Freelance Graphic Designer CV example

Clients hire you for more than just visuals – they trust you to understand their goals and translate them into design. The same logic should apply to your CV. It’s not just a showcase of past work – it’s a clear, structured argument for why someone should hire you next.

This guide will walk you through the whole process of writing a CV: from structuring it for readability to highlighting your design experience (without turning it into a visual gimmick).

As a designer, you know first impressions matter – and so does layout. A recruiter (or client) should be able to scan your CV in seconds and understand what you do and how it delivers value. It should look tidy and purposeful, avoiding visual mistakes which will make recruiters look to other applicants.

Here’s the structure to follow:

• Name and contact details – Ensure your name and personal details are easily visible at the top. A photo is optional and depends on the role.
• Profile – Craft a short introduction that showcases your professional background and key accomplishments.
• Core skills – Provide a quick overview of your top skills that show why you’re a great fit.
• Work experience – Outline your career progression in reverse order, emphasising your contributions and successes.
• Education – Provide details on your academic background, including certifications or specialised training.
• Additional info – You can add hobbies or activities here that reflect your enthusiasm for the industry.
  

A clean format is key – use bullet points throughout each section to break up text, and space out each section with clear headings. Stick to a legible, professional font (leave the display fonts for your portfolio), and make sure everything fits within two pages of length. Above all, the design should support the content, not compete with it – following these tips will keep everything clean.

As a freelance graphic designer, you wear many hats – creative lead, client liaison, and project manager – and your CV profile should reflect that. Use this section to quickly summarise the kind of work you do and the clients you’ve supported, and the creative value you bring to each of them. 

It’s also a chance to hint at your design philosophy. Give the reader a clear sense of what it’s like to work with you, and the value you’d bring to their project.

Here’s what to include:

• Where you worked – Mention the types of clients or industries you’ve worked with, such as tech startups, publishing houses, e-commerce brands, or marketing agencies.
• Your top qualifications – State your degree or design training, and whether you’ve taken any professional development courses in software, UX, or design systems.
• Essential skills – Summarise your key creative and technical capabilities – including your design process, client communication, and project management strengths.
• Client types or specialisms – Briefly explain what kind of projects you’ve worked on, such as branding, editorial, packaging, or motion design.
• Value delivered – Highlight how your work supports business goals – for example, by improving engagement, boosting conversions, or building recognisable brands.
  

This section should showcase your design strengths, but keep it focused. Instead of listing every software you’ve ever touched, think about what’s actually useful for the job. Reflect the role you’re applying for – whether that’s brand design, web design, or product visuals – and keep the emphasis on hard, technical skills that a hiring manager will be scanning for.

Use the job advert as your reference point for your CV skills and avoid filler. Focus on real capabilities which recruiters value.

Freelance work can be hard to summarise – but this section is about more than just listing client names. It’s your chance to show how you manage your projects, deliver value to clients, and produce work that meets both deadlines and objectives. Don’t just write about what you designed – explain how it helped the client.

List your work experience in reverse chronological order. Each role should open with a short summary, followed by bullet points that describe your process, responsibilities, and outcomes.

• Outline – Describe the kind of clients you worked with, the design services you provided, and whether the work was remote, retained, or project-based.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “delivered” and “conceptualised.” For example: “delivered multi-channel campaigns across web, print, and social” or “conceptualised brand identities for startups entering new markets.”
• Achievements – Demonstrate your impact with results: improved brand recognition, increased engagement, return clients, or awards. Metrics are a bonus – even if it’s just client satisfaction.

Design might be a portfolio-based profession, but your education still adds weight – especially if you’ve studied design formally. This section should list your degree and any relevant certifications, whether it’s a BA in Graphic Design or short courses in UX or coding.

Start with the most recent qualification and work backwards. You don’t need to include every module or elective – just focus on the most relevant and credible parts of your academic background.