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Designer Illustrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

We have an immediate opening for an experienced graphic designer / Illustrator in our Marketing Department. K1 Speed is seeking a creative and talented graphic designer to join the team. This is a ...

Strong strategic instincts and experience guiding the work of other illustrators or designers * Excellent illustration fundamentals, including composition, color, hierarchy, form, and visual ...

In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their ... Gather illustration requirements from the technical publications team, product managers, and ...

In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their ... Gather illustration requirements from the technical publications team, product managers, and ...

Senior Brand Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $128K/yr

This designer will collaborate with product designers, motion designers, illustrators, and cross-functional teams to bring new ideas to life across the Altruist surfaces. This role operates as a ...

Experience designing illustrated assets such as iconography and device illustrations. Deep understanding of typography, layout principles, and interaction design. Experience creating and managing ...

Senior Brand Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

Collaborate with motion designers and illustrators to create immersive, forward-looking experiences * Translate complex products into clear, elegant visual storytelling * Explore and responsibly ...

Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

As a Designer, you'll join a creative team of passionate, like-minded toy nerds. Together, this ... Degree in design, illustration or industrial design. * Strong Sketching, Illustration, and ...

Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Work closely with 3rd party vendors (sculptors, painters, illustrators, etc.) as needed per project ... Company Overview A leading designer and marketer of children's toys and consumer products, JAKKS ...

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Designer Illustrator information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do designer illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for designer illustrator in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a designer illustrator?

Designer Illustrators are creative professionals who combine artistic skills with design principles to create visual content for various media, such as books, advertisements, websites, packaging, and more. They use illustration techniques to communicate ideas, concepts, or stories, often working closely with clients, art directors, or marketing teams. Their work involves both traditional drawing and digital tools, and they may specialize in areas like fashion, editorial, technical, or children's book illustration.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a designer illustrator?

To thrive as a Designer Illustrator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of design principles, and proficiency in visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in graphic design, illustration, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and experience with digital drawing tablets are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret briefs and collaborate with clients or creative teams. These skills ensure you can produce compelling, high-quality visuals that meet project objectives and client expectations.

How do designer illustrators typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Designer Illustrators often work closely with creative directors, graphic designers, marketing teams, and clients to ensure that their illustrations align with the overall vision and objectives of a project. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, providing concept sketches, incorporating feedback, and revising artwork based on input from stakeholders. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as projects may require quick adjustments to meet changing requirements. This collaborative environment helps ensure that the final visual assets are cohesive and meet both aesthetic and strategic goals.

What is the difference between Designer Illustrator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesigner IllustratorGraphic Designer
Primary FocusCreating original illustrations and artworkDesigning visual content for branding, marketing, and print
Skills & ToolsDrawing, painting, digital illustration software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop)Layout, typography, branding, Adobe Creative Suite
Work EnvironmentFreelance, publishing, advertising, entertainmentAdvertising agencies, corporate in-house teams, design studios
CredentialsPortfolio, artistic skills, sometimes art or design degreesDesign degrees, portfolio, proficiency in design software

While both Designer Illustrators and Graphic Designers create visual content, Designer Illustrators focus on original artwork and illustrations, often for books, products, or entertainment. Graphic Designers typically work on branding, marketing materials, and layouts. The roles overlap in skills and tools but differ in primary output and application.

Are designers illustrators still in demand?

Designers and illustrators continue to be in demand across various industries, especially with the growth of digital media, branding, and marketing. Skills in graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, along with a strong portfolio, are important for securing opportunities in this field.

Is illustrator a high paying job?

Illustrator is a creative profession with salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level illustrators typically earn lower wages, while experienced professionals working in advertising, publishing, or with specialized skills can earn higher incomes. Overall, it can be a well-paying career for those with strong portfolios and technical skills in digital tools like Adobe Illustrator.

What cities in California are hiring for Designer Illustrator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Designer Illustrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Designer Illustrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Graphic Designer

K-1 Speed Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


K1 Speed rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 59 rated activity centers and activity clubs


Job description

We have an immediate opening for an experienced graphic designer / Illustrator in our Marketing Department.

K1 Speed is seeking a creative and talented graphic designer to join the team. This is a full-time, in-house position that will focus primarily on developing graphics to be used across all platforms of the brand under the guidance of our Advertising and Brand Manager, and alongside the rest of the team. You must display an attention to detail and organization, and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, with a willingness to take direction.

The ideal candidate for this position will have extensive prior knowledge of the Action Sports/Family Entertainment sector in order to develop designs that can seamlessly integrate into the existing aesthetic and direction of the company.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Create design concepts for all print and digital media relating to the brands.
  • Catalog/Brochure layout and print preparation.
  • Prepare and update website banners.
  • Present all visual branding concepts to directors.
  • Assist Marketing Department in the creation of visual design brand briefs/booklets for all depts.
  • Complete all visual branded materials relating to the brand within the specified deadlines.
  • Additional projects/assignments as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2-3 years experience as graphic designer or degree in graphic design.
  • Ability to contribute with ideas and follow through with original concepts
  • Professional level knowledge of a wide range of software including the latest versions of Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign using a Mac platform.
  • Work well independently, as well as part of a team
  • Ability to work on multiple projects while maintaining deadlines
  • Excellent time management skills to meet frequent deadlines
  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

Job Type: Full-time, Onsite

Pay: $55,000- $65,000 per year

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • 401k

Schedule:

  • Monday-Friday
  • 8 hour shift
  • Weekends as needed

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