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Designer Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They will work closely with other Senior Designers, Illustrators, Motion Designers, and Design Leadership to ensure design integrity and brand alignment across all touch points. Note: This role ...

Senior Designer - Otherlife

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

They will work closely with other Senior Designers, Illustrators, Motion Designers, and Design Leadership to ensure design integrity and brand alignment across all touch points. Note: This role ...

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

... illustration, and animation: Bring agentic capabilities to life within developer workflows through ... Actively develop other designers, contribute to the Kiro design system, and drive studio standards ...

Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$38/hr

Designer * Location : New York City * Duration : Full Time / Permanent * Pay rate: $38 per hour ... Highly skilled in Adobe Suite (Illustrator & Photoshop) and Microsoft Excel to ensure multiple ...

Designer / Senior Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$111K - $119K/yr

Support photography, illustration, video, rendering, and AI-assisted creative projects. * Work with ... A designer with approximately 4 to 8 years of relevant professional experience. * Flexible, self ...

Designer / Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$111K - $119K/yr

Support photography, illustration, video, rendering, and AI-assisted creative projects. * Work with ... A designer with approximately 4 to 8 years of relevant professional experience. * Flexible, self ...

Designer / Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$104K - $111K/yr

Support photography, illustration, video, rendering, and AI-assisted creative projects. * Work with ... A designer with approximately 4 to 8 years of relevant professional experience. * Flexible, self ...

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 ...

Creative Designer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site +1

$50K - $58K/yr

The Creative Designer works directly under the Associate Creative Director to develop concept designs, create dimensional illustrations for asset production, provide graphic solutions for brands ...

Showing results 41-60

Designer Illustrator information

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$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do designer illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for designer illustrator in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $109,000.00 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.
More about Designer Illustrator jobs

What cities are hiring for Designer Illustrator jobs?

Cities with the most Designer Illustrator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Designer Illustrator jobs?

The most popular types of Designer Illustrator jobs are:

What states have the most Designer Illustrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Designer Illustrator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Designer Illustrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for design in all its forms?
Do you thrive at the intersection of creativity and technical innovation, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and mission-focused teams to bring complex ideas to life?
Are you driven to push the boundaries of visual communication, whether through research, emerging tools, evolving workflows, or mastering the latest plugins and technologies?
Do you believe powerful design can simplify complexity, tell compelling stories, and create real impact?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
Our Communications Department is seeking a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist to join our Multimedia Design Group in support of classified programs and initiatives. In this role, you will collaborate with technical staff, Laboratory leadership, sponsors, and strategic communications teams to create high-impact multimedia products that communicate complex ideas with clarity and precision.
Our team delivers a wide range of creative solutions, including executive-level presentations, motion graphics and short animations, scripted video content, branding and visual identity systems, staging and environmental design, conceptual and technical illustrations, and detailed OV-1 visualizations that support mission-critical work.
As a Cleared Graphic Designer/Artist you will...
  • Join a multidisciplinary team of designers, illustrators, animators, video producers, and other creative professionals focused on delivering exceptional visual communication solutions.
  • Collaborate with staff across all levels of a matrixed organization, partnering with technical experts, program teams, and leadership to develop compelling presentations and communication products with accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
  • Create impactful visual communications that simplify complex ideas and support mission-driven objectives.
  • Deliver high-quality creative products while managing schedules, priorities, and competing deadlines.
  • Balance multiple projects simultaneously while working within established design requirements, timelines, and budget considerations.
  • Apply and uphold brand standards while exploring modern design approaches, emerging tools, and innovative visual techniques.
  • Perform advanced image editing, retouching, and visual asset manipulation to support a wide range of multimedia deliverables.
  • Partner with non-creative teams to guide design thinking, visual storytelling, and concept development that elevates communication effectiveness.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Provide a portfolio that demonstrates strong visual design skills, creativity, and technical execution across a range of media.
  • Possess a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Communications, or a related field, or have 4 years of equivalent professional experience.
  • Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Are a self-motivated collaborator with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations, build consensus, and make timely decisions.
  • Are proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
  • Hold a current Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including U.S. citizenship.
  • Demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn emerging tools, technologies, and workflows.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Familiarity with U.S. military programs, Department of Defense sponsors and platforms, hypersonics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technical domains.
  • Experience in 3D modeling/animation (Maya, Blender).
  • Strong capabilities in data visualization, presentation design, sketching, illustration, photobashing, compositing, visual storytelling, or conceptual development.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$58,700 Annually
Maximum Rate
$146,300 Annually

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