How to get a graphic designer job in U.S. companies in 2024

Graphic designer job description

🧑‍💻 A graphic designer is a visual communicator who creates eye-catching designs that convey specific messages or concepts. Their expertise is crucial across various platforms, including digital and print media. Here’s what typically falls under the umbrella of a graphic designer's responsibilities:

• Brand identity: Crafting logos, color schemes, and overall visual style to represent a company’s ethos and objectives.
• Marketing materials: Designing brochures, flyers, posters, and other promotional items that speak directly to the target audience.
• Digital design: Producing assets for websites, social media, and online advertising that are not only attractive but also user-friendly.
• Print media: Handling layouts for magazines, newspapers, and corporate reports, ensuring that each page is aligned with the brand’s standards.
• Presentation design: Crafting visual presentations for business meetings, conferences, and workshops to help communicate ideas clearly.‍
• Packaging design: Creating packaging that stands out on shelves while effectively communicating what the product is.

Creating a graphic designer resume

Crafting a resume as a graphic designer means more than listing your job experiences; it's about showcasing your creativity and technical prowess. Here’s how to make your resume not only informative but also visually compelling:

• Visual style: Opt for a clean, professional layout that reflects your design style without overshadowing the content. Your resume itself is a testament to your design skills.
• Tailored content: Align your resume with the job description provided by potential employers. For instance, if the role emphasizes branding and digital media, showcase your relevant projects and skills.
• Professional summary: Start with a strong headline or summary that positions you as the ideal candidate for the job. This should be a concise statement that highlights your experience, skills, and accomplishments.
• Relevant skills: List technical skills like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or InVision, as well as soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, or time management.
• Professional experience: Detail your work history with a focus on outcomes. Use metrics when possible—for example, "Redesigned the company’s website, leading to a 30% increase in traffic."
• Continuous learning: Include your formal education and any additional courses or certifications that are relevant to graphic design. Highlight continuous learning, especially in new and emerging areas like digital design or UI/UX.

Industry trends and types of graphic design

Keeping up with industry trends like interactive media, motion graphics, or AI in design can make your resume stand out. Show how you’ve integrated these trends into your projects. 

Also, understanding different types of graphic design—from print and digital to motion graphics and environmental design—demonstrates your versatility and breadth of knowledge.

Building a graphic designer portfolio

A standout portfolio is your most powerful tool in securing graphic designer jobs and attracting clients. It’s not just a collection of your best work; it’s a reflection of your skills, style, and versatility. 

Here are some practical tips on how to make a graphic design portfolio and customize it for various clients:

• Showcase a range of skills: Include a variety of work that demonstrates your versatility across different types of graphic design, such as branding, digital media, and print layouts. This shows potential clients your ability to handle diverse projects.
• Highlight signature projects: Choose projects that best represent your unique style and professional expertise. Make sure these are up front, as they define your brand and what you bring to the table.
• Provide context: For each project, include a brief description that covers the client's needs, your creative process, and the outcomes. This narrative helps clients understand how you approach design challenges and solve problems.
• Mind the audience: When approaching different clients, customize your portfolio to reflect their industry and specific needs. For instance, if you’re pitching to a tech startup, emphasize your digital and UI/UX design projects.
• Add testimonials: Where possible, include testimonials from previous clients or employers that speak to your professionalism, creativity, and reliability. This adds credibility and a personal touch to your portfolio.
• Update regularly: Last but not least, keep your portfolio fresh by regularly adding new projects that reflect your current skills and professional growth.

👉 Bonus tip: Demonstrate mastery of design principles

Why is it important to understand the principles of design? Because they are the foundation of effective visual communication. In your portfolio, demonstrate how applying principles like balance, contrast, alignment, repetition, and hierarchy enhances your projects. For instance, highlight a logo’s symmetry to show balance or showcase a poster design’s use of contrast to capture and guide the viewer's eye. 

Prepare for your graphic designer interviews

Preparing for interviews is a crucial step in landing a graphic designer job. Who better to give you tips than those who've successfully done it themselves? Here are some valuable insights from the Awesomic community, who have been in your shoes and know exactly what it takes to succeed.

👩‍🚀 Tips from Anastasiia, Graphic Designer:

“First and foremost, I always make sure to highlight my versatile design expertise. Whether it’s branding, rebranding, web design, or creating eye-catching visuals, I have a diverse skill set that allows me to tackle various design challenges.

Time management is another area I focus on—I have a proven track record of juggling multiple projects simultaneously while still delivering high-quality work on time. Additionally, I emphasize my commitment to continuous learning. My recent Design for Art Direction course at the University of the Arts London has been invaluable in keeping me at the forefront of industry trends.

Finally, I make sure to highlight my collaborative approach. For example, I’ve worked closely with various marketing teams over the years, and I enjoy translating their vision into impactful design solutions. Open communication and understanding client needs are key to my process.”

‍

👨‍🚀 Tips from Alex, Graphic Designer:

“Like many designers, I started with freelance projects on online services—everything there was quite dry, simple, and fast. However, I gradually moved on to more interesting projects, so I needed to try harder to impress a client. Here are some helpful first-interview tips that helped me:

1. Research the company: Thoroughly understand its style, values, and recent projects. Tailor your portfolio presentation to align with their brand.
2. First impressions matter: Be the designer your client or employer wants to see while still being yourself. Look neat and minimalist, and be positive and polite.
3. Discuss your design process: Employers want to see not just the final product but also how you think and solve problems. Choose the freshest, most interesting, and most comprehensive projects to discuss. Structure this discussion to give them a better idea of your role in those projects and the value of your decisions.
4. Prepare questions: Asking about the team's workflow or specific challenges they face shows genuine interest and can set you apart.”

‍

👨‍🚀 Tips from Pavlo, Graphic Designer:

“First of all, you need to understand the place where you’re applying. Some studios are very strict, and you have to learn about them inside out, while others, let’s call them “wild” studios, have their particular approach. Maybe they value your honesty much more than your knowledge about their business. But anyway, it’s good practice to know where you are applying and to learn a thing or two about them.

It’s better to undersell yourself than oversell. Honesty is still a significant, positive “soft” trend in design, and it has found its way into the process and studios’ approach. And no one likes big mouths. It’s better to start with a smaller wage and then hear from your director, “Wow, you are better than we thought,” than to be quickly fired and have the problem of explaining a gap in your resume.

Be yourself, seriously. You’re unique in your honesty and being who you are. You will probably be very uncomfortable if you are urged to adapt to the environment.

Also, ask questions. Show them your interest, and, even more importantly, find out everything you need to know. It might be better to prepare questions beforehand.”

Common graphic design interview questions + possible answers

1. What is the difference between dpi and ppi?

DPI (dots per inch) refers to the number of dots in a printed inch, crucial for print quality. PPI (pixels per inch) describes the resolution of a digital image. While DPI relates to prints, PPI pertains to screens.

2. What is the difference between digital design and graphic design?

Digital design focuses specifically on creating visuals for digital platforms, such as websites, apps, and digital advertisements. Graphic design is a broader field that includes creating visual content for both digital and print media, like logos, brochures, and posters.

3. What is the difference between content design and graphic design?

Content design centers on structuring and creating content that is user-focused, optimizing information for readability and engagement. Graphic design focuses more on the visual elements like layout, color, and typography to create aesthetically pleasing designs.

4. What do colors represent? For instance, what color represents hope?

Green often represents hope, symbolizing growth, renewal, and vitality. It's commonly associated with spring and nature, evoking a sense of optimism and rejuvenation.

5. Describe your creative process. What steps do you take first?

My creative process begins with research and understanding the project's goals. I then brainstorm ideas, sketch preliminary concepts, and develop these into more refined designs. I also incorporate feedback in the process to ensure the final product meets or exceeds the client’s expectations.

6. How do you differentiate yourself from other candidates?

I stand out by always being eager to learn and adapt, blending creativity with functionality, and consistently delivering customized design solutions that meet each client’s unique needs and challenges.

7. What are the core graphic design principles?

The core principles of graphic design include balance, alignment, contrast, repetition, proximity, and hierarchy. These principles help create visually appealing and effective designs by guiding how visual elements are arranged and presented.

8. What expertise can you bring to a graphic designer job?

I bring a diverse set of skills, including proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, a strong understanding of branding and digital marketing, and experience in various types of design such as UI/UX, print, and motion graphics. My approach combines technical skill with creative thinking to produce impactful designs.

How to be a successful graphic designer

During the process of becoming a successful designer, you might face some challenges. We spoke to the Awesomic community so they could share their experiences with you.

💭 A few thoughts from Anastasiia, Graphic Designer:

“Working with clients worldwide has presented some unique challenges, but I’ve found that a positive, adaptable mindset is key to overcoming them. Early on, I had to navigate cultural and communication differences, but I quickly learned to adjust my style to ensure clear understanding on both sides.

For example, when I was designing a brand identity for a client in the US for the first time, I had to be mindful of regional nuances in their visual preferences. Through open dialogue and numerous iterations, we landed on a solution that truly resonated. I’m also a fan of recording brief video explanations and setting up calls that help me build close relationships with clients.

One of the most rewarding parts of working internationally has been the opportunity to broaden my perspective on different markets. I always strive to approach each project with a beginner’s mindset, ready to learn from the client’s unique needs and preferences.

Throughout it all, maintaining transparency and building trust has been essential. I’m a big believer in over-communicating status updates, sharing progress, and being responsive to feedback. It’s all about creating a collaborative, transparent environment, even from afar.”

‍

💭 A few thoughts from Alex, Graphic Designer:

“Awesomic was my first place to work with international companies, and it was the start of an exciting journey full of new specifics and insights. Here are some of them:

1. Navigating cultural differences: Each market has unique preferences and sensitivities affecting design decisions. Invest time in understanding the cultural context of your client’s audience. Each client requires a special approach.
2. Understanding and aligning with the client: Take the time to understand who exactly you are dealing with. Try to feel the client—when you are on the same wavelength, there are more chances that everyone is satisfied with the result.
3. Managing time zone differences effectively: Establish clear timelines and use collaboration tools to keep everyone on the same page.
4. Explain your design decisions: Providing the reasoning behind certain design choices helps avoid wrong turns and leads to the best result.

Structuring the work process from the very beginning: Design is a process, and it should not be chaotic.”

How to learn more about graphic design for free

Embarking on a journey to master graphic design doesn’t have to strain your budget. There are numerous free resources that can help you enhance your skills and understanding of the field:

• Online tutorials and courses: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer free courses on everything from basic design principles to advanced techniques.
• YouTube channels: Many professional designers share their skills on YouTube, offering free tutorials, workflow tips, and critiques of design work. Channels like The Futur, Will Paterson, and Satori Graphics are great places to start.
• Design blogs and articles: Stay informed about the latest trends and techniques by following design blogs. Websites like Smashing Magazine, Creative Bloq, and our own blog provide valuable insights and regular updates on the world of graphic design.
• Design communities: Joining design communities such as Behance, Dribbble, or Reddit’s design forums can be tremendously helpful. These platforms allow you to share your work, receive feedback, and connect with other designers.
• Library and academic resources: Don’t forget about local libraries and academic institutions that often provide free access to design books, journals, and sometimes even software and workshops.

How to land your job at a U.S. company as a graphic designer

Securing a graphic design job at a U.S. company requires not just skill and creativity, but also a strategic approach. Whether you're looking at traditional employment, freelancing, or innovative platforms, like Awesomic, preparation is key. Here's how to navigate these avenues:

• Traditional employment: Start by targeting companies that align with your design philosophy and career goals. Tailor your resume and portfolio to meet the specific needs of each employer. Networking, both online and through industry events, can significantly increase your visibility to potential employers.
• Freelancing: For those who prefer flexibility, freelancing can be a great way to build a diverse portfolio while working with a variety of clients. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can help you get started, but building a personal brand and networking are crucial for sustained success.

Joining the Awesomic community 🚀: Apps like ours offer a unique advantage. You get the opportunity to work on projects from different countries and industries, which enhances your skills and keeps your workday dynamic. More importantly, you enjoy the benefits of consistent work and reliable income—challenges often faced by freelancers. Awesome also ensures that you are part of a community, providing both support and opportunities for growth.