Let’s be honest: most hiring managers are over resume objectives. You know the ones: “Seeking a graphic design position where I can grow and contribute to the company.” These statements don’t really say anything specific. They don’t highlight your skills or show why you’re the right person for the job. And in today’s competitive graphic design field, bland won’t cut it. Instead of leading with a generic graphic designer resume objective, smart jobseekers now open their resumes with a professional summary. This quick, tailored snapshot shows hiring managers exactly what you bring to the table. It’s not about what you want — it’s about what you offer.
Why You Should Replace Your Graphic Designer Resume Objective
While the idea of a career objective for graphic designer roles might feel familiar, it’s a little outdated. It’s important to understand why this shift happened and how it benefits your job search. Here’s why resume objectives no longer hold up:
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Objectives focus on your goals, not the employer’s. Hiring managers care most about what you can contribute, not what you hope to gain from the role.
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They waste valuable space without offering real information. The top third of your resume is prime real estate — make sure every word highlights your skills and value.
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They often sound repetitive and forgettable. Generic phrases blend in with every other applicant, making it harder for your resume to stand out.
By using a professional summary instead, you put your strengths and value front and center. This approach is more effective for any role, from entry-level designer to senior creative director.
What Makes a Strong Graphic Designer Professional Summary
So, what is a good profile summary for a graphic designer? It should answer these questions and showcase your qualifications in a way that is easy to read and tailored to the role. A solid summary is 2–3 sentences long and hits the highlights. It’s written in plain English, from a first-person implied perspective (no “I” or “my”). You want to make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to quickly grasp who you are and what you offer.
A strong professional summary should include:
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What kind of designer you are
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Your key skills and experience
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The industries or project types you’ve worked on
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How you collaborate or lead
When you combine these elements, you create a clear and confident introduction that can set the tone for the rest of your resume.
How to Write Your Own Graphic Designer Professional Summary: 4 Steps
If you’re ready to replace your old resume objective, follow these four steps to create a professional summary that gets noticed. Think of this as a simple formula for presenting your skills and experience in a way that speaks directly to hiring managers.
- Start With Your Core Experience. Are you a mid-level designer? A senior leader? Mention your title and years of experience right away. This establishes your level of expertise immediately.
- Highlight Key Skills. List specific abilities like brand development, UX/UI design, digital illustration, or print production. Use words found in the specific job ads to apply to in order to boost your applicant tracking system (ATS) visibility. This helps your resume pass through automated systems while catching the eye of human reviewers.
- Mention Achievements or Project Types. Think about results: did your designs increase engagement, win awards, or support a product launch? Mention industries you’ve worked in, such as healthcare, tech, or retail. This adds concrete evidence of your abilities.
- End With Collaboration Style. Especially for remote graphic design jobs, show that you can communicate effectively in virtual environments. Mention teamwork, leadership, or independent problem-solving. This demonstrates not only what you do but how you work with others.
By following these steps, you can craft a professional summary that stands out and gives potential employers the information they care about most. We know it can be tricky to just read how to do it, so we’ve got some examples below to get you started!
Examples of How to Rewrite Your Graphic Designer Resume Objective
To show how this looks in real life, here are examples of common resume objectives rewritten as professional summaries. These examples are designed to inspire and guide you as you craft your own version.
Entry-Level Graphic Designer
Old Objective: “To obtain a graphic designer position where I can apply my skills and grow professionally.”
Better Professional Summary:
“Enthusiastic graphic designer with a degree in visual design and experience creating digital content through school projects and volunteer work. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and user interface principles. Committed to producing clean, effective visuals that support brand goals.”
Graphics Coordinator Resume Objective Rewritten
Old Objective: “To work as a graphics coordinator supporting a creative team.”
Better Professional Summary:
“Detail-oriented graphics coordinator with 3+ years of experience managing print and digital assets for mid-size marketing teams. Proven ability to maintain brand consistency across campaigns while juggling multiple deadlines. Strong communicator dedicated to ensuring smooth project workflows.”
Senior Designer Resume Objective Rewritten
Old Objective: “Experienced designer looking for a senior role in a creative agency.”
Better Professional Summary:
“Senior graphic designer with 8+ years of experience developing impactful brand visuals across web, print, and social platforms. Adept at leading design teams, mentoring junior staff, and delivering projects that meet strategic business goals. Collaborative and adaptable, with a focus on client satisfaction.”
Tips to Make Your Graphic Design Summary Stronger
When fine-tuning your professional summary, there are a few key best practices that can help ensure your summary reads clearly and effectively. These tips apply whether you’re just starting out or you have years of experience.
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Avoid empty adjectives: Words like “amazing” or “outstanding” feel flat without proof.
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Skip the jargon: Write clearly so both HR and creative directors can understand you.
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Use soft skills sparingly: A few words like “collaborative” or “detail-oriented” are helpful, but don’t overdo it.
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Tailor each time: Update your summary to match the specific job you’re applying for.
Taking a little extra time to review and revise can make all the difference. Remember, your summary is often the first thing a hiring manager reads. Make sure you make it count!
Expanding Your Summary With Industry Trends
The graphic design industry continues to evolve rapidly. Where once hand-drawn illustrations and print layouts dominated, today’s employers expect digital expertise. This means your summary should reflect not only your creative skills but also your familiarity with the latest design tools and trends.
Skills like UX/UI design, web development basics, and social media content creation can set your resume apart. When crafting your professional summary, be sure to mention digital skills alongside traditional design abilities.
Including your adaptability with evolving tools like Figma, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite also shows employers you’re up-to-date with industry standards. Employers are looking for designers who can handle modern challenges, so don’t be shy about showcasing these skills.
When You’re Just Starting Out
Not everyone has years of experience, and that’s okay. If you’re applying for your first graphic design job or switching careers, focus on what you do have. Consider these elements:
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Relevant coursework or certifications
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Volunteer projects or freelance work
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Transferable skills like communication or project management
Here’s an example of what that might look like:
“Motivated graphic designer with a newly completed degree in digital design, eager to contribute fresh ideas to a collaborative creative team. Proficient in website layouts, social media graphics, and branding. Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools and processes.”
By focusing on your strengths and potential, you can create a summary that feels confident and professional, even if you’re just starting out.
Additional Examples for Different Career Stages
To help you visualize how professional summaries can change depending on your experience level, here are two more detailed examples:
Mid-Level Graphic Designer
“Experienced graphic designer with 5 years in fast-paced agency environments, developing brand assets, web designs, and marketing collateral. Expert in creating cohesive visual identities that resonate across digital and print platforms. Committed to cross-team collaboration and project success.”
Creative Director or Design Manager
“Strategic design leader with 12+ years of experience directing visual branding and design initiatives for global brands. Proven ability to guide teams through the full creative process from concept to execution. Passionate about building strong design cultures and mentoring creative talent.”
Notice how each example is specific and focused on results. This is the kind of information hiring managers look for when scanning resumes.
Why Your Summary Matters More Than Ever
If your resume still includes a graphic designer resume objective, it’s time for an update. Switching to a professional summary helps you make a stronger first impression, showing hiring managers exactly why you’re the designer they’re looking for. Keep it clear, specific, and focused on the value you bring — and skip the fluff. That simple shift can make the difference between landing an interview and getting passed over.
By framing your experience as a story of skills, results, and adaptability, you not only keep up with modern hiring standards but also present yourself as a professional who understands what today’s employers actually want to see. Whether you’re an entry-level designer or a seasoned creative director, starting with a compelling professional summary is one of the smartest resume moves you can make.
Get Expert Help Perfecting Your Resume
If you’re unsure how to write your graphic design professional summary or want a second set of eyes on your resume, our expert career coaches can help. Connect with Virtual Vocations’ experienced coaches for personalized advice and resume writing support designed specifically for remote jobseekers. Your next opportunity could be one professionally polished resume away.
Do you have any tips on turning your graphic designer resume objective into a professional summary? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!
Original October 2021 article written by Skye Rodgers.
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