Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the role of Junior Designer at FairyLoot. I believe that I would be an excellent fit for this role because I am an Illustrator with a 1st Class degree in Graphic Design who loves reading fantasy.
In March 2026, I was shortlisted for the Penguin Cover Design Award for a design based on the book ‘A Wrinkle In Time’. I was given feedback from the art director who pushed me to further my design practice which was really inspiring and I have used this to further my personal projects. This project was the most fulfilling of my career so far, and this cemented my goal of working in the publishing industry.
Wand Illustrations is my illustration business that I started 7 years ago. In my business I take commissioned work and also sell my art. I am an organised individual and manage everything, from design work, finances, attending events, ecommerce and liasing with stockists. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have a full understanding of how to format artworks, use bleed, ensure the correct dpi is used and set up the correct colour profiles to create print ready files. I regularly use these skills when communicating with print companies to ensure my products are produced to the highest quality.
I pride myself in meeting client deadlines and being a straightforward and approachable person to work with. I have worked for multiple clients such as; Carshop, Nottingham Castle, Child Friendly Nottingham and De Montfort University, to create designs that are in keeping with their brand messaging. The aspect that I love most about being a designer is that I am able to solve problems for my clients. I believe that I can bring a fresh perspective to the design team whilst ensuring my work is cohesive to FairyLoot’s branding.
Supporting creativity in others is a priority for me. I volunteer as a trustee for Young Creative Awards Nottingham, who encourage and support young people in many different creative disciplines. I support the charity by assisting in social media marketing, graphic design and event management.
I currently work as an assistant manager at an independent cinema in Nottingham. This role has developed my skills in customer service and teamwork. In my role as a manager, I have strong communication skills and I am able to calmly resolve any conflicts that may arise. Having multiple jobs has meant that I am proactive and have excellent time management skills. I am confident working independently and in a team.
I am an avid reader and I try to read a book a week. Some of my favourite books are: “The Final Empire” (Mistborn) by Brandon Sanderson, “The House in The Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune and “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree. I have a guilty pleasure for vampire romances, and I really loved the “Slaying the Vampire Conqueror” FairyLoot edition. My dream is to one day be able to display a book that I designed, alongside my favourite books on my bookshelf.
I have admired FairyLoot for a very long time and I love that your designs are unique and tailored towards each story. I am excited for the opportunity to learn and grow as a designer at FairyLoot.
Sincerely,
Kate Wand