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Entry Level Illustrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Helsi

Apparel Technical Design Assistant

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$39K - $46K/yr

About the Role This is an entry-level opportunity for someone passionate about fashion and ... Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Office • Strong communication and follow-through • Team ...

FAM Brands

Design Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Experience: 1-2 years of experience in apparel design (internship or entry-level experience will be considered). * Technical Skills: * Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and related design ...

FAM Brands

Design Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Experience: 1-2 years of experience in apparel design (internship or entry-level experience will be considered). * Technical Skills: * Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and related design ...

Gap, Inc.

Assistant Designer, Print

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... or entry-level roles included) in print, textile, or graphic design * Strong creative sensibility ... Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop * Experience or interest in using generative AI ...

FAM Brands

Design Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Experience: 1-2 years of experience in apparel design (internship or entry-level experience will be considered). * Technical Skills: * Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and related design ...

RIOS

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ... Familiarity with software such as Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign ...

Rios Inc

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ... Familiarity with software such as Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign ...

RIOS

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ... Familiarity with software such as Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign ...

JYP America

Production Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$58 - $70/hr

... * Entry-level candidates and candidates with up to 3 years of experience in creative production ... Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects ...

Rios Inc

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$22 - $27/hr

The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ... Familiarity with software such as Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign ...

RCH

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ... Familiarity with software such as Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign ...

RCH

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ... Familiarity with software such as Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign ...

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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 6, 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.

Entry-level Landscape Designer (1-2 years of experience)

SWA Group

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

SWA San Francisco is seeking talented, design-oriented candidates with 1 to 2 years of professional experience in landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, or planning fields, and a passion for graphic representation. Dual degree holders in landscape architecture and another field are encouraged to apply.
Working with us in this role, you may be responsible for:
  • Design
  • 3D modeling
  • Rendering
  • Producing presentation graphics and presentations
  • Assisting in the preparation of construction drawings/documents, sets
  • Attending and participating in meetings
  • Working with senior designers on a collaborative team

Job location: San Francisco, CA
Requirements:
  • A professional undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited program in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, or urban design.

The ideal candidate has:
  • 1-2 years professional experience in a design office
  • Strong design skills
  • Strong problem-solving, critical thinking skills, analysis
  • Attention to detail and organization
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Effective time management skills
  • Leadership qualities and ability to take initiative; self-motivation
  • Ability to take direction
  • Positive attitude
  • Sense of accountability
  • Experience from a previous internship
  • Technical understanding of landscape architecture site development elements
  • Proficiency in:
    • AutoCAD 2018+
    • Revit
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, esp.)
    • Microsoft Office
    • 3D modeling (SketchUp or Rhino)
    • Google Earth Pro
  • Additional experience with the following is desirable:
    • Lumion
    • Grasshopper
    • ArcMap/ArcGIS
    • Bluebeam Revu
    • Hand sketching

Apply:
  • Portfolio (PDF, 20MB max.)
  • Resume/CV (word or PDF)
  • Contact info for 2-3 references
  • Email or cover letter

Apply