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Fantasy Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Fantasy Illustrator information

See salary details

$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do fantasy illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for fantasy illustrator in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges fantasy illustrators face when working on client projects?

Fantasy illustrators often encounter challenges such as interpreting abstract or open-ended client briefs, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring their style aligns with the client's vision. Collaboration with art directors and writers may require flexibility and strong communication skills to incorporate feedback and revisions efficiently. Additionally, keeping up with industry trends and developing a distinctive portfolio can be important for standing out in a competitive field.

What is a fantasy illustrator?

A fantasy illustrator is an artist who creates visual artwork that brings imaginary worlds, characters, and creatures to life. Their work is often used in books, games, movies, and comics to depict scenes inspired by fantasy themes such as magic, mythical beings, and epic adventures. Fantasy illustrators use a variety of techniques, including digital painting and traditional media, to produce detailed and imaginative illustrations. They collaborate closely with authors, game developers, and publishers to ensure their art accurately represents the intended story or concept.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fantasy Illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fantasy Illustrator, you need strong artistic skills in drawing, painting, and visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in art or illustration. Mastery of digital illustration tools like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and sometimes 3D modeling software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with clients or creative teams are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure the creation of compelling, imaginative visuals that meet project goals and engage audiences.
More about Fantasy Illustrator jobs
What cities are hiring for Fantasy Illustrator jobs? Cities with the most Fantasy Illustrator job openings:
What states have the most Fantasy Illustrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Fantasy Illustrator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fantasy Illustrator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 67% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Concept Hard Surface Artist - (Apex Legends)

Concept Hard Surface Artist - (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$104K - $157K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

General Information
Locations: Vancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, Canada
  • Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
  • State: California
  • Country: United States of America

Role ID
214772
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
Hard Surface Concept Artist - Apex Legends
We are seeking a Concept Artist I to join the Apex Legends team. In this role, you
will help create compelling visual designs that define the hard surface cosmetics
and visual identity of Apex Legends. You will apply strong artistic fundamentals,
design sensibilities, and storytelling skills to bring ideas to life while supporting
both gameplay needs and the evolving aesthetic of a live service game.
You will work closely with the Hard Surface Concept Art Lead, Art Directors, and
your immediate team to deliver high-quality concept work while collaborating
with external partners to help maintain Apex Legends' visual quality and style
standards. The ideal candidate is a strong visual problem solver who thrives in a
collaborative environment and is passionate about creating bold, iconic designs.
What You'll Do
? Collaborate closely with the Art Lead and immediate team to create
compelling concept art that supports gameplay, player fantasy, and the
Apex Legends experience.
? Design high-quality hard surface cosmetics and assets that align with the
game's established visual language and style.
? Apply a strong understanding of industrial design, weapon design, color
theory, lighting, materials, and perspective in all concept work.
? Translate creative direction into clear, production-ready visual solutions
that can be effectively executed by downstream teams.
? Create illustrations and visual storytelling pieces that communicate
narrative intent and support world-building through asset design.
? Utilize 3D tools to support concept development, including block-ins,
lighting, camera setup, and perspective assistance.
? Contribute to animation, FX, and cinematic ideation when needed,
including basic storyboarding and motion exploration.
? Participate actively in team critiques and feedback sessions, iterating
quickly to improve quality and alignment with project goals.
? Support external development efforts by reviewing outsourced work and
providing actionable feedback to ensure consistency with Apex Legends'
quality and artistic standards.
? Design within gameplay, technical, and production constraints, ensuring
concepts are achievable and production-friendly.
? Stay informed on emerging tools, workflows, and production
methodologies, helping improve efficiency and creative iteration across the
team.
? Contribute to team growth by sharing knowledge, workflows, and best
practices with peers.
Ideally, You Will Have
? 3+ years of experience as a Concept Artist in games, entertainment, or a
related industry.
? A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic fundamentals,
including design, color, composition, lighting, materials, and perspective.
? Proven ability to create clear, production-ready concepts that effectively
communicate design intent.
? Strong understanding of hard surface design principles, including
industrial and/or weapon design.
? Proficiency with industry-standard digital painting software and
familiarity with 3D tools commonly used in concept workflows.
? Understanding of visual storytelling, composition, cinematography, and
player-facing readability.
? Strong collaboration and communication skills within a multidisciplinary
team environment.
? Ability to incorporate feedback quickly and iterate effectively in a fast-
paced production setting.
? Experience supporting or mentoring junior artists is a plus.
? Openness to learning and adopting new tools, workflows, and emerging
technologies that improve efficiency and creative development.
Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$92,900 - $129,200 CAD
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$104,400 - $157,400 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
For Canada, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave), extended health/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.