What makes this cover letter great
This cover letter is a strong example because it clearly demonstrates the candidate's relevant education, technical skills, and professional experience. It provides specific examples of past work, showcases proficiency with industry-standard tools, and highlights both creative and collaborative abilities. The letter is tailored to the Illustrator role, showing genuine enthusiasm and alignment with the employer's needs. It is concise, well-organized, and communicates both passion and professionalism.
Cover letter example for Illustrator
Strong cover letter
I am excited to apply for the Illustrator position, as my background in digital and traditional illustration, combined with my passion for visual storytelling, aligns perfectly with your needs. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, where I developed a strong foundation in drawing, color theory, and composition. Over the past five years, I have worked as a freelance illustrator, collaborating with publishers, advertising agencies, and game developers to create engaging artwork for books, marketing campaigns, and interactive media.
My portfolio includes children’s book illustrations, editorial artwork for magazines, and character designs for mobile games. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Procreate, and traditional media such as watercolor, ink, and gouache. I am skilled at interpreting creative briefs, working within brand guidelines, and delivering high-quality illustrations on tight deadlines. My experience working with cross-functional teams has honed my communication skills and my ability to incorporate feedback constructively.
I am passionate about creating visually compelling images that communicate ideas and evoke emotion. I am eager to bring my creativity, technical skills, and collaborative spirit to your team, and I look forward to contributing to your projects with fresh and innovative illustrations.
Weak cover letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the Illustrator job. I like drawing and have used Photoshop before. I think I would be good at this job because I am creative and work hard. I hope you will consider me for this position.
Thank you.
Cover letter best practices
Tailor Each Cover Letter to being a Illustrator
Avoid generic letters. Customize your content to reflect the specific job description, company values, and how your experience aligns with their needs.
Use a Professional Format
Stick to a clean, business-like layout with consistent fonts, spacing, and margins. Match the formatting of your resume for a cohesive application package.
Address the Right Person
Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual (e.g., “Dear Ms. Johnson”). Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the hiring manager’s name.
Start with a Strong Opening
Capture attention in the first paragraph by stating the position, expressing genuine interest, and previewing the value you’ll bring to the role.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
Focus on 1–2 specific accomplishments that relate directly to the job. Use metrics, outcomes, or project details to demonstrate impact.
Show You Understand the Company
Demonstrate knowledge of the company’s mission, recent news, or culture. This shows you’ve done your homework and care about where you work.
Explain Career Transitions Briefly
If you’re changing industries, roles, or returning to work, provide context for your move and highlight transferable skills.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Limit your letter to one page and avoid repeating your resume. Aim for clarity and brevity—ideally 3–4 paragraphs.
Use a Confident, Professional Tone
Write assertively without arrogance. Avoid overused buzzwords unless supported by real examples.
Close with a Clear Call to Action
End with a confident statement of interest, and invite the employer to connect or schedule an interview.
Proofread Carefully
Typos and grammatical errors can ruin a strong letter. Review it multiple times, and consider reading it out loud or asking someone else to check it.