A good artist cover letter shows how you create works that are visually pleasing, engaging, or thought-provoking. Use this document to express your interest in the employer and cite your formal training and related skills, such as printmaking or animation.
The tips and examples below will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job as an artist.
Last year, I collaborated with two colleagues to create the color concepts for one of the top five animated films of the year. My supervisors praised my team’s use of paintings and marker sketches to produce a cohesive scheme. I am excited to demonstrate these skills as a story artist at Skydance Animation.
As an innovative creator with more than two years of experience in the animation industry, Skydance Animation’s commitment to creating incredible visuals by leveraging cutting-edge technology appeals to me. My recent accomplishments show that I have the technical and creative abilities to excel on your team. They include:
Being selected out of 25 story artists to create a range of facial expressions for the main character of a feature film
Mentoring three student interns to improve their understanding of storyboarding and composition
Receiving praise five times during performance reviews for my exceptional work ethic and productivity
I would love to meet to discuss how I can help your organization continue its reputation as an industry leader. Please get in touch to arrange a time and date.
Sincerely,
Tyesha Stack
Terence Poole
Print Production Artist | [email protected] | (385) 294-5035 | 432 First Street, Colorado Springs, CO 39503
I recently implemented a new client liaison protocol that reduced revision requests by 45% over six months. The system improved communication efficiency and ensured swift adaptation to evolving briefs. I hope to apply similar strategic skills as a print production artist at Minuteman Press.
As an innovative artist with over 7 years of on-call experience, I am excited by the chance to join the creative team at Minuteman Press. I believe that your company’s reputation for leveraging cutting-edge illustration technologies aligns perfectly with my skill set. My recent achievements include:
Training six interns to improve their use of the InDesign program, three of whom joined the company post-graduation as professional illustrators
Consistently working efficiently on tight timescales, delivering 76% of projects early while ensuring a 99% satisfaction rate over two years
Receiving glowing praise during my annual performance review for my strong understanding of branding and color selection
I look forward to attending an interview to discuss how my extensive experience producing branded literature and superb lettering skills can help your company continue its reputation for fast and high-quality service. Please contact me to set up an interview time.
Sincerely,
Terence Poole
Micah Smith
Artist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Beach Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
April 28, 2025
Katie Turner
Senior Art Director
ArtCo
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Turner,
For the past decade, I have been working to improve my craft. I am constantly challenging myself to incorporate new styles and mediums into my art. As a result, I feel that I am more than qualified to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as an artist at ArtCo.
Most recently, in my role as the senior artist at Art Home, I have been a key contributor in developing art programs for the community and ensuring a high-quality work environment for all employees. Some of my proudest accomplishments include:
Creating an after-school art class for low-income children that achieved a 95% satisfaction rate, according to surveys
Introducing sustainable art materials to help the business become more environmentally friendly
Developing an art supply donation program to reduce waste by 30%
As you can see, I am a dedicated artist who would thrive at ArtCo. My passion for art, interest in serving the community, and experience with a variety of projects make me an outstanding candidate for this position. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Micah Smith
Camille Rivers
2D Artist | [email protected] | (213) 555-7834 | Los Angeles, CA 90026 | Portfolio | LinkedIn
I’m writing to apply for the 2D artist position at Foxtail Studios. I bring over five years of experience creating visual assets for games and animation, and I’m passionate about telling immersive stories through stylized art. Your studio’s distinct visual tone and focus on worldbuilding make this an ideal creative match.
Foxtail’s work on narrative-driven mobile games like Mythweaver and Shadowspark caught my attention. The way your team balances charm and atmosphere through environmental design and expressive characters is exactly the kind of work I love to create. My background aligns well with your artistic direction. In my current role at Ember Animation, I’ve collaborated across departments to deliver high-quality, production-ready assets for two major mobile titles. My contributions include:
Designed over 200 character sprites and more than 100 environment elements for two fantasy adventure games
Reduced asset production time by 20% through efficient use of layered design templates
Created polished key art and promotional assets used across app stores and social media campaigns
I’d love the opportunity to contribute to your upcoming projects. Please feel free to reach out to set up a time to connect. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Camille Rivers
Danielle Nunez
Makeup Artist | [email protected] | (702) 448-3201 | Las Vegas, NV 89109 | Portfolio | Instagram
April 28, 2025
Stephanie Rhodes
Studio Manager
Radiant Beauty Collective [email protected]
Dear Ms. Rhodes,
I’m reaching out to apply for the makeup artist position at Radiant Beauty Collective. I bring seven years of experience providing beauty services for weddings, editorial shoots, and on-camera productions. I admire your team’s artistic versatility and your studio’s emphasis on inclusive beauty.
Radiant Beauty Collective’s bold editorial work and reputation for celebrating diverse beauty standards sets you apart. I’m especially drawn to how your artists combine technique with personality in each look. That approach reflects how I work with clients — collaboratively, with care and intention. Recently, at Luxe Cosmetics Studio, I worked on a range of projects from natural bridal looks to creative fashion shoots. My qualifications include:
Delivered bridal and event makeup for over 100 clients annually, customizing each look to match skin tone, facial structure, and style
Collaborated with photographers and stylists on commercial shoots, ensuring cohesive looks under various lighting conditions
Maintained strict sanitation and hygiene practices in high-volume environments, supporting safety and client trust
I’d love the chance to contribute to your talented team. Please feel free to contact me to discuss the role further. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Danielle Nunez
Marcus Devine
Digital Artist | [email protected] | (347) 660-2910 | Brooklyn, NY 11221 | Portfolio | LinkedIn
I’m excited to apply for the digital artist role with Harbor Agency. With six years of experience producing brand-aligned illustrations and campaign assets, I specialize in combining clean visuals with strategic messaging. Your agency’s work for forward-thinking brands like Keene Outdoor and Lumia Labs reflects a design approach that is bold, modern, and emotionally intelligent.
I admire how your team balances creativity with functionality, especially in projects where the art direction must support marketing outcomes. That’s a challenge I enjoy and have experience navigating. At Indigo Concept, I’ve supported branding and marketing teams by developing digital artwork across various platforms. Some of my recent work includes:
Created branded illustrations for three product launches, each contributing to a 15 to 20% boost in user engagement
Designed over 300 digital assets for web, email, and social media with consistent adherence to brand standards
Collaborated with copywriters and user experience (UX) designers to build visual content that aligns with client messaging and tone
I’d appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your needs and share how I could contribute to your creative team. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Marcus Devine
How To Write an Artist Cover Letter
When possible, connect each part of your cover letter back to the employer and its stated hiring needs. The following advice and examples will show you how to use this strategy so your letter is optimized for each application.
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
Your resume contact header, which should give your full name, address, email, phone number, online portfolio or website, and LinkedIn or other social accounts, if applicable
The date
The recipient’s name, title, organization, and contact information (when available)
(Note: Feel free to omit this section when sending your letter as an email message, as long as your contact details are part of your email signature.)
Example
Tyesha Stack
Story Artist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7891 | 123 My Street, Los Angeles, CA 08642
Address your recipient by name – this is the quickest way to signal you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the person’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each artist job opening.
Examples
Dear Mr. Goodman,
Dear Minuteman Press Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the employer seeks in applicants. Then, connect that highlight to your main strengths and overall candidacy for the advertised artist role. Refer to the hiring organization by name here to further convince the recipient you’re applying to them specifically.
As an alternative to the work highlight approach, you can set yourself apart by networking. Begin your letter by citing any personal or professional connections you have with the hiring manager. If someone at the organization alerted you to the job, use a line like “I was excited to hear from your colleague [Name] about [Organization]’s new artist opening.” Or, if you’ve already met your recipient, mention that with a line like “It was great speaking with you at the [event] last month.”
Example
I recently implemented a new client liaison protocol that reduced revision requests by 45% over six months. The system improved communication efficiency and ensured swift adaptation to evolving briefs. I hope to apply similar strategic skills as a print production artist at Minuteman Press.
4. Job- or employer-specific paragraph(s)
This section is crucial, so think it through fully for each application in your job search.
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this artist position or employer interests you based on the job posting. When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Adapt those points into one or two brief paragraphs that speak to the job opening at hand. By making this description a central part of your letter, you’ll have a better chance of persuading the manager to give you a call.
Following this explanation, cite a few more of your artist skills or achievements, possibly as bullet points.
Example
As an innovative creator with more than two years of experience in the animation industry, Skydance Animation’s commitment to designing incredible visuals by leveraging cutting-edge technology appeals to me. My recent accomplishments show I have the technical and creative abilities to excel on your team. They include:
Being selected out of 25 story artists to create a range of facial expressions for the main character of a feature film
Mentoring three student interns to improve their understanding of storyboarding and composition
Receiving praise five times during performance reviews for my exceptional work ethic and productivity
5. Conclusion
Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their time and attention. Consider briefly restating why this artist job interests you. You can also use this section to refer to your resume or other application materials. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.
Example
I look forward to attending an interview to discuss how my extensive experience producing branded literature and superb lettering skills can help your company continue its reputation for fast and high-quality service. Please contact me to set up an interview time.
Sincerely,
Terence Poole
Artist Cover Letter Tips
1. Show your creativity and success in your field
Start your letter strong by describing a key way you’ve applied your talents, honed your craft, or explored new styles or subject matter. Then, connect this work to the big picture by showing how it served a client or engaged an audience.
Example
Last year, I collaborated with two colleagues to create the color concepts for one of the top five animated films of the year. My supervisors praised my team’s use of paintings and marker sketches to produce a cohesive scheme. I am excited to demonstrate these skills as a story artist at Skydance Animation.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity
When writing your body paragraph(s), consider what this artist job has in common with your background. For instance, maybe the role centers on developing community art programs, a key focus of your most recent position. Or maybe it works with ceramics, textiles, or another medium or material in line with your formal training. Also, consider what you know about the employer’s creative vision or sensibility and how that compares to yours.
Example
As an innovative artist with over seven years of on-call experience, I am excited by the chance to join the creative team at Minuteman Press. Your company’s reputation for leveraging cutting-edge illustration technologies aligns perfectly with my skill set.
3. Highlight your other art skills
Use your bullet points list to cover your success in other key work areas for an artist, like composition, materials selection, or client relations. Show each skill in action by describing how you applied it toward a specific art project or endeavor. Consider also using this section to link hiring managers to relevant work samples in your online portfolio.
Example
My recent achievements include:
Training six interns to improve their use of the InDesign program, three of whom joined the company post-graduation as professional illustrators
Consistently working efficiently on tight timescales, delivering 76% of projects early while ensuring a 99% satisfaction rate over two years
Receiving glowing praise during my annual performance review for my strong understanding of branding and color selection
Artist Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to start a cover letter?-
With a clear example of your success in the role you’re pursuing. The concept of “show, don’t tell” absolutely applies to your cover letter’s first paragraph. For instance, don’t just tell the hiring manager you’re an “efficient illustrator.” Display you have this quality by describing a time you came in ahead of the deadline and what impact that had on overall production.
How long should my cover letter be?-
No more than one page, or around 250 words. Hiring managers expect an applicant’s cover letter to be shorter than their resume, so keep it concise. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story, even if you have an extensive background as an artist. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they take a closer look at your resume.
What should my cover letter’s design look like?-
Your resume’s. Carry over all of that document’s basic format settings, like font style, line spacing, and page margins.
Craft a new cover letter in minutes
Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.
Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.