Designer CV

How to Create a Designer CV (Template & Tips)

As a design wizard, you captivate your audience with eye-catching visuals that leave them in awe. Yet, when it comes to creating a good CV, you find yourself puzzled as to why you're not getting interviews. If you wield your creativity as a graphic designer, shape spaces as an interior designer, or define trends as a fashion designer, what binds these types of jobs together is a well-structured CV that speaks volumes about your expertise.

Whether you're a student seeking your first job or a senior designer, we realise that creating a CV can be tedious. That's why our experts have created CV templates to guide you. This article walks you through creating an outstanding CV, providing you with the latest industry tips and templates.

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Designer CV example

Download this Designer CV sample in PDF

This CV sample features Abigail Matthews, a qualified and experienced Product Designer with a proven track record of creating and implementing innovative ideas across multiple mediums. Over the years, she has gained essential field principles and tools knowledge. Abigail has selected the modern, sleek Michigan designer CV template to showcase her skills and achievements.

Explore our matching designer cover letter example to help you streamline your application and improve your chances of success.

What to include in a designer CV?

A CV for a designer follows a similar structure as a regular CV – it should be easy to read and clear. To heighten your chances of securing your dream job and passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), customise your CV to each job you apply for.

Must-have designer CV sections

• Personal details: Include your email address, contact number and portfolio link.

• Personal profile: Summarise your design experience, specialisms and creative strengths.

• Work experience: Highlight design projects, responsibilities and measurable results.

• Design skills: List relevant tools, technical skills and areas of expertise.

• Education: Include relevant design qualifications, courses and certifications.

The end goal is to show off your essential skills, experience, and achievements so that you can elaborate on each during the interview. While having a solid portfolio or website to showcase your work is highly recommended, a well-written, to-the-point CV is a must.

How to include a designer portfolio on a CV?

One of the main CV components is showcasing your work through a strong portfolio. Include a selection of your best projects that highlight your skills and creativity. Additionally, it showcases your relevant skills and highlights your technical proficiencies. Remember not to include all your projects and achievements; rather, focus on a few most relevant and high-quality ones. Ensure that your portfolio is visually appealing and well-organised, making it easy for potential employers to browse through your work.

How to write a personal profile?

A personal profile for a designer CV is an opening statement at the top of your CV that summarises your key skills, qualifications, and work experience in four to six lines. Although short, this elevator pitch can substantially impact your application when done right. The key is to keep it brief but relevant, similar to your headline on LinkedIn or short bio on your website.

What to include in a designer CV personal profile

• Your design specialism and current role

• Your years' of experience

• Your strongest design skills

• The tools and software you use

• The creative value you bring to a team.

Entry-level designer CV personal profile examples

Mid-level designer CV personal profile examples

Senior designer CV personal profile examples

How to list your designer work experience?

Follow a clear and concise format. For each role, include the company name, location, and the years you worked there. Ensure to describe both duties and achievements in two to three bullet points.

Design work experience on a CV

• List your design roles in reverse-chronological order

• Describe the projects, clients or products you worked on

• Mention the design tools and methods you used

• Highlight measurable results and portfolio-worthy achievements

Entry-level designer CV work experience example

Junior Graphic Designer, ArtSpace Studios, London, UK | 2019–2022

Supported the development of digital and print assets for client campaigns, including social media graphics, marketing materials and brand collateral. Worked with senior designers and marketing teams to interpret creative briefs, maintain brand consistency and prepare artwork for delivery.

• Increased social media engagement by 20% by producing on-brand campaign graphics.

• Improved client satisfaction by 25% by incorporating feedback accurately and meeting creative briefs.

• Reduced design turnaround times by 10% by creating reusable templates and organising asset libraries.

Mid-level designer CV work experience example

Fashion Designer, TrendEnsemble Boutique, Edinburgh, UK | 2018–2021

Designed seasonal collections from trend research and initial sketches through to pattern development, garment production and quality control. Worked with suppliers, artisans and marketing teams to deliver commercially relevant collections while introducing more sustainable materials and production practices.

• Increased customer retention by 10% after incorporating sustainable materials into key collections.

• Raised brand visibility by 15% through limited-edition pieces developed with local artisans.

• Increased online sales by 30% through a youth-focused collection supported by influencer partnerships.

Senior designer CV work experience example

Senior Interior Designer, UrbanSpaces Design Studio, Birmingham, UK | 2016–2023

Led residential and commercial interior projects from client consultation and concept development through to installation. Managed budgets, schedules and supplier relationships while coordinating contractors and junior designers to deliver functional, visually cohesive spaces.

• Increased positive client feedback by 15% by delivering tailored concepts that exceeded project requirements.

• Shortened project timelines by 12% through closer coordination with contractors and suppliers.

• Improved reported workplace productivity by 20% by redesigning office layouts to support collaboration and focused work.

How to write a designer CV with no experience?

If you’re just starting your career or seeking a career change, there are multiple ways you can still showcase your talents through various avenues, as listed below. Start with a short and engaging pitch about yourself and prioritise highlighting your transferrable skills and additional experience. Alternatively, use a skills-based CV approach.

1. Internships: Seek opportunities at design agencies or studios to gain valuable hands-on experience and industry exposure. This allows you to apply your skills, learn from industry professionals, and build a network of contacts within your field.

2. Apprenticeships: Receive practical training and mentorship from experienced designers by following apprenticeships that last from one to five years. This can provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and techniques and valuable industry connections.

3. Placements: Gain real-world experience and insight into the design industry. This can help you understand the essential processes, collaborate with industry experts, and add credibility to your CV.

4. Volunteer work: Seek volunteer opportunities with non-profit organisations or community projects that require design assistance. This allows you to contribute your skills to meaningful causes, build a portfolio, and demonstrate your commitment to using creativity skills for positive impact.

5. Hobbies and interests: Mention your creative hobbies and interests, such as photography or video editing, in a dedicated section. Describe how these activities have honed your creativity, attention to detail, and visual skills, making you a well-rounded and passionate candidate for design roles.

Refer to how to write a CV with no experience article for more details.

How to list skills for a designer CV?

In the creative industry, showcasing skills on your CV, also referred to as areas of expertise, allows recruiters or hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications and suitability for the role. Start by creating a new field called ‘Skills or ‘Areas of Expertise’ to highlight your proficiency in software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or InVision. Provide examples of projects demonstrating your skills, such as logo designs, website layouts, or branding campaigns.

Entry-level designer skills

Mid-level designer skills

Senior designer skills

Looking for more insights? Take a look at the following guides for similar roles:

• Graphic designer CV example

• Fashion designer CV example

• Interior designer CV example

• UX designer CV example

• Product designer CV example.

Showcase your education for a designer CV

In the field of design, it is essential to have a strong foundation of knowledge in specific tools, processes, and techniques. While some of this knowledge can be self-taught or gained at a job, an education section on your CV can easily demonstrate your training and qualifications. Focus on the highest level of study you have completed and list your degrees in reverse chronological order.

For aspiring designers in the UK, starting with a foundation diploma in art and design is recommended. Remember the key is to provide concise and relevant information. If you are an undergraduate or graduate seeking a first job, highlighting projects, relevant courses, and high grades can make your CV shine.

Must-have:

• Degree or diploma type

• Institution/school name

• Location

• Date range, year completed or in progress.

Optional:

• Relevant coursework

• Honours

• Dissertation title and final grade (if it is 8 or higher)

• Awards (such as First or Second class)

• Study abroad programs.

Add courses and certificates for a designer CV

The choice of a course varies depending on the type of job you’re applying for. While not mandatory, they round off a robust application and portray you as a competent and committed professional. Remember that most jobs do not require specific courses and certifications, but adding accredited and in-demand ones can give you a competitive edge.

Design courses on a CV:

• Include the course or certification name

• Name the design school, university or course provider

• Add the completion date or expected finish date

• Highlight relevant design tools, techniques or projects covered

Relevant designer courses and certifications

• Web design: Responsive Web Design, freeCodeCamp

• Graphic design: Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn GREAT Design, Udemy

• UX design: Google UX Design Professional Certificate, Coursera

• UI design: UI/UX Design Specialisation, Coursera

• Typography: Introduction to Typography, CalArts and Coursera

• Service design: Human-Centered Service Design, IDEO U

Key takeaways

A strong designer CV should balance creativity with clear, relevant content. Keep the layout consistent and easy to scan, tailoring each application to the role rather than relying on a graphic-heavy design.

• Match your experience, skills and design specialism to the job description.

• Highlight relevant qualifications, courses and years of experience.

• Use concise language and include role-specific design keywords.

• Focus on measurable achievements rather than listing routine duties.

• Mention relevant design tools, technical skills and portfolio projects.

Next steps?

Looking to refine your CV? Choose one of our professional CV templates, accompanied by our intuitive CV builder. If you're short on time and need a CV ready in minutes, let our professional CV Writing Service review or create a CV from scratch. Don't settle for mediocrity - elevate your career today!

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FAQ

What is the best font for a graphic design CV?

The choice depends on the type of designer you are. Ensure it is easy to read, as recruiters usually spend a few seconds reviewing your CV. We have compiled a list of the top 10 fonts for a CV, making information consistent and ATS-friendly.

• Helvetica

• Times New Roman

• Arial

• Calibri

• Verdana

• Cambria

• Gotham

• Georgia

• Futura

• Garamond.

How long should a designer CV be?

It should be concise and not exceed two pages. Focus on highlighting the most relevant information and achievements and add additional sections such as courses, certifications, or references if you have additional space left.

Read our article on how long should a CV be to find out more.

What format should I use for a designer CV?

We advise using the most common reverse-chronological format, which recruiters widely recognise. Submit your CV in PDF or Doc to ensure compatibility across devices while maintaining a readable layout and formatting.

Minimise white space and exclude any unnecessary CV sections irrelevant to your job targets. Lastly, always double-check that your personal details, previous employment history, and education align with the information provided in your application or cover letter.

How to design a professional CV?

The key to creating a professional CV is customising it to the roles you’re applying for. You have to showcase your skills and experiences in a relevant and appealing way to the hiring manager. Here are five tips to get you started:

• Use a clean and modern layout that's easy to navigate.

• Opt for a professional font like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri.

• Organise your sections logically and highlight relevant experience and skills.

• Write a brief profile summary incorporating numbers and figures to showcase your value.

• Proofread your CV thoroughly to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors.

How do you build a CV for an intern graphic designer?

Showcase your relevant design projects and coursework. Highlight any internships or freelance work you have done, and emphasise your willingness to learn and contribute to the company’s growth. Keep the design clean and modern, using visual elements to demonstrate your creativity and skills.

• Projects: Include any relevant projects you have worked on, whether personal or school-based. Highlight each project's objectives, process, and outcomes to showcase your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and project management skills.

• Student societies: Join arts or design-related student societies to show your passion for the field and proactiveness. Engage in collaborative projects, attend workshops or events, and take on leadership roles to demonstrate your leadership and dedication to your craft.

How to design a CV in Microsoft Word?

Explore the available templates and choose one that suits your style and industry. Customise the template by adding information such as education, work experience, personal profile, and skills. Ensure the CV is visually appealing and legible, using consistent formatting and a professional font.

How do you design a CV template?

Whether in web design, textile design, UX/UI design, or urban design, we suggest using one of our CV templates and applying your master CV to customise it for a specific job. Make sure it is visually appealing and well-structured.