#GRAPHIC DESIGN JOB PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES FREE#

On the one hand, you might appear like a creative thinker, on the other, it might seem pretentious, excessive or just plain confusing. But for more general roles, they're a risky proposition.

Off-the-wall CVs are memorable, and if you work in a particular niche, and you're applying for a job in a particular niche, then a novel résumé design can make perfect sense. We've seen inflatable résumés and résumés crafted using complex paper engineering. We’ve seen résumés written on scrunched up paper in the form of jigsaws and playing cards, as posters or placemats. Victor Rodriguez's cereal box CV shows that a novelty approach can work – for the right prospective employer (Image credit: Victor Rodriguez) Do remember that we all have access to the same internet, and if a particularly inventive résumé design has caught your eye, it's probably done the rounds virally within the industry and your potential employer will have seen it too. A surprising number of graduates see an inspiring résumé design concept and copy it. It might seem a million in one chance that this will happen to you, but any potential employer is likely to do a bit of digging and to ask you some questions about the projects you mention in your CV if you get to an interview. The résumé went straight in the 'no' pile and the applicant was sent with a strongly worded email. Needless to say, that's the kind of creativity that employers DON'T appreciate. The website had been designed by the agency he was applying to work for. We know of an agency that once received a résumé from someone who claimed to have created quite a stunning website. You stand a good chance of being found out if you start 'elaborating' in your résumé – and outright lies can get you in a lot of trouble. There's always a temptation to inflate skills and experience on a CV, but, while it may sound trite, honesty really is the best policy. (Image credit: Annie Spratt via Unsplash)

#GRAPHIC DESIGN JOB PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES FREE#

Take a look at our list of the best free fonts for designers and our guide to the perfect font pairings. You don't need to shell out lots of cash to find something suitable. Unless you’re very sure about what you’re doing, keep the typographic flourishes and fanciful designs in check and ensure the layout is clear and simple and the information is clearly presented. It's not great if they can't decide where to look first. We've seen lots of graphic design résumés presented as infographics, newsletters and more, but remember that the recipient doesn't want to have to spend more than a few seconds finding the information they need.

Generally, we'd recommend keeping both type and layout simple. Using more than one font isn't necessarily a bad idea either, for example, one for headers and one for the details, as long as the two fonts pair well. While you don't necessarily need to stick to the timeworn classics, it’s generally a wise idea to stick to simple, readable fonts. One of the priorities of any résumé should be easy making it easy to read, and that's true even with a résumé for creatives where you want to show some originality to stand out. You’re a designer, so your résumé should follow the hottest graphic design trends, right? Hmm, no. This font, Kilauea, probably isn't the one you want Any résumé should make legibility a priority.

Graphic design job portfolio examples