About this template
The Checkerboard template is a bold letter built on a black-and-white checkerboard band that runs across the header, body in Helvetica Neue. Two contact blocks alternate inside the squares — a graphic device borrowed from skate culture, ska album art and the British Mod movement of the 60s. The maximum black-and-white contrast gives the document an assertive presence without resorting to colour.
Who is it for?
It suits candidates in streetwear (Vans, Carhartt WIP, Stüssy, Supreme, Palace), skate brands (Thrasher, Anti Hero, Polar Skate Co), independent record labels, sneaker culture (Sneakersnstuff, END., KITH), urban art galleries (Hashimoto Contemporary, Jonathan LeVine) and youth-led media (Highsnobiety, Hypebeast, Dazed Digital, i-D). Graphic designers, art directors, brand storytellers and creative producers chasing subcultural credibility — not appropriate for any traditional sector.
How to use it
Keep the checkerboard strictly black and white: adding any colour (even a single red accent) breaks the subcultural code. The Helvetica Neue body must stay black on white, no graphic temptation under the band. For streetwear applications, mention recognised collaborations ('art direction of the X x Y drop, released autumn 2024'). For urban-art galleries, cite represented artists and curated shows with their attendance. For youth-led media, your track record (YouTube views, podcast plays, social engagement) matters more than your degrees. Export to high-quality PDF so the checkerboard remains crisp without bleed. The 'streetwear cover letter Vans Stüssy' search is small but converts on subculture roles.
Frequently asked questions
Does the checkerboard require deep skate-culture knowledge?
For applications at authentic skate brands (Thrasher, Anti Hero, Polar), yes — the letter announces a sign of belonging; the recruiter tests your inner-culture in the interview ('which skaters shaped you', 'your favourite brand from the 90s'). For broader streetwear brands (Stüssy, Carhartt WIP), cultural affinity is enough. For urban-art galleries, it is rather knowledge of artists (Banksy, JR, Invader, Shepard Fairey, KAWS) that counts.
Should I attach a Behance or Are.na portfolio?
Yes for graphic designers and art directors: Behance remains the portfolio standard with streetwear and gallery recruiters. Are.na works to signal a sharper editorial approach (subculture, archives, obscure references). For community managers and social-media leads, attach instead direct links to the accounts you ran (with stats: followers, engagement, viral posts).
Does the template work for an ad agency application?
For agencies specialising in youth culture (Wieden+Kennedy Portland, Mother London, 72andSunny, Sid Lee NY), yes — the checkerboard is read as a mature mood board. For corporate generalist agencies (Ogilvy, BBDO, McCann Worldgroup), it is too subcultural — prefer an Editorial Magazine or Creative Agency Grid template that signals strategic brief mastery without locking you into a cultural niche.
