Drafting an art director cover letter that spotlights your creative flair and professional skills isn't a task for the faint-hearted. But with our practical tips, standout examples, and adaptable templates, you'll be equipped to turn blank pages into a vibrant testament of your qualifications. Allow us to guide you on this creative journey.
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In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about writing a cover letter as an art director. Keep reading to learn about:
- The correct way to write a cover letter header & headline
- Why you need a personalized greeting on your art director cover letter
- How to write a compelling art director cover letter introduction
- Ways to show your professional value as an art director in a cover letter
- What details to include in an art director cover letter closing statement
- What are the best job search resources for art directors
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1. The correct way to write an art director cover letter header & headline
Before you even begin writing the introduction and body text of your cover letter, you need to ensure your cover letter header and headline are in good shape.
A cover letter header refers to the block of text most often found in the top left corner of the document. In this header, you will list all necessary details about the company you are applying to and your own professional information.
The cover letter headline is a brief, one-sentence title that leads into your cover letter and gives the reader a good idea of what you will discuss within it.
Formatting the header
While a cover letter can vary in both format and order of information, it should always be between 3 to 4 lines of text and contain the following details:
- The company name (and the name of the company department, when applicable)
- Your name and professional title
- Your contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, website, etc.)
Here is an example of an art director cover letter header
To: The Modern Museum of Art, Directors Board
From: Jane Bloom, Artistic Director
(123) 456-7890 | janebloom@email.com | janebloom.com
Writing the headline
When writing a cover letter as an art director, your main objective is to grab the reader’s attention with an engaging statement that previews the information to come.
In your headline, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Art director cover letter headline example
3 Essential Skills that Make Me the Perfect Art Director for Your Company
Trigger Word/Number: 3 Essential Skills
Keyword: Art Director
Adjective/Verb: Perfect
Promise: For Your Company – this promise statement shows that you will specifically cover how you will apply your skills at the employer’s company.
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2. Include a personalized greeting on your art director cover letter
If you have ever applied for a director-level position, you know how important it is to show the employer you have researched their company and are familiar with its leaders.
Rather than using a generalized greeting, such as “To Whom It May Concern,”, you should address the exact person who will review your application whenever possible.
In the event that this information is not readily or publicly available, you may want to try one of the following alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
3. Craft a compelling art director cover letter introduction
Once the header, headline, and greeting of your cover letter are properly formatted and in place, the next step is to write a compelling introduction.
To do so, you should aim to include the following information:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write an art director cover letter introduction
To [Employer’s Name],
I am a seasoned Art Director with 5+ years of experience designing and developing budgets for large-scale museum and gallery exhibitions. In a business meeting with Jack Smith, your company’s Head of Design, Mr. Smith informed me of this opening and encouraged me to apply after seeing my success with executing a major exhibit for The Museum of Modern Art.
In this introduction, the applicant not only clearly outlines their professional experience with specific details but also mentions a professional acquaintance with a high-level staff member at the employer’s company.
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4. Show your professional value as an art director in a cover letter
Following the introduction of your cover letter are the body paragraphs, where you will detail your relevant experience and accomplishments that make you a great fit for the position.
In these body paragraphs, you should aim to answer each of these questions.
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Accomplishments are especially important in this section of your cover letter, as they help to show employers the real-life value you can bring to their company.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in an art director cover letter
As the Art Director for [Former Employer], I developed a new artistic budget that allowed for the leasing of a larger exhibition space at a 15% reduction in cost compared to the previous rental space used. Additionally, I discovered and invited 5 prolific modern artists to display their work at a major exhibition, drawing a crowd of nearly 40,000 over a two-week period.
5. Effective details to include in your art director cover letter closing statement
Anytime you write a cover letter as an art director, it is crucial to conclude your letter with a powerful closing statement.
To do, you should include in the statement:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a well-written closing statement from an art director’s cover letter
With my years of experience developing and creating budgets for large-scale exhibitions combined with your high-profile clientele of investors and artists, I am positive we can achieve next-level excellency together. I would love to connect with your team as soon as possible, and am available every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to set up a formal meeting. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890, or via email at janedoe@email.com
Graciously,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
6. Best job search resources for art directors
Being an art director involves more than having a visionary mind. It's also about understanding the marketplace you're stepping into. Here are some top-notch resources to assist you in your journey:
- Industry-focused job boards: Websites like Behance and Dribbble are designed for creative professionals and are frequently visited by employers in the hunt for top talent.
- Networking platforms: LinkedIn remains a cornerstone for professional connections. Filled with job postings and industry news, it's a valuable resource for any art director.
- Portfolio websites: Showcasing your work is crucial. Sites like Adobe Portfolio and Squarespace allow you to build a visually stunning portfolio that tells your creative tale.
- Creative communities and agencies: Joining platforms like AIGA and Creative Circle can not only offer you engagement with like-minded professionals but also access to job postings not found elsewhere.
- Learning resources: Websites like Skillshare offer a wide array of courses to develop new skills and stay updated with industry trends, which is critical for an ever-evolving field like art direction.
Equipped with these resources, art directors can make their way through the highly competitive creative industry with a bit more ease.
Art Director Cover Letter FAQ
The purpose of your cover letter is to showcase your creativity, technical proficiency, and relevant experiences. A well-constructed cover letter allows you to narrate your professional journey and explain why you're the perfect fit for the art director role.
Start your cover letter with a catchy introduction that clearly states the job you’re applying for, and briefly highlights your qualifications and art directing experience. You could also include a significant achievement or a personal connection to the company’s work.
Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team, develop creative concepts, manage budgets, meet deadlines, and collaborate on projects. It's also beneficial to mention proficiencies in software and platforms relevant to the job posting.
Typically, a cover letter should not exceed one page. Be concise, compelling, and stick to relevant details about your career and skills.
Given the nature of the role, it’s appropriate to demonstrate some creativity in your cover letter, while keeping it professional. This could mean incorporating industry-related jargon, narrating a relevant mini-story or citing an inspirational figure or artwork in your field.
