When writing your graphic design cover letter, show you can find dynamic ways to present ideas and information to the employer that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills, such as editing images, devising layouts, or engaging with clients. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing your next graphic design position.
Graphic Design Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Graphic Design Cover Letter
In most cases, your cover letter should have five sections in this order:
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your name, contact info, and link to any online portfolio(s)
- The date
- The addressee’s name, title, company, and contact information
(Note: feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email message and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Jason Robertson
Lead Graphic Designer | [email protected] | (123) 444-5555 | Detroit, MI 48127 | LinkedIn | Portfolio
January 12, 2024
Amy Davidson
Talent Recruiter
Arsenal Design Group
(999) 987-6543
[email protected]
2. Salutation
If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Examples
Dear Ms. Davidson:
Dear Arsenal Design Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key qualification the employer is looking for.
Example
Over my seven years as a graphic designer, my proudest achievement was winning the 2023 Butterfly Graphic Design Competition. I have long admired Arsenal Design Group from afar — after all, its designers have won the competition mentioned above several times.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Explain why the job, project, or employer interests you. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using bullet points.
Example
My current role, which is the result of two promotions, has allowed me to both hone my graphic design skills and gain experience leading junior designers. Given your firm’s emphasis on career development and graphic excellence, I believe I’d be a great fit for its culture and design needs.
Below are three more of my work highlights so far:
- Developed the well-received graphical elements used by the Atlanta Zoo in its 2019 rebranding campaign
- Trained and developed four entry-level graphic designers into high performers
- Mastered several graphic design programs, including those in the Adobe suite
5. Closing
Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their consideration.
Example
I’d appreciate the chance to discuss my graphic design skills and managerial style in more detail. Please let me know when is most convenient for you. Thank you for your time, I look forward to possibly hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Jason Robertson
Graphic Design Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you can express ideas and information visually
Start your letter with an example of your success in creating visual concepts and layouts. Then, describe your overall approach to integrating text and images in ways that inform, entertain, or persuade an audience.
Example
Last year, I helped create packaging that won a Good Design Award for originality and masterful use of typography. I’d love to apply my innovative thinking and technical expertise to create iconic branding at American Foods.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this graphic design job, project, or employer interests you. What does the role have in common with your background or goals? For instance, maybe it involves design software or typography you’re versed in. Or maybe you identify with the company’s mission and would love to help them engage a wider audience. Also, consider how the work compares to any samples you can point to in your portfolio.
When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as especially important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have at least two or three concise sentences that speak to the job opening at hand. By adding these to your cover letter, you can show hiring managers you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.
Example
I understand American Foods is looking for a candidate with excellent brand awareness who can manage multiple projects under time pressure. I believe my proven design skills and ability to meet strict deadlines would make me an asset to your team.
3. Cite your other strengths as a graphic designer
Add a short list of bullet points to show the broader skillset you offer your target position. For a graphic designer, this might include publishing, marketing, advertising, photography, public speaking, time management, or client relations.
Example
My key accomplishments include:
- Completing 100% of my workload on time in 2023, with 45% delivered before the deadline without compromising client satisfaction
- Creating an infographic that boosted a major client’s online brand engagement by 32% in a month
- Getting promoted in my second year of employment due to my firm grasp of target demographics’ needs
Graphic Design Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Jason Robertson
Lead Graphic Designer | [email protected] | (123) 444-5555 | 567 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48127
February 12, 2021
Amy Davidson
Talent Recruiter
Arsenal Design Group
(999) 987-6543
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Davidson,
I am seven years into my career as a graphic designer, and my proudest achievement to date has been winning the 2020 Butterfly Graphic Design Competition. I have long admired Arsenal Design Group from afar — after all, its designers have won the competition mentioned above several times.
My current role, which is the result of two promotions, has allowed me to both hone my graphic design skills and gain experience managing and developing junior designers. Given your firm’s emphasis on career development along with graphic excellence, I think I would be a great fit for its culture and design needs.
As for what I can do for Artech, please consider these personal, professional successes:
- Developed the well-received graphical elements used by the Atlanta Zoo in its 2019 rebranding campaign.
- Trained several graphic designers, developing them from entry-level employees to high performers.
- Mastered several graphic design programs, including those in the Adobe suite.
I look forward to an interview with you, during which we can discuss my graphic design skills and managerial style in more detail. Please let me know what time and day are convenient for you.
Best regards,
Jason Robertson
P.S. A coworker once called me a miracle worker, and I’d love to explain why!
Graphic Design Cover Letter FAQs
Is it OK to use templates as a graphic designer? -
Yes. Even in your creative field, a cover letter is a simple tool for professional communication and should be formatted that way. Feel free to use a template if it helps you keep your letter simple and focused on your career details. But also consider adding borders, shading, or other subtle effects that hint at your design expertise and correspond with your chosen resume style.
How long should my cover letter be? -
No more than one page. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story. Give just enough detail to intrigue hiring managers so they take a closer look at your resume or online portfolio.
What traits are useful to highlight in my cover letter? -
Employers like graphic designers to be perceptive, inventive, efficient, tech-savvy, and collaborative. Consider which of these traits best describe you, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.
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