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Entry Level Artist Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

Catholic Charities

Care Coordinator

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Minimum * Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in a related field of study Entry level * Organization, time management, client/caseload management skills and the ability to maintain ...

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All JobsArtist JobsEntry Level Artist JobsEntry Level Artist Jobs in Cary, IL

Entry Level Artist information

See Cary, IL salary details

$9

$25

$40

How much do entry level artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level artist in Cary, IL is $25.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $28.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level artist?

Entry level artists are individuals who are beginning their professional careers in the art field, often having recently graduated from art school or completed relevant training. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced artists or art directors and may assist with various creative tasks, such as creating illustrations, graphics, or concept art. Entry level artists are expected to have foundational skills in drawing, painting, or digital art, and they often use this period to build their portfolios, gain industry experience, and establish professional connections. This role provides valuable learning opportunities and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in the art industry.

How can I get a job as an entry level artist?

The qualifications needed to get a job as an entry-level artist include artistic skills, a portfolio of past work, and a degree or equivalent experience. You can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in graphic design, illustration, or fine arts. Most degree programs include portfolio-building courses, which can help you showcase your creative abilities to potential employers or clients. Most employers expect you to digitize your artwork using the Adobe Creative Suite or similar software. Internships are available for students and novice artists who want to gain experience in a professional setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level artist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Artist, you need a solid understanding of art fundamentals such as drawing, color theory, and composition, often demonstrated through a portfolio or relevant education. Familiarity with industry-standard digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and openness to feedback are vital soft skills that help you grow and adapt within collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are important to produce high-quality work, meet project requirements, and develop professionally in the competitive art industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level artists when starting their first professional role?

Entry level artists often encounter challenges such as adapting to tight deadlines, receiving constructive feedback, and learning to balance creative vision with client or project requirements. Navigating industry-standard tools and workflows can also be a learning curve, especially when collaborating with more experienced team members. However, most organizations provide mentorship and training to help new artists grow, and actively seeking feedback can accelerate both skill development and confidence.

What is the difference between Entry Level Artist vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level ArtistJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree, basic art skillsBachelor's degree in graphic design, art, or related field
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, advertising agencies, freelance projectsDesign firms, marketing departments, advertising agencies
Industry UsageUsed across entertainment, gaming, illustration, and fine artsPrimarily in marketing, branding, and advertising sectors

Entry Level Artists and Junior Graphic Designers often share similar foundational skills and work environments. However, Entry Level Artists typically focus on traditional or digital art creation with a broader scope, while Junior Graphic Designers specialize in visual communication and branding within marketing contexts. Both roles serve as starting points in creative industries, with career progression leading to more specialized or senior positions.

More about Entry Level Artist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs in Cary, IL?

The most popular types of Artist jobs in Cary, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Artist jobs in Cary, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Artist jobs in Cary, IL are:

What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Entry Level Artist jobs?

Cities near Cary, IL with the most Entry Level Artist job openings:

Entry Level Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Artist job openings in Cary, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,001 per year, or $25 per hour.

Fine Arts Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Visual Arts

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding. 

Qualifications 

To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.

REQUIRED: 

  • Master's degree in Fine Arts or related field, or a significant record of accomplishment in the field.
  • Robust portfolio showcasing a range of Fine Art skills and projects.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage students and effectively convey concepts and critique student work, as well as the ability to guide students in developing their portfolios
  • Ability to translate complex Fine Art concepts into clear, accessible lessons
  • Passion for Fine Art education and a commitment to student learning and development

 PREFERRED: 

  • Master of Fine Art degree in Studio Art, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Performance, Film/Video or related discipline
  • Demonstrated success in teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, either in an academic or professional setting, preferably in higher education in a fine art, studio art or design program
  • A passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth among students
  • Experience working in various fine art contexts.
  • A deep understanding of current trends in fine art enabling the instructor to provide insights into the evolving nature of the field 

The ideal candidate would be able to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, inspiring students to hone their fine art abilities. Practical experience, pedagogical skills, and a passion for the field are key qualifications 

In addition to Fine Arts, the School of Visual Arts offers courses in disciplines including Illustration, Photography and Art History.

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.

Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer, or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information. 

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.

Additional Information: 

  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This is position is overtime ineligible. 

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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