Congratulations on completing your first cover letter. However, as you look back, you realise it’s simply a copy-paste of your CV.
Repeating your curriculum vitae is a common pitfall that many candidates encounter, making the cover letter redundant.
Your cover letter should provide fresh insights, adding more value to your application. It’s also the ideal space to address career gaps or major transitions that might not be covered in your CV.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use your cover letter to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the role, while confidently addressing your career history and key achievements.
Cover letter examples for illustrator
Explore additional illustrator cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Illustrator Assistant
- Role-specific Achievements: Jacob highlights a notable achievement in spearheading the packing of over 1,000 bespoke orders monthly at Hermes, leading to a 20% increase in operational efficiency. This directly emphasizes his capability in improving processes within his specific role.
- Skill Highlight: The cover letter mentions the implementation of a new stock management system that reduced discrepancies by 30%, showcasing Jacob's proficiency in inventory management—a crucial skill for a Packing and Admin Specialist.
- Relevant Experience Enhancement: Through his role at Next PLC, Jacob enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by 18%, underlining his strength in customer service, which is pivotal for ensuring client retention and satisfaction in e-commerce settings.
- Education & Courses: Jacob's completion of an Associate Degree in Business Administration combined with courses like "CorelDraw for Beginners" and "Advanced Excel Techniques" underscores his commitment to continuous learning and adds value to his admin and design enthusiast profile.
Junior Illustrator
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting work at prominent companies like Hasbro and LEGO Group, which adds credibility and relevance to her application in the toy design and multimedia industry.
- Technical Proficiency: Emphasises expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, a critical skill set for graphic designers, especially in multimedia and animation roles.
- Demonstrated Impact: Clearly states achievements such as leading to a sales increase, boosting brand engagement, and improving design efficiency, showcasing her capacity for tangible contributions.
- Continued Learning: Mentions completing courses on advanced software techniques, signalling a commitment to ongoing professional development and enhancement of her skill set.
Senior Illustrator
- Emphasises significant achievements such as increasing user engagement by 30% and improving design efficiency by 40%, which are crucial metrics for a UX/UI Designer role.
- Highlights specialised certifications in UX design and Adobe XD that underscore the applicant's commitment to continuously enhancing their skills in UI/UX design for gaming applications.
- Includes specific skills like Figma, Unity, and stakeholder interviews, relevant for a table games UX/UI Designer role, aligning with current industry tools and practices.
- Demonstrates cross-functional collaboration experience, essential for roles where designing interfaces involves working with developers and product teams.
Lead Illustrator
- Emphasis on proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, which is crucial for roles in illustration and animation, effectively showcasing key technical skills.
- Highlighted experience in visual storytelling, crucial for roles that require converting narratives into visual formats, demonstrating the ability to enhance audience engagement.
- Specific achievements such as a 30% increase in project efficiency and a 40% audience size growth, providing evidence of measurable success and impact in previous roles.
- Inclusion of relevant educational background and advanced courses, underpinning a solid foundation and continuous professional development in animation and storytelling.
Illustrator Intern
- Relevant Experience: Alice highlights her practical experience in designing and optimising websites, which is crucial for a web developer role. Mention of a specific improvement in website traffic by 35% demonstrates tangible impact, appealing to potential employers.
- Skill Endorsements: By mentioning skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop alongside HTML and CSS, Alice provides a comprehensive view of her technical and design capabilities, which are vital for web development and creatively driven roles.
- Awards and Achievements: Highlighting specific awards such as the 'Website Traffic Boost Award' adds credibility to her expertise. It demonstrates her ability to deliver results that align with business objectives, a valuable trait for an intern position.
- Passion for the Field: Alice's summary and passion description about integrating health and digital solutions reveal her motivation and interest in the role, making her a strong cultural fit for organisations in the health tech space.
Entry-Level Illustrator
- Emphasise relevant experience in the use of specialised software such as PTC Creo, as demonstrated by the candidate's 8 years of experience and successful project outcomes.
- Include quantifiable achievements, such as the candidate's role in improving project timelines by 20% to showcase the impact of your work.
- Highlight any specialised training or courses undertaken to enhance skills, like the completion of advanced CAD modelling courses, to emphasise commitment to professional development.
- Showcase collaboration and communication skills, evidenced by contributions to cross-functional team success, which are crucial for problem-solving in technical roles.
Mid-Level Illustrator
- Emphasising the applicant's 4 years of experience in graphic design and multimedia, which is crucial for demonstrating capability and expertise in this field.
- Highlighting specific achievements, such as leading a project that increased client satisfaction by 30%, showcases the candidate's ability to deliver impactful results.
- Including a section on skills and software proficiency, particularly in the Adobe Creative Suite, is vital for roles focused on visual communication and design.
- Discussing collaboration with cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects underlines the applicant's teamwork and project management skills, which are valuable in a creative environment.
Senior-Level Illustrator
- Highlighting certifications: The "Sustainable Fashion Design" certification is noted as a specialty, which is particularly valuable for a role focused on incorporating eco-friendly practices in design.
- Emphasising relevant skills and tools: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and skills in jersey and woven fabrics are critical for highlighting design expertise in womenswear.
- Showcasing leadership and mentorship: Mentioning the successful mentorship programme demonstrates the candidate's ability to lead and improve team productivity, which is significant for a senior position.
- Highlighting client relationship management: The ability to grow client accounts by 30% and secure high-value contracts reflects strong buyer relationship management skills, essential for the role.
Principal Illustrator
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses metrics to demonstrate impact, such as the 30% reduction in report generation time at British Airways, which showcases the candidate's ability to drive efficiency and deliver tangible results.
- Relevant Experience: Emphasising specific roles, such as the senior data analyst position at British Airways, adds credibility and aligns directly with the data-focused nature of the role, assuring potential employers of the candidate's extensive industry experience.
- Technical Skills: Highlighting skills in SQL, Python, and Tableau indicates the candidate's proficiency in key data analysis tools, essential for a data analyst position, reinforcing their capability to manage complex datasets and insights.
- Educational Background: Mentioning advanced qualifications, like the Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Edinburgh, supports the cover letter by suggesting a strong theoretical foundation and specialised knowledge in data-driven roles.
By Role
Children's Book Illustrator
- Relevance to role: The candidate explicitly highlights their proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, which are critical tools for an Illustrator role, reinforcing their capacity to perform the job effectively.
- Career Progression: The candidate’s progression from Graphic Designer to Technical Illustrator, along with specific achievements, showcases growing expertise and experience in increasingly complex roles, suggestive of their capability and ambition.
- Passion and Specialism: By including interests such as Railway Enthusiasm, the candidate aligns their personal passion with a professional niche, possibly setting them apart in industries related to rail history or transportation design.
- Impactful Contributions: Documenting specific and quantifiable impacts, such as a 25% increase in user engagement or a reduction in printing costs by 10%, helps to illustrate the candidate's influence and effectiveness in previous roles.
Technical Illustrator
- Emphasising relevant software proficiency such as Adobe Creative Suite and specialised tools like Blender and Gimp showcases essential technical skills for a design role.
- Highlighting specific achievements—such as increasing client satisfaction by 15% and reducing project initiation time by 30%—demonstrates impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Including a balance of professional experience, such as successful collaboration with creative directors and constructing independent projects, showcases versatility and capacity for both teamwork and self-directed initiatives.
- Mentioning industry recognition, like contributing to an award-winning animation project, adds credibility and reflects a high standard of professionalism.
Fashion Illustrator
- The candidate effectively highlights their proficiency in Adobe Suite, a crucial skill for roles in illustration, storyboarding, and animation design.
- There's a strong emphasis on measurable achievements (e.g., increasing engagement by 25%), which demonstrates the candidate's impact in previous roles and grounds their experience in quantifiable success.
- Experience in prestigious animation studios like Blue Zoo Animation Studio and Aardman Animations is prominently showcased, lending credibility and prestige to the candidate's professional background.
- The inclusion of relevant education and specialised courses (e.g., Advanced Storyboarding for Animation) underlines a commitment to continuous learning and expertise development, which is valuable for staying competitive in creative sectors.
Storyboard Illustrator
- Emphasising specific industry experience, such as working with Aardman Animations, adds credibility and demonstrates knowledge of prestigious projects.
- Highlighting technical proficiency in indispensable tools like Toon Boom Storyboard Pro and Adobe Photoshop underscores the candidate's readiness to contribute effectively.
- Showcasing quantifiable achievements and impacts, such as a 15% increase in viewer engagement and reducing pre-production time by 10%, illustrates measurable success in past roles.
- Mentions of awards and certifications, like 'Award-Winning Animation Series' and 'Advanced Storyboarding Techniques,' help to distinguish the candidate as skilled and recognised in their field.
Medical Illustrator
- Emphasising the Teledermatology Certification from the British Dermatological Society, which showcases expertise in specialised telemedicine and dermatology imaging best practices.
- Highlighting leadership through the Teledermatology Process Improvement project that increased diagnostic efficiency by 30%, proving effectiveness in project management and innovation.
- Detailing experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, such as the co-creation of protocols for ophthalmology imaging, which increased diagnostic accuracy—a key aspect of the Clinical Photographer role.
- Showcasing Organisational Skills by outlining achievements like the implementation of a new digital archiving system, which improved data security and image retrieval speed by 45%.
Graphic Illustrator
- Highlighting Isabella's notable achievements, such as increasing brand engagement by 30% through strategic visual storytelling, showcases her impact and value to potential employers.
- Mentioning exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite along with specific skills like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Animate underscores the technical expertise required for graphic design roles.
- The inclusion of accomplishments such as leading a design overhaul that improved user engagement metrics on digital platforms over a year positions Isabella as a leader in driving successful visual campaigns.
- The addition of industry accolades, such as the award for children’s book illustration, enhances her credibility and demonstrates her creative talent recognised by others in the field.
Digital Illustrator
- Specific Experience: Highlight experience with Greek societies and collegiate markets, aligning closely with the role of digital illustrator specialising in custom apparel design.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Emphasise measurable results, such as a 30% increase in client satisfaction and a 20% reduction in project turnaround times, to demonstrate effectiveness and value.
- Innovation in Design: Showcase the implementation of AI tools and adaptation to design trends, illustrating a forward-thinking approach and the ability to stay competitive in a dynamic market.
- Relevant Courses: Mention completion of courses like "Advanced Apparel Design Using Adobe Illustrator," which underline commitment to specialised skill enhancement relevant to the role.
3D Illustrator
- Emphasising specific achievements in prior roles, such as boosting social media engagement by 30% and enhancing brand consistency, demonstrates the candidate's ability to make impactful contributions in a graphic design role.
- The inclusion of relevant skills, such as proficiency in Adobe Suite and brand development, highlights the candidate's technical capabilities as essential for success in visual design positions.
- Highlighting awards and recognitions, such as the 'Social Media Engagement Award', provides concrete evidence of the candidate's accomplishments and professional recognition within the industry.
- Incorporating additional education, such as a Master of Arts in Visual Communication, and courses like 'Advanced Adobe Creative Suite' indicates continuous learning and skill enhancement, a valued trait for evolving roles in graphic design and social media.
Concept Illustrator
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: Highlighting experience in real-time environments and optimisation is crucial for a Concept/Game Artist role, especially when aiming to improve project timelines and efficiency.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific achievements, such as a 30% reduction in lag times and a 25% increase in production speed, demonstrates the candidate's impact and problem-solving abilities.
- Education and Certifications: Mentioning advanced degrees in Game Art and relevant certifications, like Unity Certified Expert, emphasises technical expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Art and Technical Skills: Discussing skills such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and version control showcases a balance of artistic and technical proficiency important for success in this role.
Comic Book Illustrator
- Highlighting Key Achievements: The cover letter prominently showcases significant accomplishments, such as leading an art team to reduce production time by 30% and achieving a 40% sales boost from innovative character designs.
- Emphasising Technical Skills: Skills in both traditional and digital illustration, along with specific software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Procreate), are highlighted to emphasise the applicant's comprehensive skill set.
- Showcasing Leadership Abilities: The applicant clearly demonstrates leadership through experiences like mentoring junior artists and successfully leading an artistic team on award-winning projects.
- Focus on Collaboration and Communication: Exemplified by collaborating with writers and creative directors, highlighting the ability to translate narratives into compelling visual stories effectively.
Freelance Illustrator
- Emphasise relevant industry experience: Highlighting positions at renowned companies like Supercell, Ubisoft, and King demonstrates credibility and expertise in the gaming industry.
- Showcase specific achievements: Listing awards and achieved targets, such as "Awarded Best Art Direction" and "Exceeded Asset Creation Targets," underscores contributions and success in previous roles.
- Detail key skills and tools: Mentioning proficiency in software like Unity, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite reveals technical capabilities crucial for roles in 2D/3D asset and animation creation.
- Include professional development: Citing completed courses, such as "Advanced 3D Asset Creation" and "VFX for Games Mastery," reflects commitment to ongoing learning and mastery of specialised skills.
Illustrator cover letter example
Eva Fisher
[object Object]
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Medical Illustrator position at your healthcare institution, a role that aligns perfectly with my professional experience and passion for enhancing healthcare communication. Your commitment to pioneering patient education through innovative visual aids deeply resonates with my career goals.
In my current role as a Senior Clinical Photographer at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, I spearheaded the implementation of advanced ophthalmic imaging techniques that decreased patient wait times for diagnostic procedures by 30%. This achievement highlights my adeptness in digital transformations within a high-stakes healthcare environment, a core strength that I am eager to bring to your team.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in clinical photography and multimedia development can contribute to your esteemed team. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
Sincerely,
Eva Fisher, Registered Medical Illustrator
Why this cover letter stands out:
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter emphasizes a significant achievement in the current role, showcasing expertise in implementing advanced ophthalmic imaging techniques. This demonstrates the candidate's ability to contribute effective solutions in a similar setting.
- Connecting Personal Goals with Company Values: The letter clearly aligns the candidate’s career goals with the institution's mission, indicating a strong fit for both the organization's objectives and the candidate’s professional aspirations.
- Emphasizing a Key Skill: By mentioning experience in digital transformations, the candidate highlights a crucial skill that is valuable for the Medical Illustrator role, indicating their potential to enhance healthcare communication through technology.
- Specific Certification: The candidate mentions being a Registered Medical Illustrator, which emphasizes their specialized qualifications and credibility in the field, directly relevant to the position.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a illustrator cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your illustrator cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your illustrator cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having long admired your commitment to fostering creativity in educational publishing, I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing my illustration skills to enhance the storytelling power you are renowned for at [Company Name]. Your innovative approach aligns perfectly with my passion for creating engaging visual narratives that strengthen the reader's connection with the content.
RIGHT
How to write your illustrator cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at Creative Studio Ltd, I spearheaded an innovative project in collaboration with a renowned publishing house, resulting in a 30% increase in their illustrated book sales within the first six months of launch. This achievement was primarily driven by the unique integration of vivid visual storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, skills I have honed over a decade in the industry. Leading a team of five illustrators, I developed a cohesive artistic vision that not only revitalised the existing product line but also attracted a new demographic, as demonstrated by a 45% rise in market engagement. This experience underscores my ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking to effectively elevate and differentiate brand offerings.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
I am genuinely excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to your projects with my artistic skills and creative vision. I am eager to bring my unique style to your esteemed company and help translate your ideas into compelling visual narratives. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for considering my application; I look forward to discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of your company.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your job application. Always personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and linking your qualifications to the role's requirements.
Highlight relevant achievements that set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Maintain a professional format that complements your CV, creating a cohesive and polished application.
