What is the best way to describe your graphic design experience?

1 Know your audience

Before you start writing about your graphic design experience, you need to know who you are writing for. Different types of employers and industries may have different expectations and preferences when it comes to graphic design portfolios, resumes, and cover letters. For example, if you are applying for a corporate or agency role, you may want to emphasize your professionalism, reliability, and ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines. If you are applying for a freelance or startup role, you may want to showcase your creativity, originality, and ability to adapt to different styles and needs. Research the company or client you are targeting and tailor your description accordingly.

2 Highlight your skills

One of the most important aspects of describing your graphic design experience is to demonstrate your skills and competencies. Graphic design skills can be divided into three categories: technical, artistic, and soft. Technical skills refer to the tools and software you use to create and edit your designs, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Sketch, or Figma. Artistic skills refer to the elements and principles of design you apply to your work, such as color, typography, layout, composition, or branding. Soft skills refer to the interpersonal and communication skills you use to collaborate with others, understand client needs, present your ideas, or receive feedback. You should mention the specific skills you have and how you have used them in your projects.

3 Showcase your projects

Another key aspect of describing your graphic design experience is to showcase your projects and achievements. Projects are the tangible evidence of your skills and abilities, and they can help you stand out from other candidates. You should select the projects that are most relevant and impressive for the role you are applying for, and provide some context and details about them. For example, you can mention the goal, scope, duration, budget, client, or team of each project, as well as the challenges, solutions, and outcomes you delivered. You can also include some samples or links to your work, such as images, videos, websites, or portfolios.

5 Use action verbs

A simple but effective tip to improve your graphic design experience description is to use action verbs. Action verbs are words that describe what you did or achieved in your projects, such as designed, created, developed, implemented, or delivered. Action verbs can help you highlight your accomplishments and showcase your active and dynamic role as a graphic designer. Avoid using passive or vague verbs, such as assisted, participated, or worked. Instead, use specific and powerful verbs that convey your skills and impact.

6 Proofread and edit

The final step to describe your graphic design experience is to proofread and edit your writing. Proofreading and editing can help you avoid spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors that can undermine your professionalism and credibility. It can also help you improve your clarity, coherence, and conciseness, and eliminate any unnecessary or redundant information. You can use online tools, such as Grammarly, Hemingway, or ProWritingAid, to check and improve your writing, or ask someone else to review and give you feedback. Proofreading and editing can help you polish your graphic design experience description and make a positive impression on your potential employers or clients.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?