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In graphic design, distinguishing yourself from a crowded field might involve more than a polished resume.
Your cover letter offers a unique opportunity not just to express your qualifications but also to demonstrate your design skills as a practical example of your work.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to begin your cover letter, don’t worry. Whether you’re seasoned in creating stunning visual communications or are gearing up for a more significant role, our guide simplifies your process.
You will find:
- Cover letter samples specifically crafted for graphic design roles.
- Templates that suit different levels of experience in graphic design.
- Clear steps to highlight your creative and technical design skills.
- Additional tools to aid your development and success in the field of graphic design.
Eager to write your cover letter? Our Cover Letter Builder is an excellent tool for you. It provides diverse templates with easy-to-use formatting and phrases, all tailored for graphic designers.
Graphic designer cover letter
Here are the key elements that stand out in this example:
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Shows enthusiasm
Right from the opening sentence, the cover letter radiates enthusiasm, which comes through until the very end.
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Highlights impact of design work
The cover letter smartly touches on the tangible impact of the applicant’s design work, like citing a 20% increase in revenue due to their design initiatives.
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Emphasizes collaboration
Design isn’t a one-man show. The cover letter emphasizes the importance of collaboration in their work, from clients to colleagues.
Looking for a different cover letter example? Here are some related jobs that might interest you:
Cover letter template for graphic designers
Use this template as a starting point for your graphic designer cover letter.
Gregory Foster
Norfolk, VA 23503
555-555-5555
example@example.com
August 19, 2024
Marie Lopez, Creative Director
Forward Thinking
59 Thomas Drive
Norfolk, VA 23503
Dear Ms. Lopez,
I am excited to apply for the senior graphic designer position at Forward Thinking. With 12 years of experience in the industry, I have the skills and expertise to make a valuable contribution to your team. I am especially drawn to Forward Thinking’s mission to deliver the WOW effect through service, and my experience aligns well with your needs.
In my current role as a lead graphic designer at Radiance Works, I have had the opportunity to work on various projects for clients in diverse industries. Over the past year, I have increased the company’s revenue by 20% through my design work on projects ranging from brand identities to social media campaigns. Additionally, I have reduced project turnaround time by implementing a streamlined workflow process and ensuring effective communication with team members.
My experience with leadership has also allowed me to impact previous projects significantly. For instance, I designed and implemented a new website for a health care client that resulted in a 40% increase in website traffic and a 25% increase in lead generation. Moreover, I led a team of designers to create a comprehensive brand identity for a food and beverage company, resulting in increased social media engagement and sales.
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, meet tight deadlines and produce high-quality work. I am passionate about staying up to date with the latest design trends and technologies and am committed to continually improving my skills.
I am excited about joining Forward Thinking and contributing to your mission. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Gregory Foster
Format your hotel manager cover letter
You already know the power of visuals. Here’s a reminder of some key cover letter formatting elements, but remember, with your eye for design, feel free to push the boundaries:
- Font size and readability: While bold and italics are great for emphasis, balance is key. Overuse can clutter your design. Your choice of font and size (generally between 10.5 and 12) should enhance readability while reflecting your style.
- Line and paragraph spacing: Single space between sections aids readability, just like white space in design. Aim for 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing to make your cover letter inviting, mirroring the approachable layout of a well-designed portfolio.
- Margins and text alignment: Standard margins (0.75 to 1 inch) and left alignment are safe bets, but feel free to experiment if it complements your design approach.
Ultimately, your cover letter directly reflects your design philosophy and attention to detail.
Choosing the right template
Graphic designers who use a cover letter template have a unique choice: use a premade template or create your own design. Let’s consider the pros and cons of each approach.
Using a premade template:
- Pros: Templates can save time and offer proven, professional layouts. They’re a reliable choice if you need to focus more on content than design or are pressed for time.
- Cons: They may lack the uniqueness to stand out in a pile of applications, especially in a field where design originality is critical.
Designing your own template:
- Pros: Designing your own cover letter layout lets you showcase your creativity and design skills immediately. It can make your application memorable and give a glimpse of your personal brand.
- Cons: This approach can be more time-consuming and runs the risk of overdesigning, which might overshadow the content.
As a designer, you know the importance of blending aesthetics with functionality. Whether you choose a template or create your own design, ensure it represents your unique style and professional competence.
Let’s get started on crafting that cover letter. Think of it as a project for your most important client — yourself!
How to write a graphic designer cover letter
As a graphic designer, your cover letter is a prime opportunity to demonstrate your creative expertise in a competitive industry.
Keep in mind, a whopping 83% of hiring managers value cover letters highly in their decision-making process. Seize this opportunity to make a memorable impression.
Step 1
Pinpoint key skills in the job description
Before diving into writing, review the job listing. Getting past applicant tracking systems (ATS) is your first challenge. The keywords you use are crucial. Choosing the right ones can dramatically boost your application.
Focus on skills sought after in a graphic designer — such as “creative design,” “visual communication,” “client collaboration” and “technical proficiency.” Make sure these are reflected in both your resume and cover letter.
With this knowledge, you can tailor your cover letter to meet these requirements.
Step 2
Design a unique header
As a designer, you have the freedom to be more adventurous with your cover letter header. It’s not just a formality but an example of your design skills.
Above anything else, ensure your contact information is accurate — even a tiny mistake could be costly. And remember, consistency with your resume is key.
Here’s what to include:
- Your full name
- Your city and state
- Your phone number
- Your professional email address
- Link to your portfolio — This is crucial for a graphic designer, so make it prominent and easily accessible.
While a postal address is no longer essential, your email address should be professional. Consider incorporating a small, creative element in your header that showcases your design style.
Step 3
Address the hiring manager directly
Begin your cover letter by personally addressing the hiring manager, much like you would engage with a client or collaborator on a design project.
Always check the job posting for a specific contact. If no name is provided, it’s acceptable to address it to the company’s Creative Department or Hiring Team.
Doing a bit of research, such as visiting the company’s website or making a polite inquiry call, can help uncover the hiring manager’s name. This personal touch can make a significant difference, demonstrating your initiative and attention to detail.
Step 4
Craft a compelling introduction
Your opening should be as striking as the first page of a portfolio. It needs to capture the reader’s attention immediately and explain why you’re writing.
For example:
Aspiring graphic designer cover letter opening:
Fueled by a passion for innovative design, I am excited to apply for the graphic designer position at Creative Solutions. My recent projects in digital illustration and brand development have honed my skills, preparing me to bring fresh, visually compelling ideas to your team.
Experienced graphic designer cover letter opening:
With a decade of experience in bringing brands to life through design, I am enthusiastic about the senior graphic designer role at Design Inc. My career is a blend of creativity and strategic thinking, leading to successful campaigns and satisfied clients. I look forward to contributing my blend of creativity and technical expertise to your team.
Keep your introduction brief. You can convey your design philosophy and enthusiasm for the role in just a few sentences.
Step 5
Show why you’re a good fit for the role
In the body of your cover letter, help the hiring manager understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the graphic design position. You can do this in about two or three focused paragraphs.
Key areas to focus on:
- Showcase a broad skill set: Emphasize both hard skills (like proficiency in design software, understanding of typography) and soft skills (creativity, problem-solving). These combined traits define your capabilities as a designer.
- Highlight experience and impact: Reflect on your design experiences that align with the job description. Discuss projects where your designs significantly impacted client satisfaction, brand identity or sales.
- Address unique career situations:Graphic design paths can be diverse. If you’ve had an unconventional journey, like shifting from another field or working on eclectic projects, briefly explain these. It adds depth to your background and shows versatility.
Example body paragraphs:
In my recent role at Bright Design Studio, I led a rebranding project for a major client, resulting in a 30% increase in their online engagement. My approach combined innovative design with user-friendly interfaces.
I thrive in collaborative environments and have successfully worked with cross-functional teams to bring cohesive and effective visual narratives to life. At Creative Agency, this collaboration led to several award-winning campaigns.
Adapting to the evolving nature of graphic design has been key to my career. This flexibility has allowed me to effectively tackle various design challenges, always with an eye on current trends and user engagement.
Use dynamic verbs like “led,” “collaborated” and “adapted” to bring your experiences to life, showcasing your journey as a graphic designer.
Step 6
End on a high note
Write a powerful and succinct cover letter conclusion. Reiterate your excitement for the graphic designer role, thank the reader for considering you and express your eagerness for a discussion.
Consider closing with:
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my creative vision and technical skills to [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the chance of discussing how I can contribute to your team’s creative endeavors.
A strong, positive conclusion reinforces your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
Step 7
Professional signoff
End with a formal and respectful signoff. “Sincerely,” “Best Regards” or “Kind Regards” are suitable choices.
Stick with traditional signoffs to maintain professionalism in your cover letter, reflecting your respect for the application process.
Include a resume
Never lose sight of the fact that your cover letter and resume are more than just documents — they are personal branding tools. They should work in tandem to showcase your design prowess.
Begin by selecting a resume template that echoes the design of your cover letter. This visual consistency is key in demonstrating your graphic design skills and attention to detail.
If you’re unsure about how to make a resume, consider looking at graphic designer resume examples. Focus on examples that highlight key skills like creativity, technical proficiency and project management.
Pressed for time? Our Resume Maker is an efficient solution, ideal for crafting a resume that showcases your graphic design skills. It offers a variety of templates and pre-filled sections that can be customized to reflect your unique style and experience.
Key takeaways
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Identify relevant keywords
Carefully read the job description to pinpoint keywords related to graphic design, such as “Adobe Creative Suite,” “brand identity” or “user interface design.”
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Select the right template
Choose a resume template that balances aesthetics with readability. For a graphic designer, a template that showcases your design sensibility while maintaining clarity is great.
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Stick to formatting rules
Pay attention to font choice, spacing and margins in your cover letter. Proper formatting showcases your professionalism and an eye for design details.
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Consider this a design showcase
Use your cover letter to display your design skills. It’s not just about the content but also how creatively you present it, making it a visual sample of your work.
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Write a compelling opening
Start your cover letter with an engaging introduction. Make it concise yet powerful, quickly capturing the reader’s attention and setting the stage for your skill set.
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Detail your design experience
In the body of your cover letter, link your graphic design experiences to the position you’re applying for. Highlight the projects that show your greatest impact.
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Explore cover letter examples
Look at graphic design cover letter examples for inspiration. Adapt these to create a cover letter that reflects your unique journey and design style.
Resources to help you prepare for your interview
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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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