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Children Book Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Macmillan Learning

Designer - Celadon

Austin, TX · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Closely collaborate on book projects with the editorial team, creative director, marketing ... Collaborate with freelancers, illustrators, photographers, and agents * Identify, hire, and manage ...

Macmillan

Designer - Celadon

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Closely collaborate on book projects with the editorial team, creative director, marketing ... Collaborate with freelancers, illustrators, photographers, and agents * Identify, hire, and manage ...

Scholastic Corporation

Designer

New York, NY · On-site

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

Scholastic

Senior Contract Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ... Experience with author, illustrator, and creative contributor agreements* Strong understanding of ...

Scholastic

Designer

New York, NY

Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

Scholastic

Senior Contract Manager

New York, NY · Hybrid

As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ... Experience with author, illustrator, and creative contributor agreements * Strong understanding of ...

SI Scholastic Inc.

Senior Contract Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ... Experience with author, illustrator, and creative contributor agreements * Strong understanding of ...

New

HarperCollins Publishers

Senior Designer

$56K - $70K/yr

Manipulate and color correct photos and illustrations; create graphs and charts as needed ... Knowledge of book structural elements and proofreading marks. Work Experience: * Minimum of 7 years ...

Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Sales Intern

New York, NY

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

As the first U.S. publisher dedicated to art and illustrated books--and an industry leader in ... Managing digital book assets in WoodWing * Reviewing contracts * Collecting title materials and ...

Paramount

Designer, Publishing

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Art direct illustrators, photographers, and other freelance creative partners from concept through ... Robust portfolio demonstrating excellence in book cover design, interior design (1-color and 4 ...

Paramount

Designer, Publishing

Los Angeles, CA

$65K - $100K/yr

Art direct illustrators, photographers, and other freelance creative partners from concept through ... Robust portfolio demonstrating excellence in book cover design, interior design (1-color and 4 ...

Paramount

Designer, Publishing

Manhattan, NY

$65K - $100K/yr

Art direct illustrators, photographers, and other freelance creative partners from concept through ... Robust portfolio demonstrating excellence in book cover design, interior design (1-color and 4 ...

Scholastic

Trade Marketing Assistant

New York, NY

$43K - $55K/yr

... illustrators who shape culture, expand empathy, and celebrate the power of storytelling. Within ... As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book ...

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Children Book Illustrator information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do children book illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for children 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 does a children book illustrator do?

A children's book illustrator creates visual images that accompany and enhance the text of children's books. They work closely with authors and publishers to develop characters, scenes, and moods that engage young readers and help convey the story. Illustrators may use traditional drawing and painting techniques or digital tools to produce their artwork. Their work is essential in capturing children's imaginations and making stories more accessible and enjoyable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a children book illustrator?

To thrive as a Children Book Illustrator, you need strong drawing and storytelling abilities, a creative portfolio, and often a degree in illustration or a related field. Proficiency in digital illustration tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and drawing tablets is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and an understanding of age-appropriate visual language are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure that illustrations effectively engage young readers and support the narrative, making the books both educational and enjoyable.

What are some common challenges faced by children book illustrators during the creative process?

Children book illustrators often face the challenge of balancing their artistic style with the vision of the author and publisher, ensuring the illustrations are age-appropriate and engaging for young readers. Another common hurdle is meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality, imaginative artwork. Collaborating closely with writers, editors, and art directors is essential, as feedback and revisions are a regular part of the process. Additionally, understanding the nuances of visual storytelling for children, such as using expressive characters and clear compositions, is crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Children Book Illustrator vs Children's Book Designer?

AspectChildren Book IllustratorChildren's Book Designer
CredentialsArt or Illustration degree often preferredDesign or Illustration background, sometimes with graphic design certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance or publishing houses, working on illustrationsPublishing companies, focusing on layout and visual design
Industry UsageCreates artwork for children's booksDesigns the overall visual layout and style of children's books

Children Book Illustrators focus on creating the artwork that brings stories to life, while Children's Book Designers handle the overall visual layout and design elements. Both roles require artistic skills, but illustrators primarily produce images, whereas designers shape the book's visual structure.

More about Children Book Illustrator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Children Book Illustrator jobs?

The most popular types of Children Book Illustrator jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Children Book Illustrator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Children Book Illustrator jobs are:

Children Book Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Book Illustrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Designer - Celadon

Macmillan Learning

Austin, TX • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description

Macmillan is looking for a designer to conceive unique, creative, and engaging book jackets for the boutique division, Celadon Books. The position encompasses a range of responsibilities associated with every stage of producing fiction and non-fiction book jackets.

The ideal candidate will have a keen sense of commercial, literary design and excellent typography, production skills, marketplace, and strong communication and organizational skills.

What you'll do:

  • Deliver distinctive and effective cover concepts and polished final jackets that are visually compelling and fresh for the market
  • Design and manage all stages of book jacket design from early concept to final bound book
  • Closely collaborate on book projects with the editorial team, creative director, marketing, publicity and production department
  • Collaborate with freelancers, illustrators, photographers, and agents
  • Identify, hire, and manage relationships with artists
  • Route material for approval, maintain schedules, prepare files for output, and manage proofing process as well as image rights and billing oversight.
  • Work with other team members and departments to ensure materials requests are met in a timely and effective manner

What you'll bring:

  • Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, Mac Platform
  • Expert in color theory and design fundamentals
  • Exceptional portfolio displaying book cover specific work and strong typographic skills
  • Experience collaborating with designers, photographers and knowledge of the illustration world
  • Organized and attentive to detail with strong written and verbal communication skills
  • An ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with colleagues
  • Team player who is motivated to learn
  • Knowledge of and an interest in the book publishing industry
  • 2 - 3 years of experience designing book jackets
  • Degree in graphic design
  • Portfolio submission or website link required

The salary range for this role is $60,000 - $65,000.

This position is classified as remote but is tied to our New York, NY office located at 120 Broadway. Employment is subject to New York State tax withholding under applicable regulations.

Macmillan Publishers is the U.S. trade company that is part of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned group of media companies headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Holtzbrinck Publishing Group's publishing companies include prominent imprints around the world that publish a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.

U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, The St. Martin's Publishing Group, and Tor Publishing Group. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, companies in the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group publish under the Pan Macmillan name. The German publishing company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.

Macmillan is proud to be an equal opportunity employer consistently striving to foster a culture where everyone belongs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. Qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, physical ability, neurodiversity, genetic information, protected veteran status, family and economic status and background or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We prohibit discrimination of any kind and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.


Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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