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Book Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QuaverEd, Inc

Multimedia Illustrator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Multimedia Illustrator is an entry-to-mid-level creative role responsible for conceiving and creating illustrations and storyboards using AI,Raster, Vector, and other applications that support ...

University Book Store

Marketing Design Intern

Madison, WI · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

... University Book Store representative. * Acts as the store mascot "Booky" as needed. Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS: * Background using InDesign and Photoshop. * Knowledge of Illustrator is a plus.

University Book Store

Marketing Design Intern

Madison, WI

$15 - $20.25/hr

... University Book Store representative. * Acts as the store mascot "Booky" as needed. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: * Background using InDesign and Photoshop. * Knowledge of Illustrator is a plus.

QuaverEd Inc.

Multimedia Illustrator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Multimedia Illustrator is an entry-to-mid-level creative role responsible for conceiving and creating illustrations and storyboards using AI, Raster, Vector, and other applications that support ...

The Daily Grace Co.

Book Cover Designer

Spring, TX · On-site

Book Cover Designer Summary: The Book Cover Designer will serve The Daily Grace Co. by creating ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator). * Strong ...

Bsu

Assistant Professor of Illustration

Muncie, IN

Instructional load will include all levels of course work in classes such asART213 Introduction to Illustration,ART214 Surface Illustration,ART317 Book Works,ART318 Comic Art, andART417 Editorial ...

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Book Illustrator information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do book illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for book illustrator in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Book Illustrator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectBook IllustratorGraphic Designer
CredentialsArt or illustration degree often preferredDesign or visual communication degree common
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, publishing houses, freelanceAdvertising agencies, corporate offices, freelance
Industry UsagePublishing, children's books, comicsMarketing, branding, advertising

While both roles involve visual creativity, a Book Illustrator specializes in creating artwork specifically for books, especially children's or illustrated books. A Graphic Designer focuses on visual communication across various media, including branding, advertisements, and digital content. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service for your project.

What Does a Book Illustrator Do?

The job duties of a book illustrator involve creating images for books. Someone in this career may make illustrations for children’s books or fiction books. A book illustrator may also specialize in designing graphics for nonfiction books or creating cover art for novels. Their responsibilities sometimes include working with the book text. The primary goal of a book illustrator is to create images that fit with the story or subject of the book. The qualifications that you need to start working as a book illustrator typically include art skills and knowledge of graphic design, drawing, and layout for the publishing industry.

How much money does a book illustrator make?

Book illustrators typically earn between $30,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, project complexity, and whether they work freelance or for a publisher. Rates can also vary based on the number of illustrations and the publisher's budget, with some illustrators charging per project or per illustration.

What art-related jobs are about $80,000 a year?

In the art field, senior roles such as art directors, concept artists, and specialized illustrators can earn around $80,000 annually, especially with experience and in certain industries like advertising, gaming, or publishing. These positions often require strong portfolios, proficiency with digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and relevant industry experience.

What does a Book Illustrator do?

A Book Illustrator is a professional artist who creates images and artwork to visually represent stories, concepts, or information in books. They work closely with authors and publishers to develop illustrations that complement and enhance the written content, often bringing characters, scenes, and ideas to life. Book illustrators can work on a variety of genres, including children's books, educational materials, graphic novels, and more. Their work involves sketching, designing, and sometimes using digital tools to produce final illustrations that help engage and inform readers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Book Illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Book Illustrator, you need strong drawing and visual storytelling abilities, often supported by a degree in illustration, fine arts, or graphic design. Proficiency in digital illustration software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate is typically essential, along with a professional portfolio. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret and communicate ideas visually are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing engaging, high-quality illustrations that effectively complement and enhance the narrative of a book.

How do book illustrators typically collaborate with authors and publishers during a project?

Book illustrators often work closely with authors and publishers to ensure that their artwork aligns with the story's tone and vision. Early stages may involve discussing the manuscript, exchanging sketches, and receiving feedback to refine concepts. Throughout the project, illustrators must balance their creative input with editorial direction, adapting to revisions and meeting deadlines. Clear communication and flexibility are key, as collaboration can be iterative and requires openness to feedback from multiple stakeholders.

Is there a demand for illustrators?

The demand for book illustrators remains steady as publishers and authors seek visual content for children's books, graphic novels, and educational materials. Success often depends on a strong portfolio, proficiency with digital illustration tools, and networking within the publishing industry.

What degree do you need to become a book illustrator?

There is no specific degree required to become a book illustrator, but many have a bachelor's degree in fine arts, illustration, or related fields. Developing strong drawing skills, a portfolio, and proficiency with digital illustration tools are essential for success in this field.
More about Book Illustrator jobs
What cities are hiring for Book Illustrator jobs? Cities with the most Book Illustrator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Book Illustrator jobs? The most popular types of Book Illustrator jobs are:
What states have the most Book Illustrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Book Illustrator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Book Illustrator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Book Illustrator jobs are:
Book Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Book Illustrator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Multimedia Illustrator

QuaverEd, Inc

Nashville, TN • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Salary: $60,000 - $65,000
Employee Classification: Full-Time/Exempt (Creative Professional)
Summary:
QuaverEd is a rapidly growing, innovative education technology company founded in 2009. Our mission is enriching the lives of children by helping educators to engage students in general music, social and emotional learning, as well as health and physical education. We are headquartered in historic Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. Check out our website at QuaverEd.com.
The Multimedia Illustrator is an entry-to-mid-level creative role responsible for conceiving and creating illustrations and storyboards using AI,Raster, Vector, and other applications that support animation, interactive design, and educational media projects. Reporting to the Illustration Manager, this position works closely with animation and design teams to collaboratively develop engaging visuals that meet project needs and brand standards.
Primary duties include creating complex vector assets, producing and developing concept artwork, designing logos and text graphics that meet accessibility guidelines, and contributing to the development of storyboards and visual narratives while using industry-standard and proprietary company software. The Multimedia Illustrator plays an important role in shaping the visual identity of projects while ensuring consistency, collaboration, and masterfully applying knowledge of creative applications, technologies, and thoughtful use of AI-assisted creative tools across teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Create detailed vector assets, or formatting assets of characters, backgrounds, and props for animation, interactive design, and social media marketing.
  • Produce storyboards, visual development concepts, and pre-production artwork for characters and environments.
  • Integrate generative AI tools into concepting, asset generation, upscaling, background extension, and style transfer.
  • Design logos, icons, and text graphics that are visually appealing and accessible.
  • Collaborate with art directors, illustration managers, animators, and educational specialists to refine visual concepts, maintain stylistic consistency, and project alignment.

Requirements
  • 1-4 years of professional illustration or multimedia design experience.
  • Intermediate to expert knowledge of Adobe Illustrator or other similar vector-based software, with strong proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (or similar software) and other creative applications and software, including different AI-technologies.
  • Understanding of production pipelines in animation, interactive media, or digital content creation.
  • Ability to adapt to and replicate multiple drawing or illustration styles with a comprehensive knowledge of graphic design principles and their application to multimedia projects.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to take direction and apply feedback effectively.

Please submit a resume and cover letter along with three references.
This role is not a remote work position. All employees must live within commuting distance of Music Row in Nashville. We are currently requiring all team members to work at minimum 3 days a week in the office on the QuaverEd campus and allowing 2 days remote. This requirement is subject to change at the discretion of the team member's Supervisor and company policies.
QuaverEd, Inc. offers an excellent benefits package including 80 hours of vacation per year with an increase after 3 years, 12 paid holidays, 60 hours of sick leave, subsidized health care up to $9,000 per year, a 401(k) program with no participation fees. QuaverEd also offers full employer paid basic life, fertility, health advocate, TelaDoc, identity theft and a collegial, supporting atmosphere.
QuaverEd, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information.
Salary Description
Salary: $60,000 - $65,000

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