how to write a cover letter as a designer

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples (2025 Guide)

One of the most important parts of your job application is a well-written cover letter for any profession, including graphic design . It introduces you to a potential employer and gives them a better understanding of your design capabilities, background, experiences and enthusiasm for the position. A cover letter gives you the chance to express your personality and why you're the ideal candidate for the job, in contrast to a resume, which concentrates on highlighting your qualifications.

The Importance of a Graphic Designer Cover Letter

The cover letter is your first opportunity to establish a personal connection with the recruiting manager. Although your resume offers a well-organized summary of your professional background and competencies, the cover letter is where you can share your story, emphasize your love of design, and illustrate how your special experiences complement the objectives of the organization. An effective cover letter will help you stand out from the competition and improve your chances of getting an interview.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Graphic Designer Cover Letter

1. address the hiring manager by name.

Personalize your greeting to demonstrate that you've done the necessary research. If the job posting doesn’t include a name, research the company website or LinkedIn. A personalized greeting demonstrates your meticulous attention to detail and genuine interest in the role.

2. Highlight Your Graphic Design Experiences and Achievements

Discuss particular initiatives that demonstrate your competence and the influence you have had in previous roles. Use metrics and real-life examples to illustrate how your work has benefited previous employers. Mention a project, for instance, where your design resulted in a particular percentage increase in user engagement.

3. Outline Your Relevant Design Skills

Place emphasis on the competencies listed in the job posting, such as proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite , UX/UI design , or brand awareness. Make sure to customize this area to emphasize the abilities that are most pertinent to the position you are applying for. This highlights that you have studied the job description thoroughly and are aware of the requirements set out by the employer.

4. Express Your Excitement for the Role

Demonstrate enthusiasm for both the company and the position. Mention why you are excited about the opportunity and how it fits with your career aspirations. Employers are seeking applicants who are enthusiastic about the position and the organization.

5. Explain How You Would Be an Asset to the Company

Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs and goals. Briefly describe how you are capable of contributing to ongoing projects or finding solutions to specific challenges. This section should demonstrate that you've considered how you may provide value to the firm.

6. End with a Call to Action

Encourage the recruiting manager to look over your resume and portfolio, and recommend a follow-up discussion. A call to action indicates that you are proactive and willing to move forward with the employment process.

Best Practices for Writing Your Cover Letter

Personalize each cover letter.

Steer clear of generic templates. For every job application, personalize your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and the position. Personalization indicates your commitment and attention to detail.

Conduct Thorough Research

Learn about the company's work, values, and challenges. This enables you to customize your cover letter such that it specifically addresses how you can assist them succeed. Doing some research on the business demonstrates your seriousness about the opportunity and your genuine interest in what they do.

Strike the Right Tone

Adhere to the communication style of the company. Adapt your tone to their level of formality or informality. This demonstrates that you can adjust to their communication style and that you are a suitable cultural fit for the organization.

Keep It Brief

Aim for 200-400 words. Focus on your most relevant experiences and skills. A concise cover letter shows that you can communicate effectively and respect the hiring manager’s time.

Consider Your Design

Ensure your cover letter and resume have a cohesive look. To demonstrate your sense of style without drawing too much away from the content, stick to the same palette of colors, typefaces, and layout. This exhibits your comprehension of branding and visual consistency in addition to showcasing your design skills.

Edit and Proofread

Check for spelling and grammar errors. Ensure your letter reads smoothly and professionally. A polished cover letter reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Templates

Formal template.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number] [Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name]. With over [number] years of experience in graphic design and a strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully led a rebranding project that resulted in a 30% increase in customer engagement. My expertise includes branding, UX/UI design, and digital marketing, all of which align with the requirements listed in your job posting.

I am particularly excited about this opportunity at [Company Name] because of your commitment to [specific aspect of the company]. I am eager to bring my creative vision and strategic thinking to your team, helping you achieve your goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and passions align with the needs of your team. Please find my resume and portfolio attached for your review.

[Your Name]

Semi-Formal Template

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I'm excited to apply for the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name]. With a diverse background in graphic design and a passion for creating visually compelling designs, I believe I can bring a lot to your team.

At [Previous Company], I led a number of successful projects, including a comprehensive rebranding that boosted customer engagement by 30%. I'm proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and Figma, and I'm always eager to learn new tools and techniques.

What draws me to [Company Name] is your innovative approach to [specific aspect of the company]. I'm looking forward to the chance to contribute my skills and collaborate with your talented team.

Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss how my experience and skills can benefit [Company Name]. My resume and portfolio are attached for your review.

Informal Template

[Your Name] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number] [Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name] [Company Name]

Hey [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m thrilled to be applying for the Graphic Designer role at [Company Name]. With my background in graphic design and a knack for creating eye-catching designs, I’m confident I’d be a great fit for your team.

At [Previous Company], I worked on a bunch of cool projects, including a rebranding effort that upped our customer engagement by 30%. I’m a pro with Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch, and I love tackling new design challenges.

I’ve always admired [Company Name] for your [specific aspect of the company], and I’m excited about the chance to bring my creativity to your projects.

Thanks for considering me for the role. I’d love to chat more about how I can help out at [Company Name]. My resume and portfolio are attached.

Having a strong cover letter will help you stand out in the highly competitive field of graphic design. By personalizing your approach, completing thorough research, and clearly detailing your relevant experiences and skills, you can build a cover letter that connects with potential employers and leads to exciting prospects. Make sure your cover letter reflects the tone and style of the organization you are applying to by using these templates as a guide.

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The Graphic Design Cover Letter Guide (Examples & Templates)

Learn how to write a graphic design cover letter that lands interviews. Find design cover letter examples, templates, and tips.

Renee Fleck

Written by Renee Fleck

Published on Sep 19, 2022

Last updated Mar 11, 2024

Great graphic designers put a lot of thought and effort into curating and presenting their work because they know a designer’s portfolio is one of the most important tools in the job hunting toolbox. 

But as every graphic designer knows, each project you work on requires more than one tool. So whether you’re seeking your next freelance gig, agency job, or landing your first internship, you also need a great resume and cover letter. Already have a great graphic designer resume ? In this article, get tips for perfecting your graphic design cover letter so it stands out to hiring managers.

The goal of a graphic design cover letter

The field of graphic design is competitive, so breaking through to recruiters and hiring managers is challenging. Even with a beautiful portfolio, if your application doesn’t grab someone’s attention, it could sink beneath a sea of other applications. If no one ever bothers to open your application, the design portfolio you spent so much time on goes unseen. 

A graphic design cover letter is a summary of you, your skills, and an explanation of why you want the design job and why you’re the right fit.

A cover letter is the first step in catching the attention of prospective employers or others. It’s a summary of you, your skills , and an explanation of why you want the graphic designer position and why you’re right for the job. For designers, submitting a  job application  without grabbing the reader’s attention is like publishing a magazine without a cover. 

What should your graphic design cover letter include?

Before getting into specific elements of a good cover letter, it’s important to note that cover letters should be concise. When speaking to potential employers, the goal is to spark interest, not tell a grand narrative — which might be a relief for designers who don’t think of themselves as writers.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the essential elements of a cover letter:

• An attractive header:  Every cover letter you send should include a header that matches your personal and professional brand. It should also have all of your contact info, such as your phone number and email address, and relevant links, such as your portfolio, Dribbble, and LinkedIn profile.
• An engaging introduction:  The initial personalized salutation and the introductory paragraph of your cover letter should serve as a way to grab the reader’s attention. Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name and briefly explain why you’re interested in the job and company.
• Convincing body paragraphs:  In two or three paragraphs, the body of your letter should tell the reader who you are as a designer, why you believe you’re a great fit for the job, and what you like about the position and company’s mission. Include the  kind of graphic design experience you have as well as any successes to back up your stated experiences, such as design awards, certifications, or any other achievements.
• A call to action:  Finally, your cover letter’s sign-off should thank the hiring manager for their time and encourage them to learn more about you. You might also briefly reiterate your interest and enthusiasm and include an additional link to your portfolio or other contact information.

There are exceptions to these rules, of course. Some companies tell you what to include in a cover letter, so be sure to read the job description carefully. But besides any unique requests by the business, the checklist above is widely accepted and expected in graphic design. 

How do I write about myself as a graphic designer?

It’s not uncommon for designers, especially those early in their careers, to recoil at the thought of writing a strong cover letter. But writing pulls from the same skills that designers already have, specifically communication and creative problem-solving.

Writing pulls from the same skills that designers already have: Communication and creative problem-solving.

The key to writing about yourself as a graphic designer is to take a step back and look at the problem objectively. Imagine yourself as the employer, and ask yourself about the design projects you’ve worked on, your achievements, and your strengths as a designer. The answers to these questions are the essence of what you’ll write in your cover letters.

How to write a cover letter for a graphic design position

Writing a cover letter that packs a punch still takes some practice, but starting with a process can help ease you into the practice. After writing a few cover letters, you’ll find the process becomes second nature. And hopefully, by this point, you’ll find yourself in a position where you’re designing rather than writing. 

✔️ Learn everything you can about the company and position

Before you tackle the writing part of your cover letter, sit down and read through the  graphic design job description . Take note of anything that stands out to you, such as when the description mentions tools you excel at or skills you feel you demonstrate well. 

Once you’ve done this, head to the company’s website and explore what it does. Take note of anything that stands out or resonates with you, including overall web design. As a graphic designer, you’ll probably examine the company’s brand identity. Apply this same skill to its brand voice and write a few adjectives describing it. 

Lastly, if you haven’t found out already, make an effort to learn the name of the person who receives the applications. If at all possible, avoid opening a cover letter with “to whom it may concern” or other generic greetings. Instead, address the hiring manager or recruiter directly with a simple salutation and their first or last name. 

✔️ Turn your notes into an outline

The best way for new writers to tackle writing projects is by breaking them down via outlines. Borrowing from the elements listed earlier, designate an introduction, two or three paragraphs for the body, and a sign-off. You can simply jot down ideas for these sections in bullet points. This is your outline.

Now you can go back to your notes and start fitting them into place. Most of your writing should be in the body, but if there’s something that excites you about the company or position, you can include it in the introduction. Likewise, you can weave this theme throughout, mentioning it in your sign-off.

✔️ Draft (and rewrite) your cover letter

Now it’s time to start writing. Hopefully, by now, your research and note-taking put a few ideas in your head. Write them down without judging them. As you go through this process, you’ll get better ideas about what to say and how to say it.

Keep in mind, a cover letter is a hook — not a complete story or resume. While you should talk about your work experience and graphic design skills in a broad sense, avoid explaining something like your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Keep these mentions in your resume alongside those about Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

Think back to the brand of the company you’re applying to. Try to match the tone of your wording to that of the company.

Finally, once you know what you want to say, you can rewrite and polish your words. At this stage, think back to the brand of the company you’re applying to. Try to match the tone of your wording to that of the company. For example, if you’re applying to a business that has a playful, casual brand, write a little casually. On the other hand, if you’re applying to an agency that services clients, you’ll want to write a more professional cover letter.

✏️ Graphic Design Cover Letter Template

A good template is a great way to get your writing mind moving in the right direction. Below is a graphic designer cover letter template that you can fill out and use as a starting point for your own letters:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m writing about the job listing on the [Company Name] website for a new graphic designer. I’ve always found inspiration in [Company Name] ’s work, and I’m excited to offer my creative talents and expertise!

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with companies like [Company Name] and [Company Name] to build brands that form lasting impacts on their audiences. My work spans all types of graphic design, from print and packaging to logo design and visual identity.

Experience aside, [Company Name] ’s mission and values resonate deeply with my own, and in addition to my passion for graphic design, I bring a deep sense of commitment to [Company Name]’s overall mission. 

I’d love to speak with you more about the graphic design opportunity and explore how my skills can help [Company Name] achieve its goals. I’ve attached my portfolio and resume. 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

[Your Name]

Graphic design cover letter examples

As all graphic designers know, great examples lead the way when it comes to inspiring your creativity. Here are a few cover letter samples to get you moving. 

✏ Design internship cover letter example

Hello John Doe,

I’m writing about the internship you posted for [Company Name] . As a passionate graphic designer set to graduate this year, I’m thrilled about the opportunity, and I’d like to take a moment to tell you why I’d be a great fit for the role.

As mentioned, I’m graduating this year with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from [University] . When I began my formal education, my skills in creative problem solving and practical design tools were already well-honed. During my sophomore year, I won the Indigo Design Award for Graphic Design of the Year.

This brings me to the internship opportunity at [Company Name] . The work your company does is inspirational and innovative, and that work is one of the reasons I started designing at such an early age. I’m certain that the opportunity to challenge myself in such an inspiring environment would have a profound impact on my talent as a designer. In turn, I would strive to exceed the standards set for this opportunity.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to speak to you more about the internship. I’ve attached my resume as well as a robust portfolio through which you can explore my work in detail. Thank you for considering me for this amazing opportunity, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Emily McDribbble

✏ Entry-level graphic design cover letter example

Hi Jane Doe,

I came across the posting on [Design Agency’s] website for a new graphic designer, and I wanted to write to express my interest. As a close follower of [Design Agency’s] work from the beginning of my career, the word “interest” is a bit of an understatement.

Since graduating 2 years ago, I’ve worked for [Agency Name] as an intern designing logos, infographics, visual identities, advertisements, and a handful of billboards. In fact, I was a key designer on [Company Name’s] brand refresh last year!

While I love the work I do, over the last year, I’ve immersed myself in design thinking and collaborative design while learning HTML and CSS in my spare time. I believe I’d make a great addition to the [Agency Name] team since the position entails split responsibilities between branding and creating design systems for web applications. 

I’ve attached my resume and portfolio, and I’d love the opportunity to speak to you further. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

✏ Freelance design cover letter example

Hi John Doe,

I noticed on LinkedIn that you were looking for a freelancer for your company’s rebranding project. I’m a  freelance graphic designer  specializing in brand identity, and it just so happens I’m wrapping up some client work and looking for my next project. 

I have over 6 years of experience working with boutique, high-value brands. My most recent work includes a rebrand of [Company Name] and the visual identity for a new startup, [Company Name]. My expertise and skills span logo design and visual identity, packing design, and design systems for websites, to name a few. 

I have a few ideas regarding your aim of reaching higher-value clients. Not long ago, I helped [Company Name] accomplish this same goal. Having taken an inventory of your brand’s identity across your web and social media presence, I’m certain I can help. 

If you’d like to see more of my work, you can visit my  freelance portfolio  at graphicdesignportfolio.com where you’ll also find some helpful case studies. When you have the time, get in touch and we can set up a quick call to see if we’re a good fit for each other.

Thanks for reading,

✏ Experienced designer cover letter example

I’m a senior graphic designer with a decade of experience, and I’m as passionate about the work now as when I first started. I leap at the opportunity to solve difficult creative problems that result in helping brands grow and evolve. For this reason, I believe I’m a great fit for the Lead Graphic Designer position at [Company Name].

Having worked on countless design projects across print and digital — and with teams large and small — I’m confident I can lead [Company Name’s] design team to new heights. In my current role as Lead Designer at [Company Name] , I’ve had the opportunity to lead other designers in creating print and digital material through multiple ad campaigns. Our most recent efforts resulted in a 47% increase in conversions on our website. 

Design skills aside, I hold [Company Name] in high regard as an inclusive business that takes diversity seriously. I feel that the qualities of a great leader are humility and empathy, and I make a conscious effort to lead in this manner. I’m certain that my expertise can help [Company Name] become a better company, and [Company Name] can help me become a better individual.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope we get the chance to speak more about the opportunity.

How do you answer “Why should we hire you?” 

This notorious question is asked at nearly every  graphic design job interview  and for many designers early in their career, it can be a tough one to answer. Fortunately for you, if you followed the process outlined above, you’ve already set the stage for why the company should hire you. To top it off, all the research and thinking you did as part of the writing process is the material you’ll draw from when your great cover letter lands you an interview. 

Get hired in graphic design

The job search for the right graphic design job can be tumultuous. If there’s an edge you can give yourself that improves your chances of landing a position, by all means, go for it. Great cover letters can be one of those edges.

Likewise, if you’re on the hunt for a new graphic design role, a great place to start is the  Dribbble job board , where you can find the latest opportunities in graphic design and related fields. Dive in, find a job, and start practicing your cover letter writing skills today.

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