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Artist Designer Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Designer Illustrator

Portland, OR · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

The Senior Illustrator is a multidisciplinary visual artist who executes thoughtful, refined ... designers and illustrators. AS A PERSON, YOU HAVE: * Illustration Excellence: Demonstrated ...

Artist & Designer

Henderson, NV · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

The Artist is responsible for creating digital illustrations / designs and 3D models for use in the manufacturing of precious metal products. The artist will also work closely with sales and customer ...

Artist & Designer

Coeur D Alene, ID · On-site

$124K - $148K/yr

The Artist is responsible for creating digital illustrations / designs and 3D models for use in the manufacturing of precious metal products. The artist will also work closely with sales and customer ...

Artist & Designer

Henderson, NV

$122K - $146K/yr

The Artist is responsible for creating digital illustrations / designs and 3D models for use in the manufacturing of precious metal products. The artist will also work closely with sales and customer ...

The Artist is responsible for creating digital illustrations / designs and 3D models for use in the manufacturing of precious metal products. The artist will also work closely with sales and customer ...

Artist & Designer

Coeur D Alene, ID

$124K - $148K/yr

The Artist is responsible for creating digital illustrations / designs and 3D models for use in the manufacturing of precious metal products. The artist will also work closely with sales and customer ...

Artist & Designer

Henderson, NV · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

The Artist is responsible for creating digital illustrations / designs and 3D models for use in the manufacturing of precious metal products. The artist will also work closely with sales and customer ...

The Artist is responsible for creating digital illustrations / designs and 3D models for use in the manufacturing of precious metal products. The artist will also work closely with sales and customer ...

Job Overview The Illustrator/ Artist will join our team-oriented group of creative in the Game ... designs etc. * Create digital character paintings/illustrations, compositions/layouts, logos, UI ...

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Artist Designer Illustrator information

See salary details

$30.5K

$129.5K

$152.5K

How much do artist designer illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for artist designer illustrator in the United States is $129,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Artist Designer Illustrator?

An Artist Designer Illustrator is a creative professional who combines artistic skills with design principles to produce visual content for various mediums such as books, advertising, digital media, and products. They create original artwork and illustrations, often collaborating with clients or creative teams to communicate ideas visually. Their work may range from hand-drawn art to digital graphics, and they typically use both traditional and digital tools to bring concepts to life.

Is illustrator a high paying job?

Illustrator is a creative profession with earnings that vary based on experience, skill level, and industry. Entry-level illustrators often earn less, while experienced professionals working in advertising, publishing, or licensing can achieve higher salaries, especially with a strong portfolio and specialized skills. Overall, it can be a well-paying career for those with established reputations and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Artist Designer Illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Artist Designer Illustrator, you need a strong foundation in drawing, composition, color theory, and visual storytelling, typically backed by a portfolio and a relevant degree or coursework. Proficiency in industry-standard digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and, increasingly, experience with digital tablets or animation software, is highly valued. Creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you interpret client briefs and collaborate effectively with teams. These abilities are critical to producing compelling visual content that meets client needs and stands out in competitive creative industries.

How does an Artist Designer Illustrator typically collaborate with other team members during the creative process?

As an Artist Designer Illustrator, collaboration is a key part of the creative process. You’ll often work closely with creative directors, writers, and marketing teams to understand project goals and client needs. Regular feedback sessions and brainstorming meetings are common, where you’ll present drafts, receive input, and refine your work accordingly. Strong communication skills are essential, as you may also coordinate with animators, UX/UI designers, or product managers depending on the project’s scope.

What does an illustrator designer do?

An illustrator designer creates visual artwork for various media, including books, advertisements, and digital platforms. They combine artistic skills with design principles, often using tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, to produce images that communicate ideas or enhance visual storytelling.

Are illustrators still in demand?

Illustrators are still in demand across various industries such as publishing, advertising, and digital media, especially with the growth of online content and visual communication. Success often depends on skills in digital tools like Adobe Illustrator and a strong portfolio, with freelance and remote work opportunities increasing.

What is the difference between Artist Designer Illustrator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectArtist Designer IllustratorGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, art or design degree often preferredDesign degree or certification typically required
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, freelance, or personal projectsAdvertising agencies, corporate settings, or freelance
Industry UsageArt, illustration, and creative projectsMarketing, branding, and visual communication

While both roles involve visual creation, Artist Designer Illustrators focus on original artwork and illustrations, often for artistic or commercial projects. Graphic Designers primarily work on visual communication for branding, advertising, and marketing. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much do illustrator artists make?

Illustrator artists' earnings vary based on experience, skill level, and industry, but the median annual salary in the United States is around $50,000 to $70,000. Freelance illustrators may charge per project or hour, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $150 per hour depending on complexity and reputation. Building a strong portfolio and proficiency with digital tools like Adobe Illustrator can influence earning potential.
What cities are hiring for Artist Designer Illustrator jobs? Cities with the most Artist Designer Illustrator job openings:
What states have the most Artist Designer Illustrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Artist Designer Illustrator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Artist Designer Illustrator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,541 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Designer Illustrator

Designer Illustrator

Thesis

Portland, OR • On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Temporary

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Reports to: Creative Director or Associate Creative Director
Department: Creative
Classification: Non-Exempt

WHO WE ARE:

We are Thesis. Proudly headquartered in Portland, OR, while serving clients globally for over 20 years. Thesis is a creative agency that drives business success through marketing across technology, strategy and operations.

THE JOB:

The Senior Illustrator is a multidisciplinary visual artist who executes thoughtful, refined illustrative solutions across a variety of channels. They balance conceptual storytelling and technical artistic execution, contributing original artwork and asset systems to major campaigns while beginning to mentor more junior designers and illustrators.

AS A PERSON, YOU HAVE:
  • Illustration Excellence: Demonstrated expertise in draftsmanship, color theory, composition, character design, and translating complex ideas into compelling visual metaphors.

  • Creative Execution: Capable of independently translating creative briefs into polished, impactful illustration solutions across multiple mediums (digital, social, print).

  • Technical Proficiency: Highly skilled in standard industry tools, particularly Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and digital painting software (Procreate); familiarity with vector asset preparation or motion/animation pipelines is a plus.

  • Style Adaptability & Brand Alignment: Able to work fluidly across different aesthetic styles while maintaining a client’s established brand guidelines.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Experienced in working closely with creative directors, copywriters, art directors, and production teams to seamlessly integrate artwork into broader design systems.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous eye for detail, linework, and craft, consistently delivering precise, scalable, and thoughtfully executed assets.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
  • Develop brand, editorial, digital, and campaign illustration deliverables with a high level of craft and polish.

  • Partner with Creative Directors (CDs) and Associate Creative Directors (ACDs) to translate overarching creative concepts into execution-ready artwork.

  • Begin to lead smaller illustration tracks or visual workstreams, sometimes operating solo.

  • Provide feedback and informal style mentorship to junior team members to ensure visual consistency across projects.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 4-6+ years of professional illustration experience, preferably within an agency, studio, or corporate creative department.

  • A diverse portfolio showcasing an advanced range of style, depth in visual storytelling, and commercial applications of artwork.

  • Comfortable owning illustration tracks independently within broader, fast-paced creative programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the agency are available to address the following requirements.

  • Using standard office equipment, computers and related technology

  • Certain activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse

  • Bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds

  • Travel is not anticipated for this role

RELATIONSHIPS:

This role reports to the Creative Director or Associate Creative Director.

VALUES:
  • Be Lean: We work efficiently, focus on what matters most, and eliminate friction to deliver exceptional results without unnecessary complexity.

  • Say What You Mean: We champion clear communication, radical candor, and honest dialogue. We speak intentionally and listen with a desire to understand.

  • Show Up Fully: We bring our authentic selves, our full energy, and our commitment to the team and the work every day.

INCLUSION AND ENCOURAGEMENT:

We know that experience can show up in many ways, and we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications. If you're passionate about strategy, eager to grow, and excited to contribute your perspective, we'd love to hear from you.

At Thesis, we believe the best ideas come from bringing together diverse voices, experiences, and ways of thinking. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not checkboxes—they are essential to how we work, collaborate, and create. We are committed to fostering an environment where all employees can thrive and where every individual is treated with respect and dignity.

Thesis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at HR@Thesis.Agency.

As part of our commitment to equitable hiring practices, we do not request or consider applicants' salary history when making hiring decisions.