As a UK career coach with over 25 years of experience, I know just how competitive the creative industry can be, and one of the most in-demand roles in today’s digital age is that of a Graphic Designer. This role is not simply about making things “look nice”—it’s about solving communication problems visually, combining creativity with commercial impact. A Graphic Designer’s job description typically involves creating visual concepts, developing layouts for websites, marketing materials, packaging, and branding projects, and collaborating with marketing teams, copywriters, and clients to bring ideas to life.
In the UK, a Graphic Designer can expect to earn anywhere from £22,000 for an entry-level role, up to £35,000–£45,000 for mid-level designers, and £50,000+ for senior or lead positions in larger organisations or agencies. Freelancers, too, can command impressive day rates depending on their portfolio and experience. With such opportunities available, the importance of a winning cv template that truly captures your design and professional skills cannot be overstated.
Why your Graphic Designer CV matters
Your CV is often the very first interaction a hiring manager will have with you. Imagine this: you may have the most creative portfolio in the world, but if your CV fails to communicate your skills, achievements, and value clearly, you may never get the chance to show that portfolio in an interview. Recruiters spend mere seconds scanning CVs, so your aim is to capture attention instantly with a strong cv example that showcases both creativity and professionalism.
Think of your CV as the design project of your life—the brand is you. Just as you would tailor a design to fit the client’s brief, your CV should be tailored to fit the employer’s expectations.
How to structure a Graphic Designer CV
When working with my clients at CV London
, I often recommend following a clean and professional structure, while ensuring your creativity is shown through subtle, thoughtful touches. Here’s a tried and tested structure:
Header: Your name, job title (Graphic Designer), phone, email, LinkedIn, and portfolio link.
Professional Profile: A concise, powerful summary of who you are, highlighting years of experience, design specialisms, and unique achievements.
Key Skills: A bullet-point list of 8–10 relevant skills, including Adobe Creative Suite, typography, branding, digital design, UX/UI knowledge, project management, and collaboration.
Career History: Reverse chronological order with job titles, companies, dates, and achievements written in strong action-led statements.
Education & Training: Degrees, certifications, and relevant creative training.
Achievements: Awards, exhibitions, or recognition in your field.
Additional Information: Languages, software proficiency, or freelance projects if relevant.
Advice for graduates
If you’re just stepping into the world of design, don’t panic if you lack extensive work experience. Employers value creativity, drive, and potential just as much as years in the field. Highlight internships, university projects, freelance work, or even voluntary creative projects for charities or societies. Your cv template should shine a spotlight on your transferable skills such as collaboration, meeting deadlines, adaptability, and attention to detail.
Always ensure your portfolio link is included prominently. For graduates, this is often your strongest selling point. Even two or three well-executed projects can demonstrate your potential more effectively than paragraphs of description.
Advice for middle management Graphic Designers
If you’ve progressed beyond entry-level, your CV needs to show not only your design ability but also your capability in leadership, client management, and strategy. Employers at this stage want to see evidence of responsibility—projects you’ve led, junior staff you’ve mentored, budgets you’ve managed, or campaigns where you directly influenced outcomes.
Make your cv example achievement-led. For instance: “Led a rebrand project for a retail client that increased brand recognition by 40% and boosted social engagement by 55%.” Clear, quantifiable evidence makes you stand out in a crowded field.
Advice for senior Graphic Designers and Creative Leads
At senior level, your CV should exude authority, strategic thinking, and thought leadership. Here, employers are hiring you not only for your creative vision but also for your ability to direct teams, build client relationships, and contribute to business growth.
Focus on your leadership achievements: winning high-value accounts, spearheading award-winning campaigns, or implementing design systems across organisations. Show that you are commercially savvy as well as creatively gifted. A powerful Graphic Designer cv template at this level should balance creativity with gravitas.
The do’s and don’ts of a Graphic Designer CV
Do’s:
Keep your CV to 1–2 pages maximum—concise, relevant, and easy to scan.
Use a professional font and layout, while showing creative flair in subtle touches.
Tailor every application to the role—mirror keywords from the job description.
Include a strong link to your online portfolio.
Use bullet points for clarity, with achievements written in active language.
Don’ts:
Don’t overload your CV with graphics, colours, or gimmicks that compromise readability. Creativity should be in your work, not in making the CV illegible.
Don’t list every job you’ve ever had—focus on relevant experience.
Don’t use vague phrases like “responsible for”—instead, use “achieved,” “led,” or “designed.”
Don’t forget spellcheck and grammar. Attention to detail matters.
Don’t neglect soft skills—collaboration, time management, and adaptability are highly valued.
General tips to make your CV stand out
Tailor for ATS systems: Many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems. Make sure your CV includes the right keywords from the job advert.
Quantify achievements: Numbers catch the eye—mention how your designs increased website traffic, improved brand recognition, or boosted sales.
Keep it balanced: While your creativity is essential, employers need reassurance of your professionalism and reliability.
LinkedIn alignment: Ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile tell a consistent story. Many recruiters will cross-reference.
Final thoughts from Jerry Frempong
Creating a winning Graphic Designer cv example isn’t about flashy gimmicks—it’s about presenting your skills and achievements in a way that resonates with employers and earns you that all-important interview. Your CV should act as the professional “cover” to your creative “book”—inviting recruiters to dive deeper into your portfolio and see your brilliance firsthand.
If you want to ensure your CV is interview-winning and your LinkedIn is optimised for opportunities, I invite you to work with me directly. Together, we’ll craft a cv template that positions you as the standout candidate in your field.
👉 Book an appointment today
and let’s get you one step closer to landing the design role you’ve always wanted.
