THE CONTENT, IN FULL
The complete graphic designer CV example
Riley’s fictional example combines studio experience, print preparation and a self-initiated wayfinding project. It uses the free Focus layout and a reserved example portfolio address. Replace that address with your own working destination; no live portfolio or client work is being represented here.
Riley Chen
Graphic designer
riley.chen@example.com · Manchester, UK · rileychen.example
Profile
Graphic designer creating visual identities, campaign materials and print layouts. Turns client briefs into clear concepts and consistent assets, with careful typography, production checks and organised handovers.
Experience
Graphic designer
- Designed an event-poster system with reusable layouts, type rules and image treatments for print and social channels.
- Presented two concept directions against the client’s brief, explained hierarchy and legibility choices, and developed the selected direction through feedback.
- Prepared print-ready booklets, checked bleed and image resolution, and resolved preflight issues with the printer before approval.
Junior graphic designer
- Adapted campaign artwork to digital and print formats while following existing brand guidelines.
- Organised source files, export presets and asset names so colleagues could update recurring materials.
Selected portfolio project
Community arts wayfinding concept
- Developed a sign family, colour system and map for a fictional arts venue. Compared layout alternatives for readability and documented the final rules in a short usage guide.
Education
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
Skills
Design: typography, visual hierarchy, brand systems, editorial layout Tools: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Figma Delivery: concept presentation, artwork adaptation, print preparation, asset handover
MAKE THE CONTENT YOURS
What to include in your graphic designer CV
Make the portfolio useful before someone opens it
Put your own portfolio address near your contact details and check the destination on another device. Say what kind of work it contains, especially when the vacancy asks for branding, editorial, digital or motion work. A portfolio link is not a substitute for a clear CV: the reader still needs to know your role, the type of brief and the parts you delivered. The address in this sample is a placeholder, not a real portfolio.
Connect the brief to a design decision
Describe the communication problem, intended audience or practical constraint before listing deliverables. Riley’s event-poster example explains a reusable system rather than simply claiming to have “made posters”. In your own entry, discuss a relevant decision about hierarchy, typography, format or consistency and what happened after feedback. Avoid claiming a commercial result that was not measured or that depended on work outside your contribution.
Show that you can prepare work for delivery
For print work, describe relevant production tasks you actually handled, such as checking bleed, image resolution, preflight issues or printer requirements. For digital work, explain adaptation to different sizes, asset formats or component rules. The CV does not need a technical production manual; one concrete handover example can show that you considered how the design would be used after presentation.
Credit team and client work accurately
Distinguish a concept you developed from artwork you adapted, a project you led from one you supported, and final approval from a proposal. Name the contribution you can discuss and show only work you are permitted to share. For collaborative projects, explain your role alongside the wider team. A recognisable client name adds little if the entry leaves your actual involvement unclear.
Use self-initiated work without disguising it as a commission
A personal or study project can demonstrate a thoughtful process. Label it clearly, state the proposed audience and explain what you designed and compared. Riley’s wayfinding example is explicitly self-initiated for a fictional venue. For your own project, avoid implying that a real business commissioned, approved or used the work when it did not. Select a small number of projects relevant to the job rather than listing every exercise.
Keep the CV readable as a document
Use the CV to organise the story and the portfolio to show richer visual work. Check hierarchy, spacing and contrast, but do not turn all text into an image. This example starts with a single-column Focus layout; it is a practical document choice, not a guarantee about any application system. Follow the employer’s submission requirements and check the downloaded PDF, links and every page before sending.
A BULLET WITH A REASON TO BE THERE
Turn a vague responsibility into evidence
Created posters and social media designs for clients.
Designed an event-poster system with reusable layouts, type rules and image treatments for print and social channels.
The revised fictional bullet shows the system behind the assets and the formats it supported. It does not attribute sales or engagement gains to the design without evidence. Adapt this approach to a brief you really worked on and identify your contribution within the team.
Common graphic designer CV mistakes
- Relying on an unexplained portfolio link
- Add enough context for someone to know what they will find and what you contributed. Check that the destination opens and does not require access you have not provided.
- Presenting concept work as a real client commission
- Label self-initiated and student projects. Do not imply a client relationship, launch or endorsement that did not happen.
- Listing software instead of design evidence
- Tools matter, but an application list does not explain your design judgement, production checks or ability to respond to feedback.
- Exporting the entire CV as an image
- Keep the document’s text readable and selectable. Review the actual PDF and use the portfolio for detailed visual case studies.
Before you send your CV
- Replace the illustrative portfolio address with your own working link.
- Select briefs and projects relevant to the design role.
- State your contribution and credit collaborative work accurately.
- Label student and self-initiated projects honestly.
- Check permission to share client material and remove confidential details.
- Inspect the PDF’s typography, selectable text, links and page breaks.
Graphic designer CV: useful answers
Should a graphic designer CV include a portfolio link?
Include your own portfolio when it helps demonstrate relevant work, and follow any portfolio instructions in the advert. Give the link context and check access. The sample’s reserved example address must be replaced before applying.
Can I include design work without paid experience?
Yes. Clearly labelled study, voluntary or self-initiated projects can show your process. Explain the audience, design choices and your contribution without suggesting that an invented client commissioned the work.
Should my CV be as visual as my portfolio?
It can reflect your design judgement while staying easy to read. Use clear hierarchy and sensible spacing, keep text selectable and follow the submission requirements. Detailed visual case studies can live in the portfolio.
Which design tools should I list?
Prioritise the tools relevant to the role that you can actually use and discuss. Connect important tools to a brief or delivery task instead of using decorative ratings.
Is this graphic designer CV example free to edit?
Yes. Focus is a free layout and PDF download does not require an account. An account and an available saved-CV slot are needed to keep a version in your collection. Existing drafts are protected by a replacement confirmation.
Further reading
Career information and general CV guidance from the National Careers Service. The fictional CV and worked examples on this page were created by Handyfolio.