading to positive client feedback.
Skills
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, and Sketch
- Knowledgeable in HTML, CSS, and UI/UX design principles
- Excellent time management and project management skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with teams and clients
- Proven ability to develop creative approaches to design solutions that achieve strategic and business objectives
- Solid understanding of design principles, brand identity, and emerging design trends
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Manchester University, Manchester, 2013
Certifications
Certified Visual Designer – Interaction Design Foundation, 2021
Graphic Designer CV Personal Statement
As a Graphic Designer, your CV personal statement can be the key to making a great first impression. It should effectively showcase your skills, experience, and how you can contribute to the success of a company.
Here are some essential elements to consider when crafting your personal statement:
- Years of experience: Include the total number of years of experience as a Graphic Designer to give employers a clear understanding of your level of expertise.
- Metrics and tools: Highlight your achievements using specific metrics and tools that you have utilized in your previous roles. This helps demonstrate your proficiency and adds credibility to your accomplishments.
- Driving company success: Convey how you can contribute to driving the success of a company with your skills and expertise. This shows employers that you understand the value you can bring to their organization.
Example
With over 5 years of experience in graphic design, I have a proven track record of delivering impactful and visually engaging designs. Through my expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and advanced knowledge of user experience (UX) principles, I have successfully contributed to enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement. By leveraging my artistic vision and technical skills, I have consistently surpassed client expectations, resulting in increased customer satisfaction rates and repeat business.
This example is effective because it highlights the candidate’s years of experience, showcases their proficiency in industry-standard tools, and demonstrates their ability to drive company success by delivering high-quality designs that meet client objectives.
By incorporating these elements into your Graphic Designer CV personal statement, you can leave a lasting impression on potential employers and increase your chances of securing your dream job.
Outlining Your Graphic Designer Experience
When outlining your Graphic Designer experience on your CV, it’s important to go beyond simply listing your tasks and responsibilities.
Highlighting your achievements and results will provide a clearer picture of your capabilities and make your experience stand out.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Focus on achievements: This could include successful design projects, recognition, awards, or positive feedback from clients or colleagues. Highlight how your work positively impacted the projects or clients you worked with.
- Utilize metrics and tools: Mention specific figures such as increased website traffic, conversion rates, or social media engagement that resulted from your design work. Additionally, highlight the tools or software you used to achieve these results, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or InVision.
Example
Graphic Designer, XYZ Marketing Agency, London
- Developed and implemented a new visual branding strategy that increased brand recognition by 30% within six months.
- Created website designs for clients using Adobe Creative Suite, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement and a 15% decrease in bounce rates.
- Collaborated closely with the marketing team to design captivating social media graphics, leading to a 40% increase in followers and a 25% boost in overall reach.
- Conducted user research and created user personas to inform design decisions, resulting in a 50% improvement in user satisfaction and a 15% decrease in support queries.
- Led a team of junior designers in executing design projects, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure high-quality deliverables and client satisfaction.
Graphic Designer CV FAQs
By now, you should have a better understanding of how to craft an impressive CV as a Graphic Designer.
In case you still have questions, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions and answers in this section.
What Should Be Included in a Graphic Design CV?
A graphic design CV should include a clear and concise summary of your skills and experience, your education and qualifications, a portfolio of your work, and any relevant awards or achievements.
Add these components to your CV to demonstrate your abilities as a Graphic Designer and create a strong impression on potential employers.
What Types of Projects Should I Include in My Portfolio?
When building a graphic design portfolio, it’s important to include a variety of projects that present your skills and versatility. Following are some types of projects you may want to consider including:
- Branding and identity design
- Print design
- Web design
- Motion graphics
Remember to choose projects that highlight your strengths and interests as a designer, and be sure to include a mix of personal and professional work.
Should I Include References in My Graphic Design CV?
Including references in a graphic design CV is not necessary. It´s common practice to leave them out. Instead, you can provide a separate document with your references, which you can provide upon request during the interview process.
This allows you to focus on displaying your skills, experience, and achievements in your CV, rather than taking up space with unnecessary information.
However, make sure to have a list of professional references ready in case the employer requests them.
How Do I Introduce Myself in a CV as a Graphic Designer?
When introducing yourself in a CV as a Graphic Designer, it’s important to provide a clear and concise summary of your skills and experience. Here’s an example of how you could introduce yourself:
“Creative and detail-oriented Graphic Designer with over 5 years of experience in branding, print design, and web design. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong understanding of typography, colour theory, and layout design. Skilled at collaborating with clients and team members to deliver high-quality design solutions that meet project objectives. Passionate about creating visually compelling designs that communicate brand messaging effectively.”
Remember to tailor your introduction to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
Key Pointers to Takeaway
Landing an interview is all about strategy and it starts with your CV. Remember the points discussed in this article and you’ll be well on your way to success.
Remember to follow these practical tips to enhance your CV:
- Use relevant keywords and action verbs
- Choose the right layout for your experience level
- Emphasize your education and skills if you’re an entry-level Graphic Designer
- Write a powerful Personal Statement and Experience section by including metrics and tools used to describe your achievements
Don’t hesitate to make the most of these tips and secure those interview opportunities.
Best of luck!
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