Whether you’re creating simple graphics for a blog post or complex infographics, you’re as skilled as they come.
There are a lot of “Cs” in graphic design, such as composition, content, clarity, components, and concept.
But, there’s one more “C” to perfect to land that interview—
A cover letter for graphic design jobs.
Stay tuned.
In this article, you’ll get:
- Two graphic designer cover letter examples: a senior graphic design cover letter for experienced individuals, and entry-level graphic design cover letter examples for those new to the field.
- Expert tips on writing graphic design cover letters that will get you more interviews.
- A graphic design cover letter template you may copy, tweak, and assemble in as little as 15 minutes.
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Looking for a different cover letter? See:
- Acting Cover Letter
- Architect Cover Letter
- Copywriter Cover Letter
- Esthetician Cover Letter
- Library Assistant Cover Letter
- Marketing Cover Letter
- Product Manager Cover Letter
- Production Assistant Cover Letter
- Project Manager Cover Letter
- UX Designer Cover Letter
Haven't found your job? Check our95+ cover letter examples.
Ready? Let’s start with two graphic design cover letter samples:
1. Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
Meet Deborah.
Debbie’s got a love for Ethiopian cuisine, Peruvian culture, and Italian greyhounds.
But that’s not as relevant as the fact that she has an eye for style, artistic flair, and solid graphic design experience.
That works out perfectly, as the job to which she’s applying (a senior graphic designer) wants someone strong right out of the gate. Visual Victory is looking for a graphic designer able to make complex infographics, data visualizations, and other web media.
Let’s see Debbie write a senior graphic design cover letter sample that makes them smile:
Example #1: Senior Graphic Design Cover Letter
Senior Graphic Design Cover Letter Example—Text version
Deborah Calhoun
Ad & Web Graphic Designer
603-885-0529
debbie.calhoun@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/debbiecalhoun
September 22, 2019
Jessica Arnold
Marketing Manager
Visual Victory Design Group
2242 Peck Street
Nashua, NH 03061
Dear Jessica:
As a graphic designer with over 4 years of experience and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University, it delighted me to find your opening for a senior graphic designer at Visual Victory. With my expertise in web graphics and turning hard-to-digest information into an easy-to-follow visual narrative, I feel certain that I would be a top candidate to consider for the position.
According to the job advert I found on Indeed, it says you are searching for a graphic designer able to take complex information and transform it into a story with captivating visuals. In my previous contract working as an infographic creator and visuals producer at Nelson Pictorials, I supported the content team by taking research, organizing a story around it, and creating highly shared infographics for outreach efforts. On top of that, I assisted the content team by creating simple graphics for each blog post published. Adding my graphics to older posts without images on our blog increased traffic by an average of 125% and shares by 78%. I’m positive I will bring similar results to Visual Victory as the senior graphic designer.
My heart is set on graphic design, but I also am a big fan of your company, as well. Since I follow the industry closely, I’ve seen many of your creative and wonderful designs out in the wild, and they’re always a pleasure to view. I’d be honored to be a part of the Visual Victory team, and I know that I’d be able to develop my skills further should I be hired there.
Could we get on the line or meet for a coffee to discuss in more detail how I might be able to help Visual Victory in its upcoming graphic design projects and challenges?
Sincerely,
Deborah Calhoun
603-885-0529
debbie.calhoun@gmail.com
Pretty good, right?
Deborah’s graphic designer cover letter sample will grab as much attention as her creations.
But what about an entry-level graphic design cover letter?
Even without experience as a professional graphic designer, you can still create a layout artist or web design cover letter that gets noticed.
Meet Derek.
Derek is Deborah’s little bro, and his big sis had a huge influence on him. Though he hasn’t (yet) picked up her taste for the spongy Ethiopian injera bread, she influenced his choice to pursue a career in graphic design.
Derek graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, but he’s not yet had any experience with it as a full-time job.
Let’s see how Derek still kills it with his entry-level graphic design cover letter example:
Example #2: Entry-Level Graphic Designer Cover Letter
Entry-Level Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example—Text version
Derek Calhoun
Graphic Design Graduate
603-885-0530
derek.calhoun@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/derekcalhoun
September 22, 2019
Jessica Arnold
Head of Marketing
Visual Victory Design Group
2242 Peck Street
Nashua, NH 03061
Dear Jessica:
As a fresh college graduate from a graphic design and media arts program, I am very interested in applying for the junior graphic designer position you recently added to LinkedIn. Along with my university studies, I have a great eye for detail, technical skills (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDraw Graphics Suite, etc.), and a great desire for creative perfection. I think I would be a perfect candidate for the junior graphic design job at Visual Victory.
In the LinkedIn job description, it states you’re searching for candidates capable of quick learning, assisting the senior designer, and participating in creative brainstorming sessions. Well, as a student, I received top scores (100%) in Multiplatform Design, Desktop Publishing, and Digital Imaging. I also performed freelance work in my spare time, and I have a perfect rating (5/5) from all of my 26 clients thus far. I’m also a current member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). I’d love to be able to use my knack for visualizations and ability to learn fast to help Visual Victory knock out its upcoming goals and objectives.
It would be an honor for me to discuss with you more the product team’s targets and plans and show you how my graphic design skills and college coursework would make me a perfect fit for the junior graphic designer job at Visual Victory.
Sincerely,
Derek Calhoun
603-885-0530
derek.calhoun@gmail.com
Not bad, right?
So you’ve seen two expertly fashioned cover letter examples graphic design employers will gush over.
Your turn.
And, if you’re short on inspiration or time, you’ll get some easy fill-in-the-blanks templates to use for yourself.
Also, did you remember your graphic design resume? You need to show your resume for graphic design the same amount of love. Take a look at this guide to help you along: Graphic Design Resume Example—Samples and 25+ Writing Tips
2. How to Write a Cover Letter for Graphic Design Jobs Step by Step (Template)
Here’s how to write a graphic design cover letter:
- Format your graphic design cover letter properly
- Include your contact information
- Introduce yourself and address the hiring manager by name
- Show off your design skills and abilities
- Explain why you are the best person for that role and why you want to work in the company
- Sign off with a powerful call to action
Below, you can read in detail about every step.
1. Format the Graphic Design Cover Letter as You Would Any Formal Document
Like using the golden ratio, before you write, make sure it’s pleasing to the eye by formatting your cover letter just right.
How?
Just follow a few simple formatting rules:
- Since it’s a text document, choose the best font. Pay attention to serif vs sans serif, kerning, weight, etc., but most importantly, ensure it’s easy to read.
- Align all the body copy to the left, because it’s a formal letter.
- Use a 1-inch border around the edges and keep your text single-spaced.
- Stick to a single page cover letter for graphic designer jobs; two pages is too long.
Expert Hint: .AI, .DOCX, .JPEG, .PSD, .TIFF—You know file formats and use them accordingly. However, when turning in your graphic designer resume and cover letter, keep it as a PDF. A Microsoft Word doc may render incorrectly, depending on the browser or machine used.
2. Head a Graphic Design Cover Letter With Contact Information
The first thing on any cover letter for graphic designer positions is the header.
Since it’s a formal letter, organize it as you would any business document, with your contact details on top, the date of writing below that, and the company’s information below that.
Here’s an easy cover letter heading template to follow:
Sample Cover Letter Graphic Design Header Template
[ Your Name]
[ Your Title ] (Optional)
[ Phone Number ]
[ Email Address ]
[ LinkedIn Profile ]
[ Date of Writing ]
[ HR Manager’s Full Name ]
[ HR Manager’s Title ]
[ Agency’s Name ]
[ Agency’s Street Address ]
[ City, State, Zip Code ]
With your mad graphic design skills, you probably want to take your heading area and zhuzh it up a bit. Think about using different color combinations, icons to identify your contact info, or a simple flourish to highlight your name. And those things are fine.
However—
Just make sure that your cover letter header is a perfect match to the header on your graphic design resume, as well.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.
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Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
3. Introduce Yourself and Inform Them of the Graphic Design Job You’re Applying For
You make people ooh, and you make people ahh.
And you’ll need to do the same thing when starting a cover letter.
How?
First, use the employer's name in the salutation. You can easily find it in the company’s about page or on their LinkedIn profile.
In the first paragraph, you’ll need to keep them interested so they’ll continue to read this, as well as your resume for graphic designers.
So—
Introduce yourself as an able candidate for the job. Tell them specifically which graphic design job (e.g., logo creator, photo editor, website designer) you’re applying for. Then, give the hiring manager a taste of what you have to offer with a brief background.
Here’s how it looks in practice:
Cover Letter Graphic Designer Sample: Introduction
Dear[Agency Director or HR Rep’s Name]:
When I came across the advertisement for the[Graphic Design Position]at[Company or Agency Name], I became very excited. Since I’ve been a[Current or Last Graphic Design Job]for the last[##]years, I’ve become highly skilled in[e.g., Website Elements, Video Editing, Photoshop, Illustrator, Brand Identity Design, Creative Marketing, etc.]. I just know that I would be a great addition to your creative team and for your upcoming design projects.
Expert Hint: Want a great way to show you’re a creative expert without just saying you are? Get a graphic design certification! There are many great ones online, such as the Graphic Design Certification by the California Institute of the Arts through Coursera.
4. Portray Your Best Graphic Design Skills & Creative Abilities
Next paragraph.
In the second portion of your cover letter for graphic design, show them how well you fit the role.
Go to the graphic design job description, and work your way over to the responsibilities. It’ll tell you exactly what they want, so in this paragraph, show them how you meet and exceed their expectations.
Here’s what I mean:
Sample Cover Letter for Graphic Designers: Middle Paragraph
In the employment listing, it says you’re looking for a[e.g., Web Designer, Logo Designer, Photoshop Specialist, etc.]with knowledge on[Refer to the Job Requirements]. While working as a[Current or Last Job Title]at[Current or Last Company],I became quite skilled in[List of Graphic Design Related Responsibilities, Supported by Metrics for More Oomph]. I know that I could bring similar results over to[Agency or Company Name].
Research the company you are applying for. In case you are directly applying for a vacancy at company XYZ ltd, you should research the company as well as the position and make appropriate amendments to your cover letter to better match. Remember, recruiters are busy and cover letters as well as CVs that appear unrelated to the recruiting position will be, most probable, push to the side.
Expert Hint: You may talk up your conceptual design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. However, a recent study also shows that most hiring managers want employees with soft skills, such as interpersonal skills and communication. Don’t neglect these in favor of solely hard skills on your graphic design cover letter.
5. Explain in Graphic Detail Why This Design Job is Your Perfect Place to Work
Next, make ‘em smile.
What I mean is, in the third paragraph of your cover letter, show them why you want to work for them.
Of course, they’re more interested in your skills at mobile application design or publication graphics.
However, they also want to see that you’ll fit well on their team. Show some enthusiasm and give a compliment or two. Let the creative director easily feel that positive energy emanating from your graphic designer cover letter.
Here’s an example:
Sample Graphic Design Cover Letter: Motivation Statement
It is really inspiring to me that, at[Agency Name], you[Be Honest and Give Something You Truly Admire About This Agency]. On top of that, your[e.g., Mission Statement, Volunteer Efforts, Contributions, etc.]are amazing and perfectly in line with my own values. I would be honored to be considered for the open position at[Agency Name].
6. Sign Off Well Using a Powerful Call to Action
You’re just about done—
As you bring your cover letter to a close, ask them for a call or meeting to discuss further.
To spice things up, reiterate your offer and value statement.
Check out how easy it is:
Sample Cover Letter for Graphic Design Jobs: Call to Action & Formal Closing
Can we make the time to have a call or meeting to examine in more detail how my graphic design skills could help[Agency Name]reach your upcoming creative targets?
Sincerely,
[Digital Version of Your Signature]
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
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Key Points
Let’s bring it all together—
Here’s how to make graphic design cover letters stand out:
- Format the visual or web design cover letter before writing starts to keep it organized and easy to read.
- Address the creative director or marketing manager directly by name in the graphic designer cover letter salutation.
- Get them familiar with you by introducing yourself, announcing the graphic design job you’re applying to, and briefly describe your creative background.
- Use metrics to show how well you performed past jobs related to graphic design.
- Consult the graphic designer job description to understand exactly the applicant they’re looking for; then, bring your cover letter to match.
- Explain your motivation for joining this particular creative agency, marketing department, or product team.
- End with a strong CTA and a sign-off while asking for further contact.
Need more cover letter resources? See:
- How to Write a Cover Letter
- How to write a cover letter email that gets noticed.
- Free MS Word Cover Letter Templates
- Free Cover Letter Templates to Download and Use
- Are Cover Letter Necessary?
Got any questions on writing a cover letter for graphic designer with no experience? Need assistance talking up your achievements on a graphic design internship cover letter? Just write to us below, and we’ll be happy to help. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
How do you write a strong cover letter for 2022? ›
- Write a new cover letter for each application. ...
- Address the hiring manager by name. ...
- Follow the instructions. ...
- Highlight specific, relevant skills. ...
- Use simple and affirmative language. ...
- Proofread your cover letter. ...
- Don't mention what you lack. ...
- Limit your content.
Short answer: yes, you should submit a cover letter alongside your resume. Here's why: Most job openings require you to submit a cover letter. Recruiters might not have the time to read ALL the cover letters they receive, but they will definitely read cover letters if they're on the fence for a candidate.
What are the 3 Ps of a cover letter? ›A cover letter should be 3 paragraphs – Introduction, Sales Pitch and Conclusion.
How do you introduce yourself in a cover letter? ›Yes, you should introduce yourself in a cover letter. Introduce yourself by stating your name, the position you're applying for, and how you found it. For example: My name is Henry Applicant, and I'm applying for the open Account Manager position listed on LinkedIn.
How do I make my cover letter stand out? ›- First thing about how to write a cover letter. ...
- Use fewer words to say more. ...
- Tailor your cover letter to a specific job. ...
- Be proud of your past accomplishments. ...
- Address the hiring manager personally. ...
- Use keywords from the job description. ...
- Throw in numbers and examples.
I would introduce myself as creative, responsible, and attentive graphic designer. Give me an idea, or a goal you want to meet with a product, and you can be sure I come up with some interesting sketches and designs. Give me a deadline, and you can be sure I will meet it.
How do I write about me as a graphic designer? ›- Think about your audience. When planning your "about me" section, think about what type of person you want this section to resonate with. ...
- Start with the basics. ...
- Show some personality. ...
- Add an image. ...
- Close with a CTA.
“Honestly, I possess all the skills and experience that you're looking for. I'm pretty confident that I am the best candidate for this job role. It's not just my background in the past projects, but also my people skills, which will be applicable in this position.
What should be in the first paragraph in a cover letter? ›1st paragraph: State why you are writing, the position or type of work for which you are applying. Mention how you heard of the vacancy. 2nd paragraph: Discuss why you are interested in this position, the company , and its products. Describe your background (skills, accomplishments, and abilities).
What makes a good cover letter example? ›A cover letter is used to demonstrate your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Cover letters should include a standout opening, relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong finish with a call-to-action — all within one page and unique to each application.
What does a good cover letter include? ›
- Information about you.
- Date.
- Contact Person's Name, Title, Employer, and Address.
- Salutation.
- Opening Paragraph.
- Middle Paragraph.
- Second Middle Paragraph.
- Contact Information and Closing.
- Any Spelling or Grammar Errors. ...
- The Wrong Company Name or the Wrong Name of the Contact Person. ...
- Anything That Isn't True. ...
- Paragraphs That Are Too Long. ...
- Your Salary Requirements or Expectations. ...
- Negative Comments About a Current or Past Employer. ...
- Information Not Related to the Job.
A true expert can most likely write a cover letter in one try, taking only half an hour to write it and quickly proofread it. And yes, you should always take the time to proofread your cover letter, no matter how experienced you are.
Do companies read cover letters? ›Do employers really read cover letters? The simple answer is, yes ‒ most of the time. Many employers like to see a cover letter because it shows two important things: that the candidate has gone the extra mile and that the candidate is serious about their application.
What is a good opening sentence for a cover letter? ›A Universal Method for Starting a Cover Letter
Dear [First Name], I was excited to come across the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a [Current Job Title] with [# of Years] years of experience, I have become competent in [Relevant Skills & Job-Related Abilities].
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should grab the hiring manager's attention and make them want to read your cover letter. Some tips to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph include being direct, starting with a strong belief statement, or leading with a relevant achievement.
Do you state your name in a cover letter? ›So, the first thing you want to do is add your name and surname on the upper left side of the cover letter. Underneath, you should write your professional title (if applicable), your email, and your phone number.
What is the best closing for a cover letter? ›- “Thank you for your time. ...
- “I would love the chance to further discuss the position and what skills I'd bring to the job. ...
- “I believe my five years of experience in user design, specifically working in the finance industry, will be an excellent match for this job.
Objective-style opening statements typically include statements such as: “Looking for a position where I can grow and gain experience in XYZ” or “Looking for a job where I can use my skills to help a company meet targets and increase revenue.”
How do you answer tell me about yourself in graphic design? ›Tell me about yourself.
Key points to share are recent successes, strengths and abilities that relate to the job or company, and a statement on your current situation. That could look something like this: “I've been in the graphic design field for two years this March.
How do I sell myself as a graphic designer? ›
- Create a Website. ...
- Target Local Companies. ...
- Connect With Other Designers. ...
- Use the Web. ...
- Maintain a Regularly Updated Blog. ...
- Find a Graphic Design Niche. ...
- Target the Right Audience with Your Skills. ...
- Create a Physical Business Card.
- Creativity. A great graphic designer must be imaginative and they must be able to apply that imagination into their work. ...
- Consistency. ...
- Problem solving. ...
- Always learning. ...
- Able to take criticism. ...
- Patience.
The Graphic Designer job description includes the entire process of defining requirements, visualizing and creating graphics including illustrations, logos, layouts and photos. You'll be the one to shape the visual aspects of websites, books, magazines, product packaging, exhibitions and more.
What should a graphic designer put on a resume with no experience? ›A graphic designer with no experience should highlight skills and training in technical design, UX and UI design, and design on a resume. Sections of the resume to focus on include education, certifications, and examples of work you've done on various design projects.
What is a graphic designer summary? ›Graphic designers create designs using print, electronic, and film media. Graphic designers create brochures and ads to promote products or services. They produce logos for products or businesses. They create visual designs for company reports and other print materials.
What qualities make you a good candidate? ›- Leadership. Even in entry-level positions, most employers look for evidence of leadership qualities. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills. ...
- Analytical Skills. ...
- Dependability and a Strong Work Ethic. ...
- Maturity and a Professional Attitude. ...
- Adaptability and Flexibility. ...
- Good Personality.
- Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. ...
- Highlight that you'll fit in and be a great addition to the team. ...
- Describe how hiring you will make their life easier and help them achieve more.
For example, you might explain that you are particularly motivated, or that you are known for going above and beyond for your employers. A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you have skills that make you a strong candidate (especially if not many people have those skills), mention these.
What are employers looking for in a cover letter? ›Recruiters say your cover letter should be succinct and: Show how your achievements relate to the role. Highlight how your skills and work experience are what the employer needs. Show genuine excitement and enthusiasm for the role.
What should not be included in a cover letter? ›- Any Spelling or Grammar Errors. ...
- The Wrong Company Name or the Wrong Name of the Contact Person. ...
- Anything That Isn't True. ...
- Paragraphs That Are Too Long. ...
- Your Salary Requirements or Expectations. ...
- Negative Comments About a Current or Past Employer. ...
- Information Not Related to the Job.
What are the 4 parts of a cover letter? ›
- Part 1: Address the Recruiter by Name. If you want people to like you, say their name. ...
- Part 2: Address the Company's Needs. ...
- Part 3: Tell the Recruiter Why You Want to Work Here. ...
- Part 4: Tell Them How to Reach You. ...
- Thank you.
- Information about you.
- Date.
- Contact Person's Name, Title, Employer, and Address.
- Salutation.
- Opening Paragraph.
- Middle Paragraph.
- Second Middle Paragraph.
- Contact Information and Closing.
- Step 1: Use the top of the cover letter for company details. ...
- Step 2: Introduce yourself with a strong first paragraph. ...
- Step 3: Be specific about your accomplishments. ...
- Step 4: Show that you've done research on the company.
- It should look like a letter. This is a formal business document, and it should look like one, says Aylward. ...
- Use the hiring manager's name. ...
- Make a connection to the company. ...
- Explain why you're a great fit. ...
- Don't forget a strong closing.
- Focusing too much on yourself. ...
- Sharing all the details of every single job you've ever had. ...
- Writing about something uncomfortable. ...
- Writing a novel. ...
- Rehashing your resume. ...
- Being too trite. ...
- Being a superfan of the company. ...
- Typos.
Focusing too much on yourself
This one is definitely an easy mistake to make, due to the fact it is your cover letter, your job application and your future. But employers really don't care about how their company fits your needs (before they hire you, at least).
Writing Your Cover Letter: Format and Structure
Keep cover letters short—three or four paragraphs and less than one page. Use the active voice, keeping your tone positive and professional. Avoid beginning too many sentences with “I”. Read your cover letter aloud to catch repetitious words and typos.
- Header. All cover letters start with a header that includes your contact information. ...
- Greeting. ...
- Introduction. ...
- Qualifications. ...
- Values and goals. ...
- Call to action. ...
- Signature.
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should grab the hiring manager's attention and make them want to read your cover letter. Some tips to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph include being direct, starting with a strong belief statement, or leading with a relevant achievement.