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Associate Designer Illustrator Jobs in Reston, VA

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Associate Designer Illustrator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$20.3K

$60.9K

$91K

How much do associate designer illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer illustrator in Reston, VA is $60,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $70,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are illustrators still in demand?

Illustrators, including associate designers and other visual artists, continue to be in demand across industries such as advertising, publishing, and digital media. The growth of digital platforms and the need for visual content keep illustration skills relevant, especially when combined with proficiency in tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

What jobs can I get with an associate's degree in art?

An associate's degree in art can qualify you for roles such as associate designer or illustrator, where you create visual content for various media. These positions often require proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and may involve working in studios, advertising agencies, or freelance settings.

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

AspectAssociate Designer IllustratorGraphic Designer
Required SkillsIllustration, digital drawing, visual storytellingLayout, typography, branding, visual communication
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, advertising agencies, publishingMarketing firms, media companies, corporate branding
Common TasksCreating illustrations, concept art, visual assetsDesigning logos, brochures, digital content

Associate Designer Illustrator focuses on creating detailed illustrations and visual storytelling, often working on digital art and concept visuals. Graphic Designers handle broader visual communication projects like branding, layouts, and marketing materials. While both roles require creativity and design skills, their focus areas and typical tasks differ, making each role unique within the design industry.

Is illustration a high paying job?

Illustration as a profession can offer varying salaries depending on experience, specialization, and industry, with many illustrators earning median incomes that are comparable to other creative roles. Associate designers and illustrators with strong portfolios and skills in digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop often have higher earning potential, especially in freelance or commercial work. However, income levels can be inconsistent and may require building a diverse client base or gaining experience over time.

Will AI replace graphic designers in 10 years?

AI tools can automate certain tasks in graphic design, such as image editing and layout generation, but associate designers and illustrators bring creativity, conceptual thinking, and artistic judgment that AI cannot fully replicate. The role is expected to evolve, with designers focusing more on conceptual development and using AI as a supportive tool rather than being replaced entirely.

How does an Associate Designer Illustrator typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

As an Associate Designer Illustrator, you’ll frequently collaborate with creative directors, senior designers, writers, and marketing teams to bring concepts to life. You’ll participate in brainstorming sessions, provide visual input, and refine designs based on feedback from peers and stakeholders. Open communication and flexibility are key, as you’ll be expected to adapt your illustrations to fit project requirements and brand guidelines. Collaboration tools like Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, and project management platforms are commonly used to streamline teamwork and maintain project timelines.

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

To thrive as an Associate Designer Illustrator, you need a strong foundation in visual design principles, drawing skills, and a portfolio demonstrating creative work, often backed by a relevant degree or coursework. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to incorporate feedback help set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities are essential to consistently deliver high-quality visuals that meet client or project objectives and enhance team collaboration.

What are Associate Designer Illustrators?

Associate Designer Illustrators are entry- to mid-level creative professionals who assist in designing and creating visual content such as illustrations, graphics, and layouts for various media. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers or art directors and contribute to projects like marketing materials, publications, product packaging, and digital content. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming concepts, refining sketches, using design software, and collaborating with other team members to ensure cohesive visual storytelling. This role is ideal for individuals with strong artistic skills, attention to detail, and a passion for visual communication.
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA? For Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Designer Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Designer Illustrator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Designer Illustrator job openings:
Graphic Designer 2 - Tyson's Corner, VA

Graphic Designer 2 - Tyson's Corner, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audio visual, and IT systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 6,400 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.
Why join M.C. Dean? Our people are inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
M.C. Dean is seeking an experienced graphic designer with proposal and marketing experience to join our fast-paced team based in Tysons, VA. Be part of a growing team of professionals supporting the company's business growth, financial, and operational goals.
Responsibilities
  • Demonstrate creativity and excellent technical skills in all aspects of graphic design including concepts, typography, imagery, color and layout.
  • Develop and design all phases of assigned projects from initial concept through final production including proofing, file preparation and distribution. Projects include, but are not limited to, proposal graphics advertisements, brochures, marketing collateral, presentations, logos, newsletters, flyers, reports, invitations, event materials, and digital design.
  • Work with the Marketing and Proposal Department to develop layout for materials within established standards for corporate branding.
  • Work collaboratively with project team members to develop design concepts, providing advice and recommendations to ensure effective results.
  • Provide proofing and quality control of marketing materials to ensure they are accurate and delivered on time.
  • Coordinate with outside vendors for printing and product production and review vendor proofs.
  • Archive work products and ensure content library is current and up-to-date.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in graphic design or related field. Associates of Arts in graphic design with 2 additional years of industry-specific experience.
  • Min. 4 yrs. Graphic design experience with at least 2 years operating in a fast-paced proposal environment.
  • Advanced proficiency designing in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Bridge, Lightroom, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, Premiere Pro, and After Affects.
  • Must be able to create templates and deliver customer presentations, and reports using PowerPoint, Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Technical and creative skills in all aspects of graphics design including concepts.
  • Excellent project coordination and production management skills are a must.
  • Ability to work independently and function effectively as a member of a team.
  • Excellent time management and organization skills, handling multiple simultaneous projects with stringent deadlines.
  • Willingness to work more than 40 hours per week.
  • Must be eligible for a security clearance.

Desired / Advantageous Qualifications:
  • Photograph project work sites, manufacturing and engineering activities, and corporate events.
  • Web site design, development and content creation experience.
  • Familiarity with SharePoint, WordPress and Drupal content management systems.
  • Basic HTML and CSS experience.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $75,680.00 - USD $113,520.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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