You strive to see beauty, transformation, and other impactful concepts in the world, translating them into visual works of art for others to contemplate. You might work on sculpting, painting, ceramics, textiles, or just about any other medium your creative mind can come up with!
But how do you go about writing a great cover letter that’s artful and thought-provoking to accompany your artist resume? What skills should you include, and what kinds of experiences keep recruiters’ attention?
Don’t worry, we’ve helped plenty of artists like you in the past! Check out our three artist cover letter examples, time-tested tips, and free AI cover letter generator for some inspiration of your own.
Copy this text for your artist cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Memphis, TN 37501
(123) 456-7890
October 10, 2023
James Rodriguez
Trilogy Tattoo Gallery
123 Fictional Lane
Memphis, TN 37501
Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
As an enthusiastic devotee of both traditional and modern body art, my free time is spent delving into the depths of tattoo design. While ensuring client satisfaction is my cornerstone, I have a special attachment to body art, as my experiences prove that delicate skill and precise execution genuinely make the tattoo. Therefore, I am thrilled to join Trilogy Tattoo Gallery as your next tattoo artist.
Working at Bluff City Tattoo has given me extensive experience in capturing and projecting clients’ narratives through intricate designs. Collaboratively, my team implemented innovative strategies, such as an engaging Instagram campaign showcasing our artwork, resulting in a significant customer engagement increase of 14% within seven months.
One fundamental aspect of tattoo designing that calls for refined precision is stencil preparation. During my stint at Underground Art, I leveraged my expertise in Procreate to craft stencils that were both mesmerizing and meticulously accurate. This digital advantage yielded an outstanding client approval rate of 88%, breathing life into their envisaged designs and propelling client retention rates by an astounding 32%.
Mastering the intricate dance of needle techniques while at No Regrets was a cornerstone in my professional learning journey. Combining my understanding of machine configurations, needle groupings, and sanitation protocols, I saw touch-up requests dwindling by 13%. Along with this letter, I have proudly included a selection of photographs exemplifying my tattoo artistry.
With my profound understanding of tattoo artistry and client centric ethos, I can enrich the vibrant canvas of Trilogy Tattoo Gallery, contributing to its mission of showcasing personal stories through tattoos. I am thrilled at the prospect of discussing how my expertise can further contribute to your establishment’s distinctive artistry. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Katarina Orlov
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
2 letters of recommendation
Photographs of Tattoos
Why this cover letter works
- While applying for a tattoo artist role, exude your creative flair, eye for detail, ability to engage customers to turn their body art vision into reality, and familiarity with relevant hygiene protocols.
- Keywords like stencil preparation, needle techniques, customer service, and tattoo designs, each paired with respective, tangible results, are enough to bring your artist cover letter to life. Amplify your piece’s impact by including a portfolio of your past work (photographs will do).
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Copy this for your makeup artist cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Boston, MA 02108
(123) 456-7890
October 10, 2023
William Jones
MAC Cosmetics
123 Fictional Lane
Boston, MA 02108
Dear Mr. Jones,
As a makeup artist boasting years of professional experience, complemented by my enthusiasm for cosmetic artistry, I’m confident I would make a skilled and valuable addition to your MAC Cosmetics team. Just as I revel in each unique opportunity to transform a face, I thrive in environments that challenge my artistic finesse and strategic application of skills, notably contouring and highlighting, airbrush makeup, and brow shaping and grooming.
Collaborating with prominent Boston-based fashion studios, such as Back Bay Skincare & Spa, I employed industry-standard airbrush makeup tools like Luminess and Temptu to deliver stunning, high-definition makeup looks, garnering positive feedback from photographers and clients alike.
As the lead makeup artist at Live by Skin, I enhanced clients’ facial features using my contouring and highlighting skills, resulting in a 17% boost in return customers and a similar increase in referrals.
At Chez Bella Salon, my brow shaping and grooming magic garnered a solid 8% more regulars. Oh, and did I mention? I also guided over 102 aspiring makeup artists in using Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel and Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Eyebrow Pencil to master this essential skill.
I’m eager to combine my passion for makeup artistry with my expertise to help MAC Cosmetics continue setting the beauty industry’s standard. I look forward to discussing my candidacy further. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Leila Kim
Why this cover letter works
- For this role, illustrate your mastery of makeup techniques like airbrushing, facial contouring, brow shaping and grooming, and skin preparation. Soft skills, including patience, listening, and attention to detail also matter.
- Three skill-and-impact-focused paragraphs in your makeup artist cover letter should be enough to assure the potential employer that their customers will be in the capable hands of a beauty wizard. See how Leila also showcases her knowledge of relevant tools and products (cue Luminess, Tempu, and Fenty Beauty).
Copy this for your 3D artist cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Chicago, IL 60007
(123) 456-7890
October 10, 2023
Sophia Miller
Electronic Arts (EA)
123 Fictional Lane
Chicago, IL 60007
Dear Ms. Miller:
Electronic Arts’ unwavering commitment to innovation and creativity in the gaming industry speaks to me as a 3D artist. While some may see 3D artistry as simply a job, I regard it as an extraordinary platform for breathing life into virtual worlds essentially empowering players to embark on spellbinding quests. Just as I relish in the excitement of transforming a vision into an awe-inspiring virtual world, I thrive in environments that challenge my strategy and craftsmanship in skills such as 3D modeling and digital sculpting.
During my 4-year tenure at High Voltage Software, I developed intricate 3D models that significantly drove the immersive experience of our flagship games, leading to a 14% annual increase in downloads. Achieving this required my proficiency in 3D modeling and the strategic use of industry-standard tools like Blender and Autodesk Maya to create detailed and realistic game assets.
Simultaneously, my expertise in texturing and UV mapping gave me a distinct edge in intensifying the visual appeal of our games. By seamlessly integrating textures handcrafted using Substance 3D Painter and ZBrush, I contributed to retaining 8% more monthly active users by improving the aesthetic detail of our virtual environments.
At Iron Galaxy Studios, my digital sculpting prowess and familiarity with ZBrush and Mudbox added an extra dash of realism to our characters. Engagement soared by 11%, and gamers loosened their purse strings a bit more, which manifested in a 9% uptick in in-game purchases.
It’s passion that stokes my desire to join the ranks at Electronic Arts and put my skills to work for your players. I am eager to discuss how my expertise can translate into unforgettable gaming experiences for your loyal player base. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Isabella Rossi
Why this cover letter works
- Design your 3D artist cover letter intro to grab the hiring manager’s attention and propel your candidacy to the next stage. A clever trick is flaunting your excitement about the company and industry.
- Captivatingly detail your experiences, including but not limited to 3D modeling, texture mapping, digital sculpting, and pertinent software such as Zbrush, Mudbox, and Substance 3D Painter. By fortifying accomplishments with solid metrics, you’re making a strong case to be hired.
Related cover letter examples
How to Beautify Your Artist Cover Letter
Every art studio has a vibe, and you want to show that you fit in, depending on where you’re applying! (Don’t focus on art for kids if you’re writing leans more towards horror-themed artwork.)
Even if the basic structure of your cover letter remains the same, you’ll want to revisit the job description every time and switch out details. The theme and tone of your letter should demonstrate that you’re already aligned with the studio’s open position!
Writing a graceful greeting and introduction
Just like you wouldn’t walk up to an art client and say “Hey, you!”, you’ll need to find the name of who you’re writing your cover letter to. Recheck the job ad, check the company site, and Google the company to try finding a name for your introduction.
After you figure out who you’re writing to, hook their attention and connect with the company. Bring in some solid examples of traits that align you with the type of artist they’re looking for. Are you a pro with the very 3D modeling software they mention in their job listing? Do you share in their community vision?
State clearly why you’re the right fit for the job, and tie your abilities in with mission statements or specific job skills that show you’ve done your research. Say why you want to work for the company and say why the company would want to hire you.
Just avoid an opener like the following that’s too vague, unenthusiastic, and informal, no matter how casual the venue is:
Oh no . . .
Heyyy, so I saw your post on Instagram last week and thought it was similar to stuff that I do and I’d love to get my work out there so you should definitely hire me.
This opener addresses someone by name and uses enthusiastic language to connect with the company and provide solid examples of qualifying skills:
Phew, saved it!
Dear Mr. Jones,
As a makeup artist boasting years of professional experience complemented by my enthusiasm for cosmetic artistry, I’m confident I would make a skilled and valuable addition to your MAC Cosmetics team. Just as I revel in each unique opportunity to transform a face, I thrive in environments that challenge my artistic finesse and strategic application of skills—notably contouring and highlighting, airbrush makeup, and brow shaping and grooming.
Sculpting the body paragraphs
Your body paragraphs should tell a visual, thought-provoking story of your success as an artist. Whether you work in tattooing, makeup artistry, or digital modeling, each body paragraph should center around one achievement showcasing what makes you the best.
Make sure you feature success stories that match your niche, too. Talking about your drawing skills can supplement your prowess as a makeup artist, but that doesn’t mean you should emphasize drawing. Recruiters should have no questions about what kind of artist you are!
Use metrics to quantify your positive impact, too. Did you make a studio’s models look ravishing in front of the camera, boosting magazine sales? By how much did your beautiful paintings increase engagement during a community outreach program?
Example of a well-designed body paragraph
Stencil preparation is a fundamental aspect of tattoo design that calls for refined precision. During my stint at Underground Art, I leveraged my expertise in Procreate to craft mesmerizing and meticulously accurate stencils. This digital advantage yielded an outstanding client approval rate of 88%, breathing life into their personal designs and propelling client retention rates by an astounding 32%.
Closing your cover letter and signing off
Each one of your artistic pieces needs those final finishing touches—and so does your cover letter! To create an effective closing paragraph, think back to your introduction and view it in a new light. (Just don’t repeat yourself! Think of fresh ways to phrase your points.)
Summarize your desire and qualifications for the job, reconnect with the company values, and show your enthusiasm for the role. Include a call to action that encourages your reader to contact you again for extra details on why you’re the perfect fit.
Be courteous and thank the reader for their time, too! As an artist, you know how valuable time can be, so include a thank-you either as your signoff or as part of your closing paragraph. Either way, use a professional signoff phrase and sign your cover letter with your real, full name.
Avoid slang and vague statements that sound too informal, no matter how laid-back the work culture seems, or else you risk sounding like you don’t take the job seriously:
Oops . . .
Yeah so those are my qualifications. I hope you like them and can see how I can totally transform your studio. Can’t wait for a booth, thanks.
-Jeff
Instead, keep things short and sweet while still connecting with the company’s mission and displaying a professional air of enthusiasm:
Now that’s nice!
It’s passion that stokes my desire to join the ranks at Electronic Arts and put my skills to work for your players. I am eager to discuss how my expertise can translate into unforgettable gaming experiences for your loyal player base. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Isabella Rossi
That depends on the job! But many artist job ads ask for either a link to your portfolio or samples of your work. If they want samples, you can simply list them under “Enclosures” at the end of your cover letter. You can mention specialized certificates and professional references here, too!
We think it’s pretty important! Just like with your work, you’ll want to match your writing style, attitude, and general tone to the company culture. Are they more formal and focused on sleek, modern art? Do they want someone who isn’t afraid to push the limits with daring tattoo designs?
Look for some hidden gems in the job description or on the company website. Think about stuff people would generally overlook, like milestones in the company history or notable artists they’ve worked with that you also find inspiring. Mention the little things—it’s all in the details!
