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Editorial Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Visuals Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Art direct illustrations and create photo illustrations when needed. * Support the Director of Visuals in maintaining visual standards, workflow systems and consistent editorial practices across the ...

Visuals Editor

Baltimore, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Art direct illustrations and create photo illustrations when needed. * Support the Director of Visuals in maintaining visual standards, workflow systems and consistent editorial practices across the ...

Brand Designer

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

This role sits at the intersection of design and illustration - bringing our editorial, elevated aesthetic to everything from packaging and campaign visuals to eCommerce and social. Reporting to the ...

Editorial Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$41 - $46.75/hr

Collaborate with product, engineering, and editorial teams to develop new digital storytelling ... Help create and commission photography, illustration, artwork, and other visual elements * Ensure ...

Photo Editor, The Free Press

Manhattan, NY

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong visual judgment and the ability to illustrate editorial concepts with clear, compelling visuals * Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign required; Illustrator preferred)

Photo Editor, The Free Press

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong visual judgment and the ability to illustrate editorial concepts with clear, compelling visuals * Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign required; Illustrator preferred)

Assume responsibility for assigned editorial aspects of book development, including manuscript development and editing; partner with art director and designers to provide illustration; copywriting ...

We are looking for a creative thinker-someone who brings an editorial voice through illustration and design, but is also excited about thinking outside the box in their approach and practice. They ...

Art Director

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Proven track record directing high-profile editorial and brand shoots across a range of formats, contexts, and budgets. * A rich network of creative relationships across photography, illustration ...

Showing results 21-40

Editorial Illustration information

See salary details

$29.5K

$50.3K

$76K

How much do editorial illustration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for editorial illustration in the United States is $50,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is editorial illustration?

Editorial illustration refers to artwork created specifically to accompany and enhance written content in publications such as magazines, newspapers, and online articles. These illustrations help visually communicate the message, tone, or theme of an article, often providing commentary or adding emotional impact. Editorial illustrators work closely with editors and art directors to ensure their images align with the story and audience. Unlike commercial illustration, which focuses on selling products, editorial illustration aims to inform, provoke thought, or entertain readers through visual storytelling.

What are some common challenges editorial illustrators face when working with editorial teams?

Editorial illustrators often navigate tight deadlines and the need to quickly interpret complex stories or concepts visually. They must balance their creative vision with the editorial direction, ensuring that their artwork aligns with the publication’s tone and message. Collaboration and clear communication with editors, art directors, and writers are essential, as feedback cycles can be fast-paced and require flexibility. Successfully managing these aspects is key to producing impactful illustrations that enhance the reader's experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an editorial illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Editorial Illustrator, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of visual storytelling, and proficiency with illustration fundamentals, often supported by a degree in illustration or a related field. Familiarity with digital illustration software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is typically required, along with experience in publishing workflows. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to interpret complex ideas visually are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing compelling, communicative artwork that effectively supports editorial content and engages readers.

How much do editorial illustrators make?

Editorial illustrators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of assignments. Freelance illustrators may have variable income based on project volume and client rates, often charging per illustration or project. Building a strong portfolio and proficiency with digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can influence earning potential.

What does an editorial illustrator do?

An editorial illustrator creates visual images to accompany articles, essays, or opinion pieces in newspapers, magazines, or online publications. They interpret written content through drawings, digital illustrations, or infographics, often using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Their work helps communicate complex ideas and engage readers visually.

What are editorial illustration jobs?

Editorial illustration jobs allow you to use your artistic abilities to make a living. In this career, you work for a newspaper or magazine and create visual content for their publications. Your responsibilities are to draw illustrations and design a layout to fit your work into the written content. Each sketch should follow the content in theme or messaging. Your duties require you to be creative, but you must also be able to work in tandem with editorial teams. You must get your work approved by the art director. You do most of your work in software like Adobe Illustrator.

What is the difference between Editorial Illustration vs Book Illustration?

AspectEditorial IllustrationBook Illustration
PurposeTo accompany articles, essays, or editorial content in magazines, newspapers, or online mediaTo visually interpret and enhance the narrative of a book or story
Work EnvironmentFreelance or staff in media, publishing, or advertising agenciesTypically freelance or employed by publishers or authors
Required SkillsStrong conceptual skills, quick turnaround, adaptability to editorial themesStorytelling ability, detailed illustration skills, consistency across pages

Editorial Illustration and Book Illustration both involve creating visual art, but they serve different purposes. Editorial illustrations focus on complementing articles and are often produced quickly for media outlets, while book illustrations aim to bring stories to life with detailed visuals. Understanding these differences helps artists target their skills and clients effectively.

What cities are hiring for Editorial Illustration jobs?

Cities with the most Editorial Illustration job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Editorial Illustration jobs?

The most popular types of Editorial Illustration jobs are:

What states have the most Editorial Illustration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Editorial Illustration jobs include:

Infographic showing various Editorial Illustration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,294 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

$17/hr

Internship

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Andrews McMeel Universal is a global, independent, integrated media company providing comics, illustrated humor, and inspirational content across syndication, book, calendar, and greeting card publishing, digital consumer experiences, and entertainment licensing. Our remarkable roster of talent includes dozens of New York Times best-selling authors and Pulitzer Prize-, Reuben Award-, and Emmy Award-winning creators.

We provide outstanding education and growth opportunities to qualified, hard-working, self-motivated, poised, and articulate candidates.

This is a paid internship opportunity ($17.00 per hour). Consideration will be given to candidates who are immediately available and can commit to a 12-month internship averaging 40 hours/week.

INTERNSHIP OBJECTIVES

  • Acquire an overall view of multiple facets of the publishing industry
  • Gain a basic understanding of internal and external editorial process
  • Develop project management and administrative skills working with all levels of the organization
  • Enhance writing and communication skills in a cross-functional publishing environment
  • Professional development and experience to better understand career goals and next steps

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR HIRE

  • Students of or recent graduates with a degree in Communications, Journalism/Strategic Communications, English, Creative Writing or Marketing, preferred
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign
  • Attentive to detail, with outstanding written communication and grammar skills
  • Able to work autonomously, balance and prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE

  • Provide support for the book editorial team, including publisher
  • Review submissions and write reader’s reports
  • Do competitive research on proposals or ideas under consideration or development
  • Write acquisition memos for projects being presented for acquisition
  • Prepare descriptive sales copy for tip sheets
  • Submit copyright registrations
  • Write cover and jacket flap copy
  • Write rejection letters
  • Prepare and transmit manuscripts
  • Create PDFs for sales, publicity, and marketing
  • Create and maintain schedules
  • Check alts against proofread pages
  • Perform administrative tasks including copying, mailing, correspondence, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

  • Hard-working, self-motivated, poised, articulate team player
  • Excellent grammar, fact checking, and spelling skills
  • Proficiency in typing, word processing, email, and Internet
  • Attention to detail, able to work autonomously, balance and prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
  • Copyediting and proofreading experience helpful