A freelance graphic designer application needs a clear account of your work as well as a readable layout. This fictional example focuses on how to explain both project and working relationship. Employment, education and project records are kept separate so a reviewer can identify your contribution and scope. Compare the example with your own background; do not add tasks, tools or qualifications you cannot support.
Example CV (fictional)
This example is fictional; the names of people and organisations are not real.
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How to write this CV
Explain both project and working relationship
Do not compress all freelance work into one vague employment line. Explain scope, deliverables and the client process. Separate your contribution from team work in your portfolio and publish only work you have permission to share. Connect software tools to the design context.
Prioritise relevant experience
Read the responsibilities in the vacancy and match them to your experience. Connect skills such as Figma, Illustrator, Typography to work you actually performed. Put relevant contributions first instead of giving every past task the same amount of space.
Separate contribution from outcome
When describing teamwork, do not imply that the entire result was yours. Explain your responsibility, who you worked with and what you delivered. Without a measurable result, a verifiable deliverable, checklist or report can still provide concrete evidence of your contribution.
Check portfolio and project links
If sharing a project such as independent brand identity study, identify what kind of work it was. Distinguish learning exercises from commercial projects. Check that links open, that you have permission to share the work and that no private information is exposed. A concise scope description can replace a link.
Order sections for your experience
Relevant employment and project contributions can appear before education. Start with the most recent role and shorten older records. Use consistent date formatting throughout, then check that headings, lines and links remain readable in the exported PDF.
Example sentences to describe your work
Adapt them to your own real work; never write something you did not do.
- Turned client briefs into agreed scope and schedules
- Prepared alternative visual directions for brand identity work
- Tracked revision requests with version notes
- Prepared digital and print files for their intended uses
- Explained the problem and decisions in portfolio presentations
- Organised delivery folders and included usage notes
Skill ideas
Choose only what is true for you.
- Figma
- Illustrator
- Typography
- Visual identity
- Editorial design
- Brief analysis
- Presentations
- File delivery
- Revision tracking
- Client communication
Common mistakes
- Replacing evidence of your work with general personality claims
- Presenting personal projects, internships and employment as the same kind of experience
- Copying fictional dates, duties or skills without checking them against your background
Frequently asked questions
What if I cannot name a client?
Use a permitted industry description and project type. Explain responsibilities and deliverables anonymously, without publishing unapproved visuals or brand details.
How should I adapt this example?
Replace the name, contact details, education and dates with your information. Rewrite every experience bullet around work you actually did, remove unrelated skills and leave out projects that do not belong to you.
Which layout should I choose?
The layout on this page is a starting point, not a mandatory design for the profession. Choose readable headings and enough space for your content. Open the final PDF to review page breaks and make sure contact details are easy to find.
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