How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter? (Examples & Tips)

In today's competitive market, a strong graphic designer cover letter can be a key to securing your job. As a graphic designer, demonstrating your skills and creativity through a well-crafted cover letter is essential to make a lasting impression on recruiters or hiring managers. Standing out among the vast content on the web and social media is challenging especially if you're on the tight budget. However, by building your portfolio and gaining more experience, you can create an application that truly shines with a unique and creative touch.

Whether you're a student, a graduate, or changing careers, knowing how to effectively write a successful graphic design cover letter is a valuable skill that can set you apart from other applicants. This guide explores the key cover letter sections, the best format, and key strategies for in-house and freelance designers to make your cover letter personal yet tailored to the specific position you’re applying for. 

Check out our diverse collection of cover letter templates to create a stellar application and win the next job interview.

Graphic designer cover letter example 

Download this graphic design cover letter sample in PDF

This example features Emily Thompson, a seasoned graphic designer, with a proven track record in guiding others and producing high-quality work for various design agencies. Her cover letter is well-structured and easy to read. Emily has opted for the modern template with clear headings and professional font.

Check out our matching graphic designer CV example to help you finalise your job application.

How to write a graphic designer cover letter with no experience?

Writing a successful cover letter without experience is achievable with a few key strategies. Start by highlighting relevant design projects, internships, or courses that demonstrate your passion for design. Secondly, show your eagerness to learn and improve in your field, while emphasising your commitment doing your best. Thirdly, consider freelancing or applying for remote work opportunities to obtain hands-on experience and build up higher reputation within the UK job market. Ensure to check out the following freelancer platforms:

• Upwork

• Dribble

• Freelancer

• Fiverr

• Behance

Lastly, incorporate transferrable skills and additional experience, such as memberships in student societies, volunteering, or side jobs to set yourself apart from others. By keeping it to the point and concise you can make a strong impression on your hiring manager.

For more inspiration, check out the following CV writing guides to help you navigate the market with confidence:

• Internship

• Apprenticeship

• Part-time.

Cover letter example for a graphic designer with no experience

As a student with a passion for creating impactful spaces, I am thrilled about the internship opportunity at IA Interior Architects. My studies have equipped me with expertise in space planning, branding, and design principles. I'm skilled in Adobe Suite and have experience with Revit, 3D Design, and CAD. I have executed multiple projects, such as retail space designs and community centre layouts.

I'm eager to apply my skills, gain on-hands experience, and learn from your team. My passion drives me to create spaces that not only meet practical needs but also evoke emotions and enhance well-being. Additionally, I've been involved in student societies where I organised design workshops, showcasing my strong collaboration and communication skills. I'm excited about the chance to contribute to IA Interior Architects' mission of creating high-performance, visually compelling, and sustainable environments.

For more examples and tips, consult our related blog article on how to write a CV with no experience.

What to include in a graphic designer cover letter? 

Similar to a good CV, your cover letter should be concise and tailored to the specific graphic design position you’re applying for. If applying for entry-level or freelance opportunities, keep your CV straightforward, use concise language, and clearly explain what distinguishes you from hundreds of other applicants. Avoid generic statements or repeating information from your CV; rather leverage cover letter to show your relevant skills and knowledge, as well as a good understanding of the company's ethos and values.

Before writing, ensure to include the following elements in your cover letter:

1. Contact information: Include your full name, location, phone number, and email address.

2. Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name or use a professional greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager" if the name is unknown.

3. Introduction: Include a strong hook to capture the recruiter's attention and highlight your interest in the position and the company.

4. Body: Expand on your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, aligning them with the job requirements.

5. Closing: Finish your cover letter with a short paragraph reiterating your interest and adding a call to action.

6. Sign-off: Add a professional close-off, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

1. How to start a cover letter?

Kick off your cover letter by directly addressing your hiring manager by name. Follow this with an opening sentence that expresses your interest in the company and the specific role you are applying for. If applicable, mention how you discovered this job or a person who recommended you. Like a personal profile on a CV, provide a short overview of yourself, highlighting your qualifications, achievements, or relevant side projects. Maintain a positive tone and focus only on relevant information to enhance your chances of getting noticed among other candidates.

For more examples and tips, check out the following CV writing guides:

• Interior designer

• Fashion designer.

For more examples and strategies, refer to our blog article on how to start a cover letter.

2. How to write the body of a graphic designer cover letter?

Like the engine that powers a car, the body of your cover letter drives your application forward. This core section should showcase your specific skills, experiences, and achievements that directly relate to the role. Highlight your proficiency in tools like Sketch, CSS, Adobe Creative Suite (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), or others stated in the job description. Furthermore, mention your expertise in typography, layout design, and creating visually compelling content.

For more inspiration and tips, consult our related article on the top skills employers look for.

To structure the body of your cover letter effectively, consider the following approach:

• Paragraph 1: Emphasise your design skills, including logo design, branding, and illustration. Mention relevant certifications showcasing your proficiency in graphic design software and techniques.

• Paragraph 2: Provide specific examples of successful graphic design projects or collaborations. Discuss how you tackled challenges and achieved results, such as enhancing user engagement through UI/UX improvements or supporting marketing campaigns that drove conversions.

Cover letter body for a freelance graphic designer

Throughout my career as a freelance graphic designer, I have mastered skills in typography and layout design, UX/UI, and Adobe Creative Suite tools (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). By collaborating closely with them, I've successfully tackled various challenges, ensuring that my designs meet their needs and objectives.

One notable project involved creating branding materials for a startup company, where I had to translate their vision into visually appealing designs. Through my creativity and attention to detail, I was able to develop a brand identity that resonated with their target audience, ultimately helping them establish a strong presence in the market.

Cover letter body for an animation graphic designer

In my role as an animation graphic designer, I've honed my skills in 3D modelling motion graphics, and character animation to bring ideas to life through animation. Through years of experience in this field, I've mastered the art of creating compelling narratives that captivate audiences and convey messages effectively.

An example of my work includes collaborating with a marketing agency to produce an animated explainer video for a client's product launch campaign. By combining creative animation techniques with strategic storytelling, we were able to engage viewers and generate significant interest in the product, resulting in a successful campaign launch and increased sales.

For more information and insights, see our related blog articles below:

• Skills to put on a CV

• Achievements on a CV

• Courses on a CV.

3. How to end a cover letter?

End your cover letter with a short paragraph, reiterating your excitement to join the team and contribute to the company's growth. It is essential to maintain a positive tone to make a memorable impact. Add a call to action, such as scheduling an interview or reviewing your portfolio or references. Remember to express gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Lastly, add a professional sign-off, followed by contact information, so that a recruiter can easily reach out to you.

Cover letter ending for a UX/UI graphic designer

I am excited about bringing my expertise in user experience and interface design to Deloitte. I am eager to collaborate with your team to create intuitive and visually appealing digital experiences. With a proven track record of delivering successful UX/UI projects, I am confident that I will be a great asset to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute further to your team's success. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Consult our UX/UI designer CV example for more example and tips to help you succeed in your job search.

Cover letter ending for a remote graphic designer

I am thrilled to apply my creative skills and product design experience to McCann. I am keen to develop innovative product designs that resonate with your audience. With 10 years of expertise in the field, I am confident in elevating your brand and driving success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how I can contribute further to your company's objectives. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

To learn more, explore our related article on how to end a cover letter.

What mistakes to avoid when writing a graphic design cover letter?

To increase your chances of success and receive fewer rejections, ensure to avoid these common mistakes:

• Failing to showcase your creativity: add a creative flair to your writing and showcase design projects that could set you apart from other candidates with similar qualifications.

• Omitting a portfolio link: Include a link to your portfolio in your contact details so a recruiter can assess your previous work, which demonstrates your skills and experience.

• Generic content: avoid adding obvious or broad information that doesn't add value to your application. Instead, tailor your cover letter to each job!

• Forgetting a call to action: Ensure to add a call to action to encourage a recruiter to contact you or visit more links. Doing so increases your chances of landing a job interview.

• Copy-pasting information from the job description: Instead of writing word-for-word information from a job description, incorporate it naturally in your words - "Show, don't tell"!

• Company-centric focus: focus on how you can contribute to the company instead of vice versa, highlighting your strongest skills and experience and aligning it with the company's mission.

Key takeaways 

Writing a strong graphic designer cover letter requires attention to detail, creativity, and an understanding of the industry. Follow our above tips to showcase your potential to achieve excellent results l as a graphic designer. Highlight your passion for design, demonstrate your expertise, and convey your enthusiasm for contributing to a dynamic team.

• Tailor your cover letter to a specific job, keeping it concise and personal.

• Include all the must-have sections, such as your contact details, a greeting, an introduction, a body, and a closing statement.

• Use industry-specific terms and provide tangible achievements, showing your creativity and design skills.

• Network with seasoned graphic designers in the UK via LinkedIn or Behance and build lasting connections with them to increase your chances to find the right job opportunities.

• Maintain a positive tone and ensure to show your motivation to learn and contribute to the role.

Next steps? 

As you navigate through your job application, don't forget to check our Cover Letter Builder and cover letter examples carefully designed to help you tailor your documents to a specific job. For additional support, reach out to our CV Writing Service where we don't just give you obvious information but also help you adjust your cover letter to your specific needs.

Explore our blog page about different types of job interviews for more tips on how to present yourself with confidence.

For more industry-specific advice and examples, ensure to check out out related blog articles:

• How to send a CV via e-mail

• How to track job applications

FAQ

How much does a graphic designer make?

The salary of a graphic designer depends on different factors, including work experience, location, and industry. According to National Careers Service, the average salary for a graphic designer in the UK is around £20,000 to £40,000 per year.

How to write a graphic designer cover letter for Upwork?

To tailor your cover letter for a job via Upwork, focus on showcasing your relevant skills and work experience, ensuring you tailor each to each job posting. Showcase your portfolio and emphasise your ability to meet client needs and deliver high-quality designs on time.

For more tips and examples, see our related blog article on remote and hybrid work models.

How do I write about myself as a graphic designer?

When writing about yourself as a graphic designer, focus on your soft skills, experiences, and achievements. Highlight your proficiency with design software, your creative problem-solving, and any notable projects or collaborations you have had. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your expertise and passion for design.

To learn more, check out our blog article on the best soft skills on a CV.

Do graphic designers need cover letters?

While optional, a well-written cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview. It allows you to personalise your application, elaborate on missing information from your CV, highlight your strengths, and show genuine interest in the role you’re applying for.

What is a good cover letter for a junior graphic designer?

For an entry-level role, switch the focus to showcasing your passion for design, relevant skills and work experience, and eagerness to learn and grow within the industry. If you have little to no experience, use online job platforms like Indeed, Glasdoor, Behance, and Creativepool to search for entry-level graphic design openings in the UK.

Additionally, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team and your willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities as a junior designer. Highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects that demonstrate your creativity and proficiency in graphic design.

For more tips and examples, refer to our related blog article on how to enter a career after graduating.

How long should a graphic designer be?

A graphic designer cover letter should ideally be around one page in length. While it's important to include all relevant information and make a compelling case for your candidacy, it's also essential to keep your cover letter concise and focused. Use clear and concise language to convey your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role, ensuring that your cover letter is engaging and easy to read for the hiring manager.

Explore our related article on the best cover letter length for more insights and examples.