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Entry Level Illustrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

24 Seven Talent

Assistant Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Recent fashion design graduate or someone with entry-level Assistant Designer experience * Strong Adobe Illustrator skills required * Ability to create CADs quickly and accurately * Experience ...

Hachette-Livre

Senior Cartographer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$65 - $68/hr

You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza MAPublisher to acquire data, design, and ... This is not an entry-level role * Strong communication skills with the aptitude to communicate ...

Hachette Book Group

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza MAPublisher to acquire data, design, and ... This is not an entry-level role * Strong communication skills with the aptitude to communicate ...

Hachette Book Group

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

You will use Adobe Illustrator equipped with Avenza MAPublisher to acquire data, design, and ... This is not an entry-level role * Strong communication skills with the aptitude to communicate ...

24 Seven Talent

Technical Design Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40K - $47K/yr

... Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel Strong communication, organization, and time management ... Seniority level Entry level Employment type Temporary Job function Design Industries Retail Apparel ...

Print Creative Alliance

Be Seen First

Pre-Press Operator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Swing Shift (Typically 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM / Monday - Friday) Position Type: Full-Time / Entry-Level ... Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) is a major plus. * Visual ...

24 Seven Talent

Technical Design Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40K - $47K/yr

... Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel Strong communication, organization, and time management ... Seniority level Entry level Employment type Temporary Job function Design Industries Retail Apparel ...

CJ Foodville USA Inc

Jr. Graphic Designer

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... * Entry-level with relevant experience; 0-2 years of agency or in-house experience preferred ... Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and Canva; Figma ...

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All JobsIllustrator JobsEntry Level Illustrator JobsEntry Level Illustrator Jobs in California

Entry Level Illustrator information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$58.6K

$94.7K

How much do entry level illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level illustrator in California is $58,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level illustrator?

Entry level illustrators are professionals at the beginning of their careers who create visual artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, digital media, and more. They typically work under the guidance of senior illustrators or art directors and may use traditional or digital tools to produce illustrations. Entry level illustrators often focus on building their portfolios, learning industry standards, and gaining experience with different styles and techniques. Their work helps communicate ideas, tell stories, or enhance the visual appeal of various projects.

What does an entry level illustrator do?

Illustrators use multimedia and graphic design software to create logos and other creative elements like infographics and diagrams, which companies publish in conjunction with articles, sales collateral, and other materials. As an illustrator, your work could appear in a book or as a visual component of a website. Your responsibilities likely include frequent interaction with clients and collaboration with other design team members. You must be able to translate imaginative ideas and visual solutions into clear, readable imagery, accept feedback from your client, and then refine your illustrations to meet their specifications.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Illustrator, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of color theory and composition, and a relevant portfolio or degree in illustration or a related field. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and Illustrator) is commonly expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to accept feedback are valuable soft skills that help you grow in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for producing high-quality artwork that meets client or employer expectations and for developing professionally in a competitive field.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level illustrator expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level illustrator, you’ll typically work on a variety of projects such as creating basic illustrations for marketing materials, social media content, and internal presentations. You may also assist more senior illustrators with larger projects, help refine existing artwork, and handle revisions based on client or team feedback. Early on, you'll gain hands-on experience with digital illustration tools and collaborate closely with graphic designers, writers, and marketing teams. This exposure helps you build a versatile portfolio and develop a strong understanding of industry workflows.

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

AspectEntry Level IllustratorJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsPortfolio, basic design skills, some art or design educationPortfolio, design skills, relevant education or coursework
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, publishing, advertisingMarketing firms, media companies, advertising agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries requiring custom illustrations and artworkUsed in industries needing visual branding and layout design

Both roles often require a strong portfolio and basic design skills. An Entry Level Illustrator focuses on creating original artwork and illustrations, while a Junior Graphic Designer typically handles layout, branding, and visual content. The roles overlap in creative environments, but illustrators emphasize artistic skills, whereas graphic designers focus on visual communication and design principles.

More about Entry Level Illustrator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Illustrator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Illustrator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Illustrator jobs in California?

For Entry Level Illustrator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Illustrator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Illustrator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Illustrator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Illustrator job openings:

Entry Level Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Illustrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,568 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Assistant Designer

24 Seven Talent

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


About the Company: A growing fashion brand is looking for an Assistant Designer to support both the Design and Art teams. This is an exciting opportunity for someone early in their career who has strong Adobe Illustrator skills, works quickly and accurately, and can stay organized in a fast-paced environment.



About the Role: In this role, you’ll help bring seasonal collections to life by creating CADs, preparing artwork, writing fabric purchase orders, and supporting day-to-day design needs.



Responsibilities:



  • Create Illustrator CADs for apparel collections
  • Translate garment concepts into accurate, production-ready CADs
  • Place artwork into CADs as needed
  • Write fabric purchase orders
  • Partner closely with both the Art and Design teams
  • Serve as a liaison between the Art and Design departments
  • Manage multiple projects while maintaining exceptional attention to detail
  • Support a fast-paced team and work effectively under tight deadlines



Qualifications:



  • Recent fashion design graduate or someone with entry-level Assistant Designer experience
  • Strong Adobe Illustrator skills required
  • Ability to create CADs quickly and accurately
  • Experience placing artwork into CADs
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail
  • Strong communication and multitasking skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment



Required Skills:



  • Fashion Design graduate or Assistant Designer with strong AI skills
  • Experience using AI tools within the design process
  • Strong Illustrator and CAD experience
  • Experience creating technical CADs for apparel
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn and grow within a fashion design team



Preferred Skills:



  • Work Location: In person



Pay range and compensation package: [Pay range or salary or compensation]



Equal Opportunity Statement: [Include a statement on commitment to diversity and inclusivity.]


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