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Contract Digital Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $160K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ...

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... A background in compositing, digital matte painting, LookDev, animation or another relevant ...

About Digital Promise Global Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity ... Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, or Social Studies. * Technology Integration (TPACK)

Contract, approximately 2 years Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours Work Arrangement ... The ideal candidate has 2-5 years of experience as a Digital Production Artist, Digital Designer ...

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Contract Digital Artist information

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$22

$48

$100

How much do contract digital artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract digital artist in the United States is $48.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $75.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract digital artist?

Contract digital artists are creative professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to produce digital artwork for clients. Their work can include illustrations, concept art, graphic design, animation, or visual assets for video games, advertisements, and websites. Unlike full-time employees, contract digital artists typically work independently, managing multiple clients or projects at once. They are responsible for delivering high-quality digital art within agreed deadlines, often collaborating remotely with creative teams. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the artist and the hiring company.

How do contract digital artists typically collaborate with clients and creative teams during a project?

Contract Digital Artists often work closely with clients, art directors, and other creative professionals to ensure that the artistic vision and project requirements are fully understood and met. Communication is typically managed through regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and collaborative platforms where drafts and revisions can be shared. Flexibility and the ability to incorporate feedback quickly are key, as project scopes may evolve based on client input. Clear communication and strong project management skills help Contract Digital Artists deliver high-quality work on deadline, even when working remotely or as part of a distributed team.

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

To thrive as a Contract Digital Artist, you need strong artistic ability, a solid portfolio, and proficiency in digital illustration and design principles, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Expertise with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, or Blender, and familiarity with file formats and asset delivery standards are typically required. Creativity, effective communication, and time management are valuable soft skills for collaborating with clients and meeting tight deadlines. These skills and qualities are essential to deliver high-quality digital artwork tailored to client needs while maintaining professionalism and efficiency.

What is the difference between Contract Digital Artist vs Freelance Digital Illustrator?

AspectContract Digital ArtistFreelance Digital Illustrator
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant software skillsPortfolio, relevant software skills
Work EnvironmentTypically employed by a company or agency for specific projectsSelf-employed, working independently for various clients
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by media, gaming, advertising companiesUsed by individual clients, small businesses, agencies
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for project-based or temporary rolesSeeking independent, flexible freelance work

Both Contract Digital Artists and Freelance Digital Illustrators require strong digital art skills and portfolios. The main difference lies in employment status: Contract Digital Artists are usually hired through companies for specific projects, while Freelance Digital Illustrators work independently with multiple clients. Understanding this distinction helps job seekers find roles that match their preferred work environment and career goals.

More about Contract Digital Artist jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Digital Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Digital Artist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Digital Artist jobs?

The most popular types of Digital Artist jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Digital Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Digital Artist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Digital Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,076 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Graphic Design & Digital Arts Lab Coordinator

Colorado Community College System Career Site

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$65K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Title: Graphic Design & Digital Arts Lab Coordinator

Position Type: Administrator Full Time

College: Community College of Denver

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: CCD Arts, Communication, Design and Education Pathway

Campus: Auraria Campus

Location: Denver

Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $71,000.00

Applications received by August 14, 2026, will receive priority consideration. However, we encourage all interested candidates to apply, as the position will remain open until filled.

Who We Are:

The Community College of Denver (CCD) seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning and work environment and who can effectively work with students, families, faculty, instructors, and staff from diverse backgrounds. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, CCD is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for nontraditional students, supporting workforce development, and strengthening community partnerships that promote educational attainment and career success. Serving a diverse student population, CCD values individuals who contribute to its mission of advancing social, civic, and economic vitality.

Job Summary:

The Graphic Design & Digital Arts Lab Coordinator provides dedicated leadership for the Multimedia Graphic Design (MGD) program at Community College of Denver. This position oversees specialized technology and lab facilities, delivers instruction in graphic design, trains faculty and students on industry-standard equipment and software, and directs DZGN Studio—CCD’s student-centered, work-based learning auxiliary operating as an outward-facing design business. The Director ensures students gain hands-on, industry-aligned experience that prepares them for successful careers in the creative economy, while building external partnerships and generating revenue reinvested into the program.
This is a 12-month, full-time APT (Administrative/ Professional/Technical) position. This position is grant-funded during the initial period (through June 2028); a transition and sustainability plan is in place for continued funding through DZGN Studio revenue generation. Some evening or weekend hours may be required to support studio operations and industry events.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Graphic Design Lab Management and Equipment Oversight
Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot all Graphic Design and Digital Arts lab equipment, including iMac/MacBook workstations, Wacom tablets, large-format printers, collaboration pods, instructional touchscreens, and future equipment purchases deemed necessary for industry-aligned experiences. Coordinate future equipment purchases, existing equipment scheduling, maintenance contracts, software licensing (including Fontself and Pantone Connect), and ensure open studio hours for student access.
Instruction and Curriculum Integration
Teach Graphic Design and Digital Arts courses (including MGD 1094/2094) as assigned, ensuring consistent, credentialed instructional coverage and reducing reliance on adjunct instructors. Integrate lab equipment and digital tools into the curriculum, creating structured, project-based learning experiences aligned with industry workflows and workforce needs.
DZGN Studio Direction and Work-Based Learning
Direct DZGN Studio as an outward-facing student design business, leading new business development, managing client relationships, project workflows, revenue generation, and reinvestment of funds into program resources, scholarships, and student opportunities. Embed service-learning and work-based learning experiences into the MGD curriculum and expand external partnerships with Denver’s creative industries.
Faculty and Student Training
Provide training and ongoing technical support to faculty, instructors, and students on lab equipment, software platforms, and design workflows. Develop training materials and documentation to ensure equitable access to technology and instructional resources across the MGD program.
Program Development, Assessment, and Collaboration
Collaborate with the Department Chair, faculty, and industry partners to support program review, assess student outcomes (retention, completion, equipment usage, studio project completions), and contribute to CCD’s strategic goals around student success and workforce partnerships. Track and report on DZGN Studio revenue, reinvestment, and program impact metrics.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
Associate’s degree in Graphic Design, Digital Design, Communication Design, or a closely related field.
Experience:
Two (2) years of professional experience in graphic design, digital arts, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience managing or operating design lab equipment and software. Experience teaching or training others in design software and workflows. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, familiarity with Figma, miro, and openness to exploration of emerging tools and practices including use of artificial intelligence

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Strong knowledge of graphic design principles, typography, color theory, and industry-standard production workflows. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and related applications).
  • Ability to manage, troubleshoot, and maintain Mac-based design workstations and peripheral equipment.
  • Demonstrated project management and client communication skills.
  • Commitment to equity, access, and student success in a diverse, first-generation student population.
  • Strong organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to balance instructional, administrative, and entrepreneurial responsibilities concurrently.


Experience:

  • Experience directing, managing, or leading a creative team, student-run design studio, print shop, or similar work-based learning enterprise.
  • Experience in community college or higher education instruction.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain external partnerships with industry clients.
  • Experience integrating work-based learning into academic curriculum.
  • Familiarity with design software and hardware calibration workflows integrating the Pantone Matching System with large-format printing and physical monitor displays. History of working with both emerging and existing design fabrication/communication technologies.

Selection Process:

Interested applicants must submit a complete application packet which includes:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • References - Names, phone numbers, addresses, & email addresses of three professional references
  • Copies of transcripts, official preferred
  • Copies of appropriate credentials, if applicable


**All included attachments should be saved with the following nomenclature: Last name, First name Document; for example Doe, John Resume; Doe, Jane Transcripts
***Your resume should clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications. Those applicants that do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered.
CCD is a Learning College where policies, programs and practices support learning as the major priority. The Community College of Denver is an Equal Employment Opportunity Educational Employer.
Background checks will be conducted on all finalists for employment consideration.
CCD recognizes that administration, faculty, instructors, and staff reflect the diversity of its students and community and prohibits employment and student discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
For information regarding Community College of Denver Security, including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding area, please see the CCD Campus Security website under “student’s right to know”: CCD.edu/Safety. For a hard copy report please contact 303-352-3042.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Our campus is located in downtown Denver, adjacent to two light rail stations, and just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and event venues. When you visit our campus, it will be immediately evident that our faculty, staff, and instructors are passionate about serving our diverse student population. At CCD our passion is to help others, and we offer career pathways that will make a difference in the lives of our students.
If you are interested in sharing our passion for student success, CCD offers generous medical, dental, vision, life, and retirement options. We also offer the opportunity to expand your education, and those of your dependents, through our tuition reimbursement program.
CCD is a Learning College where policies, programs and practices support learning as the major priority. The Community College of Denver is an Equal Employment Opportunity Educational Employer.
Background checks will be conducted on all finalists for employment consideration.
CCD recognizes that administration, faculty, instructors, and staff reflect the diversity of its students and community and prohibits employment and student discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.