Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example and Template for 2023

Whether you're just starting your career as a graphic designer or you're an established creative professional who's researching different career path options, developing a professional-looking cover letter is an excellent way to impress potential employers. If you're preparing to apply for jobs, reviewing resume templates and examples of cover letters for graphic designers can help you get started. 

In this article, we explain why crafting an effective cover letter is important, provide step-by-step instructions to help you create one and share an example of a graphic designer cover letter that you can use as a reference. When you're ready to apply for graphic designer roles, upload a resume or build an Indeed resume to connect with hiring managers.

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Why create a graphic designer cover letter?

Creating a graphic designer cover letter is an excellent way to expand on the information in your resume. It also gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to hiring managers on a more personal level. For example, you might use your cover letter to discuss your career goals, your previous experiences and how you hope to contribute to the hiring manager's organization. Crafting a well-formatted and visually appealing cover letter can also help you demonstrate your skills as a graphic designer.

Related: 5 Steps for Writing a Graphic Design Resume (With Template)

What to include in a graphic designer cover letter

While each individual cover letter reflects a person's unique work experiences, skills and academic history, there are some basic details that are important to include. Understanding what these details are can help you make sure you include them in your graphic designer cover letter. Here are a few key elements hiring managers typically look for when reviewing graphic designer cover letters:

• Primary contact information

• Professional greeting

• Previous design experience

• Relevant graphic design skills and qualifications

• Examples of your previous clients or graphic design projects

• Reasons for applying

How to write a graphic designer cover letter

Here are some step-by-step instructions you can follow to write an impressive graphic designer cover letter:

1. Choose your fonts and formatting

Before you start writing your graphic designer cover letter, consider how you want it to look. Use the same fonts and color scheme as your resume and other application materials to create consistency. This can highlight your attention to detail and show hiring managers you understand the importance of proper branding. Make sure your text is easy to read by selecting an 11- or 12-point font size. Include a one-inch margin around your text to make your cover letter look polished and professional.

Read more: How To Format a Cover Letter (With an Outline and Examples)

2. Create a header

At the top of your cover letter, create a header that includes your primary contact information. List your full name, phone number and email address. While hiring managers may not always require you to include your location, you can share the city and state you live in if you want them to know whether you're a local candidate. Underneath your contact information, provide the date. You can align your header to the left of the page as you would with a standard business letter or center this information, depending on the formatting you choose to use.

3. Greet the reader

Select a professional greeting to address the hiring manager. If you know who the hiring manager is, include their name to personalize your message. This can show you've done your research about the graphic designer position and the company that's hiring. If you're unable to identify who the recipient is, simply address them as "Hiring Manager." 

Read more: How To Address a Cover Letter (With Examples)

4. Mention your desired job title

In the opening paragraph of your cover letter, share the exact job title of the graphic designer position you desire. Often, companies hire for multiple positions at the same time, so this ensures the hiring manager understands what role you're contacting them about. Share how this role aligns with your career goals, how you found out about the opening and what you hope to contribute to the hiring manager's organization to build a strong introduction.

5. Highlight your graphic design skills and qualifications

Review the graphic designer job position carefully to identify what types of skills and qualifications the hiring manager is looking for when reviewing candidates. Then try to include these details in the body of your cover letter by highlighting your unique credentials, academic background and work experience. You can mention what types of clients you've worked with in the past, discuss the campaigns you're the proudest of and share your relevant accomplishments. Some of the skills hiring managers seek in ideal graphic design candidates include:

• Verbal and written communication

• Time management

• Attention to detail

• Creativity

• Organization

• Responsiveness

• Branding experience

• Technical design knowledge

Related: What Are the Qualifications for Graphic Designers?

6. Craft a memorable closing paragraph

In your closing paragraph, reiterate two or three of your most impressive skills. Then thank the hiring manager for taking the time to read your cover letter and review your application materials. End this section on a positive note by letting the hiring manager know you look forward to hearing from them soon and learning more about the graphic designer position. This can help leave a positive impression and convey your confidence in your skill set.

Read more: How To Write a Conclusion (With Tips and Examples)

7. Include a professional closing statement

End with a professional closing statement that's friendly and polite. Then sign your first and last name at the bottom of your cover letter. Some examples of complimentary closing statements you may choose to use include:

• Regards,

• Respectfully,

• Best,

• Thank you,

• Sincerely,