Free creative CV templates
Bolder designs with colour panels, sidebars and shapes, for roles where how your CV looks is part of the pitch.
- Free, no watermark
- PDF, plus a Word copy
- 8 colours on most designs
Creative CV templates
Want more choice? See every design, from simple to creative. Your CV works in all of them.
Previews show made-up sample CVs. Yours will show your own details, in the colour and font you choose.
When a creative CV template works best
Creative designs suit design, marketing, media, events, hospitality and other jobs where presentation matters. A colour panel or sidebar gives your skills and contact details a place of their own, so the reader sees what you offer at a glance.
For large employers’ online application systems, take a little care: sidebar designs are real text, but some older systems read two columns in an odd order. Camden keeps a single column, or send a simple design with a link to your portfolio.
Let your portfolio carry the creativity
For design roles, your work matters more than your CV. Add a portfolio link to your contact details.
Keep the text easy to read
Bold design and small, pale text do not mix. Keep the body text dark and the bullet points short.
Use the sidebar for short lists
Skills, languages and interests fit a sidebar well. Keep your experience in the main column.
Know your audience
A creative CV can stand out at an agency and feel out of place at a bank. Switching to a simple design takes one click.
Creative CV templates: your questions
When should I use a creative CV template?
When the job involves design, content or presenting ideas, or the employer has a playful brand. For law, finance, healthcare and the public sector, a simple or professional design is usually the safer choice.
Can applicant tracking systems read creative CVs?
Every design here is real text, not an image. Some older systems read two-column layouts out of order, so for big online applications choose Camden, which keeps one column, or a simple design.
Should I add a photo to a creative CV?
Not for UK jobs. Employers do not expect a photo, and leaving it out avoids bias. None of these designs has a space for one.
Keep going
- CV examplesExample CVs by job and level, to borrow structure and wording from.
- Free CV checkerA CV Score out of 100 and the fixes to make first, in about 30 seconds.
- Make your first CVNever made one? Answer a few easy questions and we turn them into a CV.
Read next: Graphic designer CV example UX designer CV example Social media manager CV example Hobbies and interests on a CV
Other styles: Simple CV templates Modern CV templates Professional CV templates Graduate and student CV templates One page CV templates IT and technical CV templates
CV templates by job: Nurse Healthcare assistant Care worker Teacher Teaching assistant Retail Customer service Hospitality Administrator Receptionist Accountant Project manager Sales Marketing Software developer Electrician and trades Warehouse School leaver Apprenticeship Part-time job Career change
Found one you like? Make it yours
Add your CV, pick a design and download it. Free, with no watermark and no page limit.