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Editorial Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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)

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 ...

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Lead the day-to-day design function for Hearst Magazines' centralized commerce editorial team ... Familiarity with motion design, GIF creation, illustration, video, and content management systems ...

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

$85K - $100K/yr

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

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

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

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 ...

... commissioning illustration and photography. You will be a strategic thinker and skilled ... editorial, publishing, or content-forward digital environments - a deep understanding of how ...

Showing results 41-60

Editorial Illustration information

See salary details

$29.5K

$50.3K

$76K

How much do editorial illustration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 charge per project or hour, with rates varying widely based on skill level and reputation.

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 art, or sketches, often using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, to communicate ideas and enhance storytelling.

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:

What job categories do people searching Editorial Illustration jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Editorial Illustration jobs are:

Infographic showing various Editorial Illustration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,294 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Open casting call for cartoonists

The San Francisco Standard

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

We're looking for cartoonists who have a point of view on San Francisco
The San Francisco Standard is building a roster of editorial cartoon talent - sharp, opinionated artists who can turn the news and culture into something you have to stop and look at.
Who we're looking for
We cover San Francisco obsessively - city politics, tech, housing, culture, food, and everything in between. We want cartoonists who are just as plugged in. The ideal candidate has a sharp editorial instinct, a distinctive visual voice, and an opinion about what's happening in this city.
You might draw in any style - illustration, caricature, single-panel gag, comic strip, digital, analog. What matters is that your work has wit, a point of view, and something to say about the news. You don't need a big platform or a journalism background. You need to be talented, curious about San Francisco, and ready to engage with our coverage.
What this could look like
Think editorial cartoons that accompany our biggest stories, weekly comic strips riffing on city life, illustrated takes on the Boom Loop, the housing crisis, or the latest thing a tech CEO said. Our audience knows this city inside out - your work can meet them there.
How it works
  1. Send us your work - Share examples of cartoons, illustrations, or comics you've done before. Links to a portfolio, Instagram, Substack, or individual pieces all work.
  2. We'll reach out if it's a fit - Our team reviews submissions on a rolling basis. If we think your style and sensibility are a match, we'll get in touch.
  3. Paid development round - We'll commission a handful of original pieces based on our coverage - and pay you for them.
  4. Potential ongoing partnership - If the work lands, we'll publish it across our channels and explore a regular schedule together.

Ready to show us what you've got?
Send your portfolio and a brief note about who you are.