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Contract Art Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nemo Design

Contract Art Director

Portland, OR · On-site

$128K - $134K/yr

Contract Art Director (August 2026 - February 2027) Nemo Design is looking for a talented Contract Art Director to join our team from August2026 through February 2027.We're seeking a creative thinker ...

Direct Agents

Art Director, Contract

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Senior Art Director Direct Agents is looking for a Senior Art Director to lead the visual and ... Compensation This contract, NYC based role, pays $40-50/hour depending on experience. Hours are ...

Direct Agents

Art Director, Contract

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Senior Art Director Direct Agents is looking for a Senior Art Director to lead the visual and ... Compensation This contract, NYC based role, pays $40-50/hour depending on experience. Hours are ...

Montessori Way School

Art Teacher

Orlando, FL

$25 - $50/hr

About This Role Art Teacher - Elementary Program (Contract Position) Montessori Private School We are seeking a warm, creative, and dedicated Art Teacher to join our elementary program on a contract ...

Adelphi Staffing

Art Therapist

Frederick, MD

$40 - $45/hr

Contract * Shift Schedule: Mon-Fri, (18 hours a week) * Rate: $45 Requirements: * Master's-level preparation as an Art Therapist. * Current credentialing through the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

Uofl

The Department of Art + Design invites applications for part-time lecturers to teach undergraduate ... contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or ...

Progressive Gaming

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Chicago, IL Employment type: Full-time position through employment contract. Requirement ... What You Will Do As an Art Lead, you will lead the art team within a land-based slot studio in ...

Eastern Carver County Schools

Art Teacher

Chaska, MN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Valid State of Minnesota License in Secondary Art Education Salary Range: $54,153 - $109,599 for a 184-day contract 1.0 FTE (Salary will be prorated based on contract days in assignment and FTE ...

IGT

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Chicago, IL Employment type: Full-time position through employment contract. Requirement ... What You Will Do As an Art Lead, you will lead the art team within a land-based slot studio in ...

Eastern Carver County Schools

Art Teacher

Chaska, MN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Valid State of Minnesota License in Secondary Art Education Salary Range: $54,153 - $109,599 for a 184-day contract 1.0 FTE (Salary will be prorated based on contract days in assignment and FTE ...

Fall River Public Schools

Art Teacher

Fall River, MA · On-site

$59K - $105K/yr

Art Teacher QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university ... In accordance with the Fall River Educators' Association contract. Continued employment is ...

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Contract Art information

See salary details

$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do contract art jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract art in the United States is $69,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract artists, and how can they be addressed?

Contract artists often face challenges such as managing multiple projects with varying deadlines, adapting to different clients’ artistic visions, and ensuring clear communication despite working remotely or with diverse teams. Staying organized through effective time management tools and setting clear expectations with clients can help address these challenges. Additionally, building a strong portfolio and maintaining open lines of communication with project leads and other team members are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is contract art?

Contract art refers to artwork created by an artist or designer who is hired on a contractual basis, rather than as a full-time employee. These artists are usually commissioned by companies, agencies, or individuals to produce specific pieces or projects within an agreed timeframe and payment structure. Contract art can include illustrations, concept art, character design, and more, depending on the client's needs. This arrangement allows for flexibility for both the artist and the employer, often resulting in unique and specialized works.

What is the difference between Contract Art vs Contract Graphic Designer?

AspectContract ArtContract Graphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant art or design certificationsPortfolio, design certifications, Adobe Creative Suite skills
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, advertising agencies, freelance projectsMarketing firms, advertising agencies, freelance work
Industry UsageAdvertising, entertainment, publishingMarketing, branding, advertising
Common Search IntentContract Art jobs, freelance art projectsContract Graphic Designer jobs, freelance design work

Contract Art and Contract Graphic Designer roles both involve creative work on a contractual basis, often in advertising, entertainment, or publishing. While Contract Art focuses on visual art creation, Contract Graphic Designers specialize in visual communication and branding. Both require portfolios and relevant certifications, and they are frequently found in similar industries and work environments. The main difference lies in the specific skill sets and project types, but both roles serve as flexible, project-based opportunities for creative professionals.

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

To thrive as a Contract Artist, you need proficiency in foundational art techniques, a strong portfolio, and typically a degree or equivalent experience in fine arts, graphic design, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Corel Painter, or 3D modeling tools is often required, along with familiarity with project management platforms. Strong communication, time management, and adaptability are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and meeting tight deadlines. These skills ensure high-quality deliverables, client satisfaction, and successful completion of diverse art projects in a freelance or contract-based environment.
More about Contract Art jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Art jobs? Cities with the most Contract Art job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Art jobs? The most popular types of Art jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Art jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Art jobs include:
Contract Art jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Art job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Contract Art Director

Nemo Design

Portland, OR • On-site

$128K - $134K/yr

Contractor

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Contract Art Director (August 2026 - February 2027)


Nemo Design is looking for a talented Contract Art Director to join our team from August2026 through February 2027.We're seeking a creative thinker who can develop big ideas and bring them to life through design, production, and execution. This role is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable concepting campaign ideas, building visual systems, and rolling up their sleeves to create polished deliverables.


You'll work across a variety of brand, campaign, motion, digital, and content projects for clients in the outdoor, action sports, lifestyle, and consumer brand spaces.


What You'll Do

  • Develop creative concepts, campaigns, and visual storytelling ideas
  • Translate strategy into compelling creative solutions
  • Execute and refine designs across digital, social, print, presentation, and production deliverables
  • Collaborate closely with strategists, designers, writers, and clients
  • Help guide creative work from concept through final production
  • Participate in creative reviews and present work internally and externally


What We're Looking For

  • 5+ years of experience as an Art Director, Senior Designer, or similar creative role
  • Experience working with outdoor, action sports, snow, surf, bike, skate or adjacent lifestyle brands
  • Strong conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving skills
  • Building and articulating creative narratives that serve the conceptual ideas
  • Ability to take ideas from whiteboard sketches to production-ready assets
  • Exceptional design craft and attention to detail
  • Experience working with outdoor, action sports, snow, surf, bike, skate, or adjacent lifestyle brands
  • Strong understanding of content creation, photography, social media, and digital marketing
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a small, nimble team


Bonus Points

  • Experience art directing photo and video shoots
  • Motion design experience
  • Copywriting or creative storytelling skills
  • Experience working within agency environments


About Nemo Design

Nemo Design is an independent creative studio based in Portland, Oregon. For over 25 years, we've helped brands tell authentic stories through strategy, design, content, and experiences. Our roots are in the outdoor and action sports industries, and we partner with brands that inspire people to get outside, push boundaries, and create meaningful connections.


Contract Duration: August 2026 - February 2027
Location: Hybrid (In-person at our Portland, OR studio 3 days a week)
Hours: Part-time to full-time depending on project workload
To Apply: Send your portfolio, resume, and a brief introduction explaining why you're a fit for Nemo and the outdoor/action sports space.

Portfolio required. We want to see both conceptual thinking and beautifully executed work.

Apply