Graphic Designer skills for your CV

Graphic designers create visual content for brands across print and digital media. Employers look for a strong portfolio, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and the ability to work to briefs and deadlines.

  • Design
  • Salary range £24,000 – £50,000
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Hard skills10
Soft skills6
Tools6
Certifications2

Hard skills

The technical skills for this role, grouped by how much they matter.

Essential 4 skills

  • Adobe PhotoshopPhoto editing, compositing, digital art
  • Adobe IllustratorVector graphics, logos, illustrations
  • Adobe InDesignPrint layouts, publications, reports
  • TypographyFont pairing, hierarchy, readability

Important 3 skills

  • Brand Identity DesignLogo design, brand guidelines, visual systems
  • Print ProductionPrepress, colour management, bleeds
  • FigmaIncreasingly required for digital/UI work

Valuable 3 skills

  • Motion GraphicsAfter Effects, animated social content
  • PhotographyArt direction, basic retouching
  • Packaging DesignSpecialist skill with high demand

Soft skills

  • Creativity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Collaboration
  • Receptiveness to Feedback
  • Presentation Skills

Tools

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Figma
  • Canva
  • Procreate
  • Sketch
  • Blender

Certifications

  • Adobe Certified Professional
  • Canva Certified Creative
TipsCV

How to show these on your CV

  • Your portfolio matters more than your CV — link it prominently (Behance, personal site).
  • For each project, explain the brief, your role, and the result.
  • Include client names where possible.
  • Show range across print and digital.

CV examples to learn from

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