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Entry Level Illustrator Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

Be Seen First

Entry Level Scenic & Event Designer / Production Artist 2026

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Entry-Level Scenic & Event Designer Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in ... Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud , specifically Photoshop & Illustrator * Proficiency in Office ...

InSite Real Estate LLC

REAL ESTATE MANAGER

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

InSite Real Estate is seeking an Entry Level Real Estate Manager to join our Property Search Team ... Prepare aerial maps, photos and parcel plans illustrating location, accessibility, traffic volume ...

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · Remote

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) * Figma and PowerPoint ...

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · Hybrid

$19.50 - $26/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) * Figma and PowerPoint ...

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · On-site +1

$19.50 - $26/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) * Figma and PowerPoint ...

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer IB

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

If you think your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good match for this entry level ... Proficiency on Macintosh in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign required, skills in AutoCAD ...

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer IB

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $64K/yr

If you think your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good match for this entry level ... Proficiency on Macintosh in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign required, skills in AutoCAD ...

All JobsIllustrator JobsEntry Level Illustrator JobsEntry Level Illustrator Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Entry Level Illustrator information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$32K

$58.4K

$94.5K

How much do entry level illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level illustrator in Park Ridge, IL is $58,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,900.00 and $66,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are entry level illustrators?

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.
More about Entry Level Illustrator jobs
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Entry Level Illustrator jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Entry Level Illustrator job openings:
Entry Level Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Illustrator job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,396 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Illustration Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Visual Arts

Illustration Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Visual Arts

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

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.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in Illustration or related field, or a significant record of accomplishment in the field.
  • Robust portfolio showcasing a range of illustration skills and projects, as well as possibly client testimonials or awards. This could include work in design firms, freelance projects, or significant involvement in the industry.
  • Knowledge of current design software, technologies, standards, industry best practices, and sustainable practices. Proficiency in illustration software relevant to the field, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and familiarity with other tools pertinent to illustration.
  • 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 illustration concepts into clear, accessible lessons
  • Passion for illustration education and a commitment to student learning and development

PREFERRED:
  • Master's degree in Illustration, or related discipline
  • Demonstrated success in teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, either in an academic or professional setting, preferably in higher education in an illustration, 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 illustration contexts.
  • A deep understanding of current trends in illustration, technology, and visual communication, 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 visual communication abilities. Practical experience, pedagogical skills, and a passion for the field are key qualifications
In addition to Illustration, the School of Visual Arts offers courses in disciplines including Fine Arts, 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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