cover letter for graphic designer

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example (w/ Tips for 2024)

You're unmatched when it comes to colors, layouts, and visual storytelling.

You give businesses the creative edge they need to make an impact.

But there’s one creative project you just can’t finish.

Let's face it, when it comes to writing your cover letter, you’re stumped.

You know you’ve got the skills for the job you want, but when it comes to painting a picture of yourself with words, you’re at a loss.

Don't worry! We're here to help you finalize that graphic design job application.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What a Great Graphic Designer Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Graphic Designer Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Graphic Designers

Let's dive in! 

Graphic Design Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Graphic Design Cover Letter

You've got a clear picture of what a great graphic designer cover letter looks like, and now you're all set to write your own .

Just follow these easy steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Your graphic designer cover letter should kick off with your contact information. Just like your resume, this should be placed in the header .

Here's what you should include:

• Full Name. Your first and last names should be at the top of the page.
• Job Title. Make sure that the job title on your graphic designer cover letter matches the exact position you're applying for. The hiring manager is probably hiring for several positions, and specifying which one you’re after is always a great plus.
• Email Address. Opt for a professional and straightforward email address. Avoid using any quirky addresses from your school days. (e.g., [email protected] isn't suitable, but [email protected] is perfect).
• Phone Number. Double-check that your provided phone number is accurate. If you're applying for an international position, include the dialing code in front of your number.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country are sufficient. But if you're looking for a remote job or you’re open to relocation, specify it on your resume and cover letter.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can include links to important websites, such as your relevant social media profiles and your portfolio.

Now, it's time to add the hiring manager's contact information :

• Company Name. Add the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. Find the name of the hiring manager for the specific department you're interested in and write it down.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you discover the hiring manager's name and see that they're the head of the department, use their title instead of "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Include the city and state or country, especially if the company operates globally. You can add their exact street address if they have more than one location in your city.
• Email Address (optional). If available, add the hiring manager's email address.
• Date of Writing (optional). For a professional touch, you can include the date you wrote your cover letter on.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your essential contact information sorted, it's time to personalize your graphic design cover letter by addressing it to the right person—no generic "To Whom It May Concern" here.

Making the effort to address your graphic designer cover letter correctly can make a positive impression on the hiring manager, which is exactly what you want.

Start by doing a bit of research. Dive into the job ad, explore the company's website, or take a peek at their LinkedIn profile to discover who's hiring for the job you're interested in. Find their name and email address, if possible.

Now, let's talk formalities. We suggest using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. However, if you're unsure about their gender or marital status, simply using their full name works perfectly. For example:

• Dear Ms. Johnson
• Dear Jennifer Johnson

In those rare cases where you can't unearth information about the hiring manager or the head of the graphic design department, you can still address your letter thoughtfully:

• Dear Graphic Design Department
• Dear Graphic Design Hiring Team
• Dear Recruitment Team
• Dear Lead Graphic Designer

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically spend just a few seconds glancing at a candidate's application before deciding if they want to read further, and your cover letter makes no exception here.

That’s why knowing how to start your graphic designer cover letter is crucial. Use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself and why you’re writing, expressing your genuine interest in the role. Demonstrating your passion for the design field or the specific job can capture the hiring manager's attention.

Doing some homework on the company is always a great idea. The more you know about the employer, the better you can emphasize how well you'd fit into their work culture or how your values align with their mission. This shows that you're not applying randomly to every job out there—you actually want this position.

You can also start your graphic designer cover letter with an impressive achievement or by highlighting some of your skills that align with the role. Just keep this paragraph short. All you need to do here is spark the hiring manager's curiosity and encourage them to explore your cover letter further.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The point of your graphic designer cover letter is that you get an opportunity to delve into the details that can set you apart as the best candidate for the job.

But this only works if you don’t parrot the same information from your resume . The hiring manager expects your cover letter to tell them something they don’t already know.

So use the body of your cover letter to show off your expertise and qualifications, but make every word count. Your objective is to persuade the hiring manager that you're the ideal fit, and just listing some of your skills or qualifications won’t get you there. Instead, highlight any related achievements within the field of graphic design.

If you’re not sure how don’t worry. Just use the job ad as a reference. The more you tailor your graphic designer cover letter to the exact job description, the better. Emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the employer’s requirements immediately tells the hiring manager that you’ve got what it takes to excel. For example, if you're applying to be a graphic designer in the field of social media marketing, emphasize your industry know-how and familiarity with creating social media content.

Make sure to show off some knowledge about the company, such as its products and services. If you're well-acquainted with them as a customer, don't hesitate to mention it in your cover letter. Your familiarity with their work culture or mission statement can also convey how your values align and signal that you’d be a good fit to join their team.

And make sure to weave your enthusiasm through your entire graphic designer cover letter. Show your genuine excitement for the role and your confidence that you have the necessary skills and experience to make a valuable contribution to the company's success. This can be the final touch that leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

The finishing touch to crafting the perfect graphic designer cover letter is knowing how to end it .

You want to make sure that your conclusion leaves a good impression on the hiring manager and reinforces their confidence in what you have written so far.

Start by confidently summarizing why you're an ideal fit for the graphic designer role and highlighting the standout skills that set you apart from other candidates. Then follow up with a compelling call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as initiating a discussion about your application. This proactive approach can leave a lasting mark and boost your chances of securing an interview.

Finally, sign off on your cover letter professionally. Choose an appropriate signature line and follow it with your full name. Here's an example:

Please feel free to reach out to me via the provided email or phone number to arrange an interview. I'm eager to discuss my application in more detail at your earliest convenience.

Warm regards,

If you find "Warm regards" a bit overused, here are some alternative sign-off options to consider:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for considering my application,

3 Essential Graphic Designer Cover Letter Tips

Now that you've got the fundamentals of cover letters down, it's time to elevate yours with some cover letter tips tailored for graphic designers.

#1. Match Your Resume

Visual appeal makes a real difference.

Your graphic designer cover letter shouldn’t be the one piece of your application that lacks style or creativity, so make sure it matches the rest of your documents.

Create a cover letter design and layout that are in harmony with your resume. Align your text neatly on the page by setting the right margins and adjusting the line spacing. Then match the font styles and be consistent with their size so your cover letter never spills over to page two .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed by the whole process?

No worries! Just try our resume builder . You can create a stellar graphic designer resume and pick one of our cover letter templates to match.

Crafted with input from hiring experts worldwide, each of our templates is designed to meet industry standards while looking stylish. Give them a shot and spare yourself the stress of starting from scratch.

#2. Mention Skills (Properly!)

One of the first things a hiring manager will be looking for in your graphic designer cover letter is what skills you’re bringing to the table.

But don’t just sprinkle in every skill you can think of. You want your graphic designer cover letter to tell a story, and your most important skills should have the starring role.

Start by referencing the job ad. Check out what skills are listed in the requirements and what else their specific industry might be looking for, and focus on the ones you have. Then connect the dots for the hiring manager by talking about how these skills helped you excel as a graphic designer.

This shows your potential employer that you’ve got the exact graphic designer skills they’re looking for and that you’re a perfect fit for the job.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

As a graphic designer, it’s crucial to include a link to your online portfolio in plain view. An easy-to-find portfolio can be what tips the balance for any graphic designer’s application. 

It’s especially important to make sure these useful links are available on your graphic designer cover letter since they can make the hiring manager’s job easier. If they’re reading your cover letter and they’re impressed with the work you mentioned, they’ll naturally want to see it right away.

So why not add a link for convenience instead of having them search for your resume again and risk losing interest along the way? Including a link to your LinkedIn profile also makes it easier for the hiring manager to see your full career history and even reach out directly through the platform.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

Hopefully, after reading our guide, you feel better equipped and ready to chase that graphic designer role you’ve set your sights on.

Before we wrap up, let's revisit some of the essentials:

• Do some research on the company, and start your graphic designer cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find their name, you can address the department or company as a whole.
• Use the body of your graphic designer cover letter to highlight your most relevant achievements and skills. Reference the job ad to make sure that you match what the employer is looking for.
• Visual appeal and consistency between your cover letter and resume can make a difference. If you're looking for a head start, consider using our online resume builder and cover letter templates to save time.
• Make the hiring manager’s job a little easier by including convenient links to your portfolio and relevant social media profiles like LinkedIn. This small step could encourage them to reach out to you faster.

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5 Graphic Designer Cover Letter Samples & Guide in 2024

• Graphic Designer (GD) CL
• GD Specialist
• Freelance GD
• GD No Experience
• Write Your GD CL

As a graphic designer, you know the importance of creating content that conveys the right message without sacrificing aesthetics. It’s why you choose every element meticulously, though users may never realize the effort you pour into every design. 

Long hours you spend on writing briefs, sketching concepts, and preparing presentations for clients, means you have less time for creating a  graphic designer resume . As much as you want your portfolio to be reason enough to hire you, you’ll also have to create a cover letter that’s equally stunning. 

Don’t despair—we’ll guide you through the application process, starting with five graphic designer cover letter examples. Use our tips and AI cover letter generator to make a cover letter , and even find a resume template to match.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Find a value you and the company share. Whether it’s creating fun art that helps social justice causes or using designs to further company engagement, mentioning how you share an employer’s ideals is a winning strategy.
• Not all jobs will require more than your resume and portfolio, but you should always read the  graphic designer job description  thoroughly to confirm. Government organizations will require some form of security clearance even if you don’t work in a high-risk area, so take care to provide all necessary documentation.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Graphic Design Specialist Cover Letter Example

• Use strong words to convey what you’ve done and how you plan to help your future employer. It might take a few tries, so don’t be afraid of rewrites.
• Marguerite focuses on a large-scale skill (partnership/management) and a targeted set of skills (photography/videography). In doing so, she shows her capability on both a large and small scale while also demonstrating her dedication to all projects.
• You don’t always have to include the biggest components of the job ad; sometimes, targeting a preferred qualification can give you an edge. 

Freelance Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example

• Did you increase the social media engagement for your most recent client via eye-catching designs? Or do you recount when your visually appealing infographics improved a client’s website traffic by, say, 23%? Whatever your quantified wins, don’t hesitate to highlight them in your freelance graphic designer cover letter.

Graphic Designer No Experience Cover Letter Example

• See how Aaron recounts in example his deep dive into the potential employer’s publications. If possible, narrate your experience with the company’s proprietary tool. Either way, it highlights your familiarity with the company, signaling a potential solid fit.

Senior Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example

• Build a bridge as soon as possible. Maybe you’ve used the company’s products, or maybe you’ve always loved its creative approach to design, or like Rory, you may share similar values.
• If you can, find numbers relating to sales, marketing, or customer service. Choose metrics that apply to the position you’re seeking, and make sure they align with your future employer’s goals. 

Edit a matching graphic designer resume

Making your resume  gets a whole lot easier when the  resume format  and template are already done for you. There’s no reason in the world that both your graphic designer cover letter and resume can’t shine! You can start editing this resume and be on your way. 

Graphic Designer Resume

Need a resume to pair with your graphic designer cover letter?

or download as PDF

3 Tips for Writing a Stellar Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Writing an outstanding graphic designer cover letter isn’t unlike designing content for your clients; stay true to your purpose, include the right details, and hit the right tone. Follow our guide to craft a stunning graphic designer cover letter one step at a time.

Step 1: Understand the organization and its needs

Every design you make has a message and purpose. Your cover letter also has a message and purpose—to explain why you’re the best fit for the role and to land a job. 

Proving you’re the best fit includes demonstrating you understand your employer’s mission, vision, and values. To do that, research is required. Analyze the  graphic designer job listing  for company information, and look up the company’s website to study its history and recent news.

If you’re struggling to understand what the company wants, try framing its values as questions: a company’s promise to “promote clients by creating custom marketing materials” becomes “can  you  promote clients by creating custom marketing materials?” Do this to any requirements or statements in the job listing you’re uncertain about, and weave your answers into your cover letter. 

Step 2: Get detailed about a couple of successes

No one likes a copycat, so your graphic designer cover letter can’t simply be another version of your resume. Just like your portfolio, your cover letter and resume should be separate entities that show off a variety of your talents. 

Even though your resume and your cover letter can include the same experiences, each one achieves different goals. Think of your  graphic design resume  as a series of snapshots, capturing some of your best career moments. On the flip side, your cover letter is a home video that shows individual moments in great detail, creating a profound story.

Still stuck? Take a closer look at this sample from one of our graphic designer cover letters to spark some ideas.

Currently, as the marketing and graphic design specialist at George Mason University, I design print and electronic marketing products to boost brand awareness and engagement. However, I recognized a need for more personal content, so I turned to photography and videography. My “Life at George Mason University” video series had a 3-percent conversion rate, and by the end of 2021, I had more than doubled our followers on Instagram and Twitter, resulting in an 11-percent rise in prospective student applications.

This example stays focused on one goal or talent (photography/videography). Although the candidate could have just focused on responsibilities, they focus instead on  how  their efforts helped the company.

Step 3: Win with your tone & message

Now, it’s time to breathe life into your graphic designer cover letter; it shouldn’t read like a book report. Instead, it should draw the reader in, enticing them to learn more.

To accomplish that, you need to have a professional tone. This is no casual conversation (save your LOLs and TTYLs for your best buds), but nor should you be archaically formal. Choose active verbs and strong nouns that are vibrant but appropriate in a business setting.

Professionalism alone, however, won’t engage readers. Once you’ve nailed the professional part, try to make your content read like a narrative. It doesn’t need to be poetry, but it should encourage the reader to linger. Entwine your purpose, your message, and the company’s story into a cohesive unit that sounds engaging and interesting.

Once you’ve nailed the professional part, try to make your content read like a narrative.

After you’ve completed your cover letter, condense it to a page. Then, it’s back to the drawing board for one last step: revision. Just as no design is perfect from the first sketch, no cover letter is complete without editing. Ask some colleagues to review it so they can catch minor errors you may have missed.

Then, all you need to do is hit submit and start dreaming of your future!

The Handy Outline for Your Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Writing anything from scratch is difficult, but it’s even more challenging when there’s a job at stake. But with a good structure to follow, you can breathe easy as our outline will help you choose what to include and how to include it, so you can worry less and write better.

How to start a graphic designer cover letter

Your contact info:  Don’t make finding your contact information difficult. Assuming you’re using a template, fill in your email, number, and address (city and state) at the top of your graphic designer cover letter. Also, include your LinkedIn profile if you have room since many employers require it.

Date:  It’s a huge help to employers (just think of all the cover letters they have to sort through). Plus, a date can help you keep track of when you applied for the job. So, jot down the date after the address. 

Inside address:  Include the company’s address even if you’re not sending your letter via post. This inclusion, known as the inside address, immediately informs the employer you’ve researched their company and you’ve tailored your cover letter accordingly. 

Can’t find an address? Start by scanning their job description, application, and website. If there’s nothing there, try a quick Google search or look at LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Facebook. One of those options should yield a usable address, or at the very least, a city and state. 

Christopher Nichols Human Resources Director, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh 10 Children’s Way Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Greeting:  Every word in your cover letter must have significance, including the greeting (also known as the salutation). But don’t sweat it too much—stick to the tried-and-true “Dear Ms./Mr. Lastname:” to make a good impression.

Many cover letters skip the name, but a personalized greeting gets the reader’s attention and makes them feel valued. We all like to be addressed by name, so do your utmost to address the hiring manager specifically. Start looking at the job description and company website before venturing into Google, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. 

If you still can’t find anything, either address the head professional (such as the Human Resources Director), or the entire graphic design team (“Dear Graphic Design Team”). 

How to write your graphic designer cover letter

Body:  The body of your graphic designer cover letter should be only three to four paragraphs long, leaving room for white space between. Each paragraph needs to convey your interest, unique qualifications, and enthusiasm for future contact. 

Opening paragraph:  An excellent design catches and holds someone’s attention, and your opening paragraph should do likewise. A boring start can be the difference between getting in or getting tossed in the bin. The key to a great opener is quality, not shock factor, unlike this opening paragraph: 

WOW! That’s exactly what you’re going to think when you see my work. As a graphic designer with 3 years of experience, I’ve done it all, from brochures, ads, social media posts, logos, and far more. I love making clients say, “You’re the best!” and creating content that stuns, amazes, and excites.

This is spot-on if you want to sound like a bad car salesperson, but it’ll turn employers away with its over-eager tone, lack of relevant details, and too-casual manner. Your cover letter opener should be professional and polite while providing evidence you’re the right fit for the job, such as this example:

Based on your numerous awards, the Geronimo Hospitality group has a solid reputation in the hospitality industry. Moreover, you’ve created a memorable customer experience at all your locations, which is always my goal as a graphic designer. I’m ready to use my 4 years of design and management experience to help you continue to attract the best customers and generate more revenue.

Immediately, the employer can tell the candidate knows about the company, they share a common goal, and they have experience.

Paragraphs 2-3:  Each paragraph needs to back your opening statements, but don’t fall into the trap of waxing poetic about your work. You have a limited amount of space and time to catch their attention. 

Instead, focus each paragraph on one accomplishment, requirement, or credential. This will allow you room to elaborate, and it narrows your options, making your cover letter more of a highlight reel than a biography (which your employer will thank you for). 

Each paragraph should be a mini-story unto itself, giving an example of how you have met your previous company’s needs and should thus inspire this company to hire you. It’s more than doable to offer up your experience without being dull or overwhelming: 

Earlier, as the lead designer with HyPier Haunts, I helped their growing brand with a high level of variety and creativity for independent and large-scale products. There, I created numerous projects, including several photography essays, a complete branding revamp on all merchandise, and multiple advertising and social media campaigns, including several video series. By the time I left, I had boosted the cost revenue ratio to 60 percent, increased social media engagement by 23 percent, and increased the number of new customers by 17 percent.

This gives context for the position and establishes the requirements expected of the candidate. Moreover, the candidate explains in detail how they met those requirements and created positive change.

Although writing these paragraphs can be intimidating, don’t worry about perfection the first time. Just like your sketches, all you need to do is start; revise them later as needed.

Closing paragraph:  Many cover letters end with a hasty and vague close because the candidate feels there’s nothing left to say. Thus, employers read many boring closing paragraphs like this: 

I have experience in graphic design and am passionate about creating art with a purpose. I know I can do good work for you if you will let me. Thank you for reading my cover letter, and please consider me for this position.

Nothing in this paragraph says anything significant about you or the company; instead, it could be from any number of candidates, and it comes off as both desperate and uninspired. Remember this is your chance to solidify your attributes before they review your portfolio and resume, so don’t waste it.

Trust us when we say that closers don’t have to be difficult. Instead, briefly sum up how your goals and experience will help the company’s mission. Then, end with a call to action regarding further contact. This example resolves the conversation politely but enthusiastically with a strong call to action: 

Everywhere I have worked, I have aimed to initiate positive change through successful, encouraging designs and innovative leadership. As your senior graphic designer, I will lead projects that will further your brand and meet your marketing goals. I look forward to meeting and discussing more with you about how my experience can be part of creating tech-inspired financial solutions that are easy, empowering, and flexible.

Signature:  End on a good note with a professional “thank you” if you haven’t already said so in the closing paragraph. Then use a polite closing statement with your real name (no nicknames). 

Marguerite Justine

Enclosure(s):  This section is often forgotten, but it’s vital for graphic designers since it lists all the documents you’re sending to your employer. This includes your resume, the job application, and your portfolio among other things (check the job ad for any additional requirements). It reminds employers that more follows while also giving them a de facto checklist to ensure you’ve followed instructions.

Enclosures: Resume Application Official transcript Portfolio

Cover letter format for a graphic designer

As a graphic designer, you may be really excited about using one of our cover letter templates above; however, if you’re looking for a basic business letter, you can use this template for your graphic design cover letter. 

If you decide a business-style letter is for you, we’ll drop some formatting tips below this template.

Graphic Design Cover Letter

Cover letter formatting tips for a graphic designer

• Leave your name out of your address (save it for the signature instead). 
• Write out the full date with the month, day, and year, eg. January 5, 2023.
• Each part of the address should be on a new line and double-spaced between the inside address and greeting.
• If the company you’re applying at is more casual and artsy, you can get away with a comma after the greeting.
• Single-space your cover letter throughout but double-space between paragraphs. 
• If you’re presenting hard copies of your graphic designer cover letter, quadruple space to allow room for your signature in blue/black ink. 
• Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on how many things you’re enclosing. (Don’t forget to enclose your design portfolio!)

Is Your Graphic Designer Resume Just as Awesome?

Congratulations, you’re done with your cover letter! But that doesn’t mean you’re done quite yet. Along with finishing your portfolio, job application, and cover letter, you need to submit a resume. 

It may be tempting just to submit any old resume since you’re applying for multiple graphic designer jobs that likely have similar requirements. But even if the  job skills  and roles are similar, that doesn’t mean you should hand in whatever you have on hand.

Like a generic cover letter, a generic resume won’t win you any points with future employers. Every document you submit needs to be tailored, updated, and polished so you can make a positive impact before you meet your employer face to face. 

But you’re not alone. Our  resume builder  features unique AI-powered advice to help create your graphic designer resume from a template like this one—by the way, you can edit this one right now if you like. 

Graphic Design Specialist Resume

Need a resume to pair with your AP English teacher cover letter?

Or, you can upload your current resume to see what improvements you can make as you take inspiration from our free  graphic designer resume examples .

No matter what you need, let BeamJobs give you a helping hand so you can design a bright future!

We strongly recommend that you dig deep and try your best to find it. Attention to detail is crucial in graphic design, so going the extra mile will convey to the employer that you care and will go out of your way to make an impression. Check LinkedIn, the company website, and the job description carefully. However, if you really can’t find the name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company] Team.”

You can use this to your advantage and highlight your fresh look at the industry instead. Talk about your career goals, transferable skills (such as knowing how to communicate with stakeholders), and your love of design. Include a portfolio to underscore your skills.

As a graphic designer, you will likely work with a group of creatives in a rather dynamic workplace. This often gives you some leeway, but let the job description be your guide, as well as the company mission—if it’s all serious business, follow its lead. If the company sounds casual, you can adjust your tone to match, but always keep it a little more professional; if you’re not sure whether something is okay to say, it’s best to skip it.