Ready to design your dream job? A standout graphic designer cover letter can be the blueprint to your success. Just like the vibrant visuals you create, your cover letter needs to capture attention and highlight your top-notch skills.

In this guide, we'll sketch out everything you need to know, from pro tips to prime examples and templates. Let's dive in and bring your cover letter to life.

Assistant Fashion Designer Cover Letter Sample

Motion Graphic Designer Cover Letter Template

Graphic Design Internship Cover Letter Example

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Keep reading and learn all about: 

• Navigating handy graphic designer cover letter samples
• Formatting your graphic designer cover letter the right way
• Writing an effective graphic designer cover letter header
• Crafting an attention-grabbing cover letter headline
• Creating a personalized greeting on graphic designer your cover letter
• Writing a compelling graphic designer cover letter introduction
• Showing accomplishments and professional value as a graphic designer
• Including powerful action words in your cover letter
• Crafting a strong closing statement on your graphic designer cover letter
• Avoding common mistakes in your graphic designer cover letter
• Pairing your cover letter with a relevant graphic designer resume
• The average salary and job outlook for graphic designers
• Finding top resources for job-seeking graphic designers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Graphic design internship cover letter example

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Why does this cover letter example work?

• Clear structure: The cover letter is well-organized and easy to read, with distinct sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion. This makes it clear and professional.
• Relevant experience: The candidate highlights relevant experience as a Graphic Design Intern at Johnson & Johnson Corporation, mentioning specific responsibilities like designing print materials, online ads, and presentations. This demonstrates relevant hands-on experience in the field.

What could be improved?

• Lack of enthusiasm about the company: The letter lacks specific enthusiasm about Renty Technologies, Inc. It doesn’t mention what specifically excites the applicant about the company or how the company's values and projects resonate with them. Adding a sentence or two about why Renty Technologies stands out would make the application more compelling.
• Lack of specific achievements: The letter mentions tasks performed at previous internships but lacks specific achievements or results. Including quantifiable outcomes, such as successful campaigns or improved processes, would provide concrete evidence of Utagawa’s impact and capabilities.

Motion graphic designer cover letter sample

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Why does this cover letter example work?

• Quantifiable achievement: The candidate mentions a specific accomplishment — resulting in a 24% decrease in expenses within one year. This provides concrete evidence of their ability to make a positive impact.
• Technical proficiency: The letter includes a list of software programs the candidate is proficient in, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Autodesk 3ds Max. These tools are essential for the role and demonstrate the candidate’s technical capabilities.

What could be improved?

• Lack of personalization: The letter doesn’t convey enthusiasm or specific interest in Vert Digital, Inc. Adding a sentence or two about why the candidate is excited about the company’s projects or values would make the application more compelling.
• Broad scope of skills: While it’s good to mention various skills, the letter could benefit from focusing more on the skills most relevant to the job posting. This would make the application more tailored to the specific requirements of Vert Digital. 

Graphic artist cover letter sample

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Why does this cover letter example work?

• Comprehensive skills and experience: The cover letter effectively highlights the candidate's extensive industry experience and diverse skill set. Over eight years in graphic design, proficiency in Adobe software, and a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design establish a strong base of qualifications.
• Enthusiasm for the position: The candidate expresses genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company, indicating they have a specific interest in contributing to Remms, Inc. This personal touch can make a positive impression on hiring managers.

What could be improved?

• Too long: The cover letter is quite lengthy, which may deter hiring managers from reading it thoroughly. A more concise version, focusing on the most relevant points, would likely be more effective.
• Repetition of information: The letter repeats some information. For instance, mentioning the proactive approach and professional demeanor multiple times. Streamlining these points would help make the letter more concise and impactful.
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: While the letter mentions various tasks and responsibilities, it lacks specific, quantifiable achievements that demonstrate the candidate's impact. Including metrics like "increased client satisfaction by 20%" or "led a campaign that boosted brand visibility by 35%" would provide concrete evidence of success.

1. How to format your graphic designer cover letter the right way

First impressions matter, especially for graphic designers. Your cover letter isn't just about the words — it’s about the entire layout. Think of it as your first design project for the job, showcasing your attention to detail and aesthetic sense.

• Keep it clean and modern: Choose a professional and simple font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, and stick to a 10-12 point font size. Use standard 1-inch margins on all sides to give your text some breathing room.
• Be consistent: Use the same font and formatting style as your resume. This creates a cohesive aesthetic and shows that you pay attention to even the smallest details.
• Short and sweet: Keep your cover letter to one page. Aim for concise, impactful paragraphs that pique interest without overwhelming the reader. Think quality over quantity.
• Start with a header: Include your name, contact information, and date at the top. Align this information to the left for a clean look. Below this, add the recipient's name, title, company, and address.
• Divide and conquer: Use distinct sections for the greeting, introduction, body, and closing. This makes it easier for hiring managers to navigate through your cover letter.
• Whitespace is your friend: Don’t cram in too much text. Leave enough whitespace so your cover letter feels open and easy on the eyes. It also helps to emphasize the key points.
• Bullet points for the win: If you have key achievements or skills to highlight, use bullet points. It breaks up the text and makes important information stand out.
• Readable line spacing: Use single spacing within paragraphs and double spacing between them. This keeps everything neat and legible.

By following these formatting tips, your graphic designer cover letter will not only read well but also look professionally polished. Ready to get those creative juices flowing? Let’s move on to crafting compelling content for each section!

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2. How to write an effective graphic designer cover letter header

The header of your cover letter is like the header of a webpage — it's the first thing people see, and you want it to be clean and informative. This part of your cover letter should clearly present your contact information and the details of the recipient, making it easy for them to reach out to you.

What should your header contain?

• Your full name
• Your professional title (e.g., Graphic Designer)
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile

Then come the recipient’s details:

• The recipient’s full name
• The company name
• The company address

Why is it so bad? This header falls short in several areas: the email address "jennygirl@hotmail.com" is unprofessional, the professional title is missing, and there is no phone number or portfolio/LinkedIn link. What's more, the recipient's full name and the full company address are missing, making the header seem incomplete and less personalized.

Why does it work? This example is well-formatted, including the professional title, complete phone number, and a link to the LinkedIn profile, making it easy for the hiring manager to learn more about you. It also includes the recipient's full name and title, making the greeting more personal and respectful.

All in all, by ensuring your header is well-structured and complete, you set a professional tone right from the start and make it easy for the employer to get in touch with you.

3. How to craft an attention-grabbing cover letter headline

A compelling headline for your cover letter captures attention immediately, setting the tone for the rest of your application. Think of it as your tagline — a brief but impactful statement that encapsulates your strengths and unique offering. Here’s how to craft one that stands out.

What should a strong headline contain?

• Specificity: Be specific about what you bring to the table. This isn't the time to be vague; you want to highlight your unique skills and achievements right away.
• Relevance: Tailor your headline to the job you're applying for. Use keywords from the job listing to show you’re a perfect fit.
• Conciseness: Keep it short and punchy. Aim for a headline that’s one concise sentence.
• Engagement: Use action verbs and compelling language to draw in the reader.

Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Why isn't this headline impressive? This headline is too generic and doesn’t provide any specific details about what makes you stand out or why you are the ideal candidate for the job. It fails to spark interest or offer any unique selling points.

Why is this a strong headline? This headline is specific and engaging, clearly stating what you specialize in. It uses compelling language that immediately showcases your primary skills in branding and digital media, making it relevant to potential employers. It’s concise yet informative, giving a clear snapshot of your expertise.

A powerful headline can make all the difference in grabbing the hiring manager's attention and making them eager to read the rest of your cover letter. Take the time to craft a headline that truly reflects your strengths and aligns with the job you’re aiming for. It’s your first chance to make a memorable impression, so make it count!

4. How to create a personalized greeting on graphic designer your cover letter

Whenever you write a greeting on a cover letter, you want it to be as personalized as possible.

Unlike vague greetings — such as “To Whom It May Concern” — personalized greetings show employers that you're serious about the position and have great attention to detail. To write a personalized greeting, you will need to research the company beforehand to discover the exact person who will review your application.

Where to find the right name?

• Company website: Check the "About Us" or "Team" sections on the company's website. You can often find the name of the hiring manager or the head of the department you're applying to.
• LinkedIn: Look up the company and see if you can identify the hiring manager or relevant department head. LinkedIn can be a goldmine for finding professional connections and the right person to address.
• Job posting: Sometimes, the job posting itself includes the name of the hiring manager. Always review the job description carefully for any names and contact details.
• Call the company: A quick call to the company's main office or HR department can sometimes yield the name you're looking for. It's a simple step that shows initiative and resourcefulness.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the name of the hiring manager just isn't available. In this case, there are still ways to keep your greeting respectful and professional.

Using a personalized greeting whenever possible shows employers that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position. Even if you can’t find a specific name, choosing the most appropriate generic greeting is still better than settling for overly vague terms. This attention to detail can set your cover letter apart and leave a strong first impression.

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5. How to craft a compelling graphic designer cover letter introduction

By the time an employer reaches the introductory paragraph of your cover letter, their attention should already be hooked by the headline and greeting. To keep them interested, however, you'll need an introduction that contains the following information:

• A brief overview of your professional and academic history: Start with a snapshot of your background, emphasizing key qualifications and experiences relevant to the position.
• A statement on why you are applying for this position: Clearly explain your motivation for applying, and why you’re interested in this particular role and company.
• A mutual acquaintance, if applicable: If you have a connection within the company or a mutual acquaintance who referred you, mention it early to establish a personal connection.

Why does it fall flat? This opening is too casual and lacks specifics. It doesn't provide a clear sense of the candidate's qualifications or enthusiasm for the position. Phrases like "a while" and "some experience" are vague and unimpressive.

Why does it hit the mark? This opening is specific, professional, and engaging. It provides a clear overview of the candidate's background, highlights a key achievement, and explains why the candidate is interested in the position and the company. This kind of introduction sets a positive tone for the rest of the cover letter.

Tips for fresh graduates

As a fresh graduate, you may not have extensive professional experience, but you can still craft a compelling introduction by focusing on:

• Your academic achievements
• Relevant projects
• Enthusiasm for the role
• Internships, freelance work, or academic projects that showcase your skills

By crafting a compelling introduction that highlights your qualifications, motivation, and enthusiasm for the role, you can capture the hiring manager’s attention and set the stage for a strong cover letter. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a fresh graduate, starting with a clear and engaging introduction will make your application stand out.

6. How to show your professional value as a graphic designer

Following the introduction of your cover letter are the body paragraphs. A good cover letter will typically contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer each of these questions:

• What excites you about working at this company?
• What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
• What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
• What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?

Including accomplishments within your cover letter is particularly important, as it helps to show employers the real-life value you can offer to their company.

But let’s not stop there — mentioning your skills effectively is equally crucial. Rather than simply listing your skills, weave them into the context of your achievements and experiences. This approach shows how you’ve applied your abilities in real-world scenarios and the results you’ve delivered. 

When potential employers read your cover letter, they want to see how your skills translate into tangible results. By embedding your key skills within your accomplishments and experiences, you make your cover letter more compelling and impactful.

To help you pick the best skills to highlight, take a look at our inspiring list below:

Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, showing how you've used your skills to achieve great results will make you shine in the competitive world of graphic design.

7. How to boost your graphic design cover letter with proper action verbs

Using powerful action verbs in your cover letter is like adding a splash of vibrant color to your design — it instantly makes everything more dynamic and engaging. These verbs bring your experiences to life, helping you stand out to potential employers.

Why are action verbs important? They're essential because they convey energy and drive. They transform basic job duties into compelling narratives, showing not only what you did but how you made an impact. Instead of passively listing tasks, action verbs make your achievements sound proactive and impressive.

Now, let's take a look at how this works in practice:

Using action verbs does more than just tell employers what you did — it shows them the impact you made. These power-packed words convey your creativity, initiative, and value, helping you stand out in the competitive field of graphic design.

8. How to craft a strong closing statement for your cover letter

Wrap it up right! Your cover letter's conclusion is your final pitch to the hiring manager, so make it count. This is where you reinforce your enthusiasm and set the stage for what’s next.

It’s your last chance to leave a memorable impression, show your excitement for the role, and nudge the hiring manager to get in touch. A strong conclusion ties everything together and makes sure you stay top-of-mind.

What your conclusion should include:

• How enthusiastic you are about the opportunity: Clearly express your excitement about the role and why it’s a great fit for you.
• How and when you can be best contacted: Clearly state your contact details and the best times to reach you.
• When you would like to hear from them: Politely indicate when you hope to hear back.
• How and when you will follow up: Mention your plans to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a certain timeframe.
• A formal sign-off: End with a professional closing statement.

Why is this a bad closing statement? This conclusion is too generic and lacks specifics. It doesn’t provide clear contact information, a timeline for follow-up, or any sense of urgency. It feels passive and uninspired.

Why is this better? This conclusion is specific, friendly, and shows enthusiasm. It provides clear contact details and availability, expresses eagerness to discuss further, and includes a polite follow-up plan. The warm sign-off adds a nice personal touch.

Finishing your cover letter with a punchy, well-structured conclusion helps reinforce your enthusiasm and qualifications. It makes it more likely the hiring manager will want to continue the conversation. So, polish that closing statement and leave them wanting more!

9. How to dodge common mistakes in a graphic designer cover letter

Your cover letter is your chance to make a stellar first impression. However, even the most talented graphic designers can make missteps that dilute their impact. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them:

1. Generic content: Avoid sending out the same cover letter to multiple employers. A one-size-fits-all approach usually lacks the specifics that show you’ve researched the company and are genuinely interested. Tailor your letter for each job application by referencing the company’s projects, culture, or values. It shows that you’ve done your homework and are truly excited about the opportunity.
2. Lack of quantitative achievements: While it's essential to speak about your skills and experience, numbers can significantly enhance your credibility. Instead of saying, "I worked on a social media campaign," try "I led a social media campaign that boosted engagement by 40%." Quantifiable metrics provide concrete evidence of your abilities and achievements.
3. Being too vague: Phrases like "I have experience in design" are too general to be compelling. Specify what kind of design experience you have, such as "I designed an award-winning branding campaign utilizing Adobe Creative Suite." Specifics paint a clearer picture of your skills and accomplishments, making you a more attractive candidate.
4. Forgetting to showcase your creativity: As a graphic designer, your creativity is your selling point. However, your cover letter shouldn’t just tell hiring managers you’re creative — it should show them. Use a visually appealing letterhead and format that reflects your design sensibilities. Just ensure it remains professional and doesn’t distract from the content.
5. Overloading with jargon: While it’s important to show you know your craft, overloading your cover letter with industry jargon can alienate readers, especially those in HR who might not be as familiar with technical terms. Strike a balance by using key industry terms sparingly and focusing more on the impact of your work.
6. Ignoring grammar and typos: Nothing undermines professionalism like grammatical errors and typos. A cover letter riddled with mistakes suggests a lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your letter multiple times and, if possible, have someone else review it as well. Tools like Grammarly can also be helpful, but don’t rely solely on them.
7. Neglecting a call to action: Your conclusion should urge the hiring manager to take the next step. Simply ending with a “Thank you” is not enough. Instead, include a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness for an interview and stating when you will follow up. This demonstrates initiative and enthusiasm for the role.

Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve the quality of your graphic designer cover letter. Tailor your content, showcase your achievements with numbers, and ensure your letter is error-free and visually appealing. These steps will help you craft a compelling narrative that stands out to potential employers.

10. How to pair your cover letter with a matching graphic designer resume

Your cover letter and resume are like a dynamic duo — they're stronger together, especially when they complement each other in both content and design.

While your cover letter introduces you and provides a narrative about your career and why you're a great fit for the job, your resume gives a structured, detailed account of your work experience, education, and skills. Think of the cover letter as your pitch and the resume as the supporting documentation.

As a graphic designer, your attention to visual detail is part of what you bring to the table. Using the same design for both your cover letter and resume isn’t just an aesthetic choice — it’s a demonstration of your skills and professionalism. It shows that you understand consistency and brand cohesion, which are vital in design work.

Tips for a seamless look:

• Use the same fonts and sizes: Ensure that the fonts and font sizes are consistent across both documents. This creates a cohesive and clean look.
• Align headers and footers: Format your contact information and headers identically. If your cover letter header has your name in bold followed by your contact details, do the same on your resume.
• Consistent color scheme: If you’re using color, make sure it matches on both documents. For instance, if your name or section headers are in a certain color on your resume, use that same color on your cover letter.
• Layout and spacing: Keep the layout and spacing uniform. This includes margins, line spacing, and the alignment of text boxes or sections.

By pairing your graphic designer cover letter with a matching resume, you create a unified, professional impression that showcases your design skills right from the get-go. It’s your first chance to demonstrate consistency, attention to detail, and aesthetic sensibility — all critical attributes for a successful graphic designer.

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11. Average salary and outlook for graphic designers

Now, let’s talk numbers! If you're considering a career or a new job as a graphic designer, it’s crucial to understand both the financial landscape and job market trends.

As of May 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average yearly salary for graphic designers was $58,910. This figure provides a solid benchmark for what you can expect to earn in the field, although actual salaries may vary based on factors like location, experience, and the industry you work in.

The good news is that there’s steady demand for graphic designers. Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This means that while the competition might be stiff, opportunities will continue to emerge.

What's more, every year, about 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected, on average, over the decade. These openings will likely result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations, retire, or leave the workforce for other reasons.

In summary, the field of graphic design offers solid salary prospects and a stable job market. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in your career, the opportunities are out there. Just keep honing your skills, building your portfolio, and staying up-to-date with industry trends to make the most of what this creative field has to offer.

12. Top resources for job-seeking graphic designers

Finding your next gig as a graphic designer can feel like searching for the perfect color palette — it takes a mix of creativity, patience, and the right tools. To help you land your dream job, here’s a rundown of some top resources and tips to get you started.

1. Build an impressive portfolio: Your portfolio is your greatest asset. Make sure it's up-to-date and showcases your best work. Include a variety of projects to demonstrate your range and versatility. Platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Adobe Portfolio are excellent for displaying your work in a visually appealing manner.
2. Join design communities: Get involved in online design communities where you can network, share your work, and get feedback. Websites like AIGA, Designer Hangout, and the forums on Reddit’s r/graphic_design offer opportunities to connect with other designers and stay in the loop on industry trends.
3. Job boards specific to design: While general job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn are great, make sure to check out niche job boards that cater specifically to designers. Some popular ones include Design Jobs Board, Dribbble Jobs, or Coroflot.
4. Freelance platforms: If you’re open to freelance work, websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs can help you find clients and build a reputation. These platforms allow you to apply for various design projects and can be an excellent way to gain experience and supplement your income.
5. Continuous learning: The design field is always evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest tools and trends is crucial. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer courses in graphic design, typography, UX/UI design, and more. Many of these platforms provide courses taught by industry professionals, offering insights and techniques you might not get elsewhere.
6. Get social: Use social media platforms to your advantage. Following companies you’d like to work for on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X can give you insights into their work culture and hiring needs. Use hashtags like #GraphicDesignJobs or #DesignJobs to find job postings on social media. Engage with posts, share your work, and make meaningful connections.
7. Networking: Never underestimate the power of networking. Attend local meetups, join professional groups, and connect with peers and mentors. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from word of mouth or a personal introduction.

Finding the right job is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to your goal. By leveraging these resources and staying proactive, you'll increase your chances of landing a job that not only pays the bills but also stokes your creative passions. Happy job hunting!