Graphic Designer Resume Overview
As a graphic designer, your resume needs to demonstrate both your creative abilities and professional experience. While your portfolio showcases your work, your resume gets you through the door. In Australia's competitive creative industry, a well-structured resume that highlights your technical skills, software proficiency, and project outcomes is essential.
💡 Key Resume Tips for Graphic Designers
- Keep it clean – Ironically, designer resumes should be simple. Save creativity for your portfolio
- Link your portfolio – Include a prominent link to your Behance, Dribbble, or personal website
- List software proficiency – Be specific: Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, etc.
- Show business impact – "Redesigned packaging that increased shelf appeal by 25%"
Graphic Designer Resume Example
Emma Watson
Sydney, NSW | 0434 567 890 | emma.watson@email.com | emmawatsondesign.com | behance.net/emmawatson
Professional Summary
Creative Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience crafting compelling visual identities, marketing collateral, and digital experiences for brands across retail, tech, and hospitality sectors. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma with a strong eye for typography, colour theory, and user-centered design. Passionate about translating brand strategy into impactful visual communications.
Technical Skills
Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, XD | Figma | Sketch | Canva
Additional: HTML/CSS basics | WordPress | Motion graphics | Print production | Photography retouching
Professional Experience
Senior Graphic Designer
The Creative Agency, Sydney | March 2021 – Present
- Lead designer for 8+ major brand identity projects including full visual systems, brand guidelines, and collateral suites
- Designed award-winning packaging for premium skincare brand that contributed to 40% increase in retail sales
- Create social media content and campaign assets for clients including major retail and hospitality brands
- Mentor junior designers, providing feedback on concepts and production files
- Collaborate directly with clients to interpret briefs and present design concepts
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, consistently delivering on time and within budget
Graphic Designer
Spark Digital, Sydney | January 2019 – February 2021
- Designed website interfaces, landing pages, and digital advertising for tech startup clients
- Produced 200+ social media graphics and EDM templates that achieved 28% higher engagement than industry average
- Created motion graphics and animated content for social media campaigns
- Worked closely with UX team to ensure design consistency across web and mobile platforms
Junior Designer
Print Plus Studio, Sydney | July 2017 – December 2018
- Assisted senior designers with brochures, flyers, business cards, and promotional materials
- Prepared print-ready artwork and liaised with print vendors on production specifications
- Built foundational skills in typography, layout, and print production
Education
Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
University of Technology Sydney | 2017
Awards & Recognition
- AGDA Design Awards – Merit Award for Packaging Design (2023)
- Featured in Desktop Magazine "Ones to Watch" (2022)
What to Include in a Graphic Designer Resume
1. Portfolio Link (Essential!)
Your portfolio is your most important asset. Include links to:
- Personal website or online portfolio
- Behance or Dribbble profile
- LinkedIn with featured work
2. Technical Skills Section
Be specific about your software proficiency:
- Essential: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Digital/UX: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision
- Motion: After Effects, Premiere Pro, Cinema 4D
- Web: HTML/CSS, WordPress, Webflow
- Other: Photography, illustration, print production
3. Work Experience with Impact
Go beyond listing tasks. Show results:
- Types of projects and clients worked with
- Measurable outcomes (engagement, sales, awards)
- Scale of work (number of assets, campaign reach)
- Collaboration with other teams (marketing, UX, development)
4. Education & Certifications
Include relevant qualifications:
- Design degree (Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media)
- Short courses (typography, UX design, motion graphics)
- Adobe certifications
- Industry workshops or conferences
🎨 Resume Design Tips for Designers
Should your resume be creative? Here's the balance:
- For agencies/creative roles: A touch of personality is OK, but keep it readable
- For corporate/in-house: Clean and professional wins
- ATS consideration: Many companies use screening software, so ensure text is readable
- Let your portfolio shine: Keep the resume clean, save the wow factor for your work
Graphic Designer Resume by Specialisation
Brand/Identity Designer
- Highlight logo design, visual systems, and brand guidelines
- Include client industries and brand strategy involvement
Digital/Web Designer
- Emphasise UI design, responsive layouts, and prototyping
- Include any front-end development skills
Motion/Video Designer
- Highlight animation, video editing, and 3D skills
- Include link to showreel or motion portfolio
Packaging Designer
- Emphasise print production and material knowledge
- Include any retail or CPG brand experience