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Comics Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Our comics facilities include a Risograph EZ590. Illustration courses are affiliated with the Storyboarding and Character Design concentration within DePaul's nationally ranked Animation Program in ...

Comics information

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$9

$17

$20

How much do comics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for comics in Illinois is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a comic?

A Comics job involves creating, illustrating, writing, and sometimes editing comic books, graphic novels, or webcomics. Professionals in this field may work as writers, artists, inkers, colorists, or editors, contributing to storytelling through sequential art. They may be employed by comic book publishers, work as freelancers, or self-publish their work. Strong artistic skills, storytelling abilities, and an understanding of visual composition are essential for success in this industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a comic artist?

A professional comics artist usually spends their day developing storyboards, sketching layouts, drawing and inking panels, and collaborating with writers and editors to ensure the story flows well visually. They may also handle coloring, lettering, and making revisions based on feedback from the creative team or publisher. Additionally, professional comics artists often need to manage deadlines, communicate with colleagues about plot developments, and occasionally participate in promotional activities. This role offers a dynamic and creative environment where each day brings new artistic challenges and storytelling opportunities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a comic artist?

To thrive as a Comics artist, you need strong illustration abilities, storytelling expertise, and a solid grasp of visual narrative techniques—often showcased through a professional portfolio or relevant experience. Familiarity with industry-standard digital art tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or Procreate is important, and knowledge of pre-press or publishing processes can be beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication with writers, editors, and other collaborators are essential soft skills. These abilities help you create engaging comics that resonate with audiences and meet publisher or client expectations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Comics jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Comics jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Comics jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Comics jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Comics jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Comics job openings:

Infographic showing various Comics job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,103 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Illustration

Chicago, IL • On-site


DePaul University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

388th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Good employer

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
DePaul's Animation Program offers Illustration courses that include making comics, history of comics, concept art, storyboarding, practical perspective, technical rendering, observational drawing, and color theory. Our comics facilities include a Risograph EZ590. Illustration courses are affiliated with the Storyboarding and Character Design concentration within DePaul's nationally ranked Animation Program in the School of Cinematic Arts. Our full-time faculty includes cartoonists Amy Lockhart, Jacob Ciocci, and Scott Roberts. To learn more about DePaul Animation check out our Animation Zine https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/AnimationZine
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).


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