12 Graphic Designer Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

In order to be a successful graphic designer, there are a few key skills that you need to have. These 12 graphic designer skills are essential for any designer looking to have a successful career in the field. With these skills, you will be able to create stunning designs that will wow your clients and help you stand out from the competition.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a software program used by graphic designers to create and edit digital images. Photoshop is a widely used program in the graphic design industry, and it is considered an essential skill for any graphic designer.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphic design program that allows you to create complex graphics and illustrations for print, web, and mobile devices. You need it because it provides you with the tools to create high-quality graphics that can be scaled for any medium.

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software application produced by Adobe Systems. It is used to create posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, and books.

Typography

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. The arrangement of type involves selecting typefaces, point size, line length, line-spacing (leading), letter-spacing (tracking), and adjusting the space within letters pairs (kerning).

Layout

Layout is the process of arranging elements on a page. A good layout can make your designs more organized and easy to read.

Color Theory

Color theory is the study of color and its effects on human beings. It is used to determine which colors work well together and which ones do not. This skill is important for graphic designers because it helps them create designs that are pleasing to the eye and that convey the intended message.

Branding

Branding is the process of creating a name, symbol, or design that represents a company or product. A strong brand can help a company to stand out from its competitors and build customer loyalty. Graphic designers play an important role in branding by creating visual identities for companies and products.

Print Design

Print design is the process of creating artwork for printed materials. This could include items like flyers, posters, brochures, and more. A good print designer will have a strong understanding of color theory, typography, and layout. They will also be able to work with a variety of printing techniques and understand how to prepare files for print.

Web Design

Web design is the process of creating a website. This includes the layout, content, and navigation. A good web designer will be able to create a website that is easy to use and looks great.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics is a graphic design discipline that combines animation, visual effects, and typography to create engaging visuals for film, television, web, and other media. Motion graphics artists use a variety of software programs to create their designs, which can include 2D or 3D animation, video editing, and compositing.

As a graphic designer, you may need to create motion graphics for a variety of projects, including commercials, explainer videos, title sequences, and infographics. Motion graphics can help to tell a story or communicate a message in an attention-grabbing and visually interesting way. If you want to pursue a career in motion graphics, it is important to have strong skills in graphic design, animation, and video editing.

User Interface Design (UI)

UI design is the process of designing user interfaces for software applications. It involves creating user flows, wireframes, and prototypes to help guide developers in building the final product. A strong UI designer will have experience in interaction design, visual design, and typography.

A graphic designer is someone who creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Graphic designers need a variety of skills to be successful in their field. These skills include creativity, typography, software skills, and problem-solving abilities.

How to improve graphic designer skills

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to improve your skills as a graphic designer depends on your individual learning style and goals. However, there are some general tips that can help you become a better graphic designer, no matter where you are starting from.

1. Take advantage of online resources.

The internet is a treasure trove of information for graphic designers, with countless tutorials, articles, and forums available at your fingertips. No matter what level you are starting from, there is always something new that you can learn online. If you don’t know where to start, try doing a search for “graphic design tutorials” or “graphic design tips” – you’ll be surprised at how much helpful information is out there.

2. Get inspired by other designers.

One of the best ways to improve your own design skills is to look at the work of other designers and see what inspires you. There are lots of ways to do this – you can follow design blogs, browse design portfolios, or even just take a look at the ads in your favorite magazines. When you find something that catches your eye, take some time to analyze it and think about why it works so well. What elements does it use? How does it convey its message? How could you use similar techniques in your own work?

3. Experiment with different mediums and styles.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Trying new things is one of the best ways to learn and grow as a designer. If you’ve always worked with Photoshop, why not try Illustrator? If you usually do web design, give print design a shot. And if you typically stick to corporate branding, try designing something completely different, like a poster for a local band or an ad for a non-profit organization. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will not only help you learn new things, but also give you a fresh perspective on your usual work.

4. Get feedback from others – and give it too!

Feedback is essential for any designer – it helps us understand what works well and what doesn’t, and can even give us ideas for improvement that we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves. But feedback isn’t just something that should come from our bosses or clients – it’s also something that we should be giving to others. When you see someone else’s work that you admire, take the time to let them know what you like about it. Not only will they appreciate the compliment, but they may also return the favor next time they see your work!

How to highlight graphic designer skills

As a Graphic Designer, you will need to be able to show your skills in many areas. You will need to be able to show that you can design for both web and print, that you understand branding and marketing, and that you can create designs that are both creative and effective. You should also be able to show that you have a good understanding of typography, layout, and color theory. If you can demonstrate all of these skills, you will be sure to stand out as a Graphic Designer.

On a resume

To highlight your skills as a Graphic Designer on your resume, you should list your experience with designing, your education in the field, and any awards or recognition you have received. You should also list any software programs you are proficient in using, as well as any relevant coursework you have taken.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a Graphic Designer. Include your experience working with various design software, as well as your ability to create stunning visual designs. Also mention any relevant coursework or training you have in Graphic Design. Be sure to showcase your portfolio of work to demonstrate your talent and skills.

During an interview

In an interview for a Graphic Designer position, be sure to highlight your skills in the field. Discuss your experience with various design software programs, and show off your portfolio of previous work. Be prepared to talk about the creative process behind your designs, and what inspires you. Be enthusiastic and passionate about Graphic Design, and let your personality shine through.