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Freelance Artist Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Artist information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$22

$68

How much do freelance artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance artist in Springfield, IL is $22.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do freelance artists typically manage client relationships and project deadlines?

Freelance artists often juggle multiple clients and projects simultaneously, making effective communication and time management essential. Most artists use contracts or written agreements to clarify project scope, timelines, and payment terms upfront. Regular updates and feedback sessions help ensure client satisfaction and avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, using project management tools or scheduling apps can help artists track deadlines and stay organized. Building strong, professional relationships with clients can lead to repeat business and valuable referrals.

What is the difference between Freelance Artist vs Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance ArtistGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, artistic skills, possibly art-related certificationsDesign degree or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndependent, client-based projects, studios, or homeAgency, in-house, or freelance settings
Industry UsageArt, illustration, fine arts, entertainmentAdvertising, branding, marketing, digital media

Freelance Artists focus on creating original artwork, illustrations, or fine art for clients or personal projects, often working independently. Graphic Designers typically work on visual communication projects like branding, advertisements, and digital media, often with formal design training. While both roles require artistic skills, Freelance Artists emphasize personal style and fine art, whereas Graphic Designers focus on functional visual solutions for clients.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Artist, you need strong artistic ability, a solid portfolio, and knowledge of art fundamentals, often supported by formal training or self-directed study. Proficiency with digital illustration software (like Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate) and familiarity with digital file formats are commonly required. Excellent self-management, communication, and client-relationship skills help artists stand out in a competitive freelance market. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality work, meeting client expectations, and sustaining a successful independent career.

What is a freelance artist?

A freelance artist is a self-employed creative professional who produces artwork on a project or contract basis for various clients, rather than working as a full-time employee for a single organization. Freelance artists can work in a variety of mediums such as painting, illustration, digital art, graphic design, or sculpture. They often manage their own business operations, including finding clients, setting rates, and handling contracts. This career path offers flexibility and creative freedom but also requires strong self-motivation and business skills.

What do freelance artists do?

Freelance artists craft pieces of art from different mediums, depending on their specialty. These artists are independent contractors and may create works to sell on their own, or they may be commissioned by someone to produce something specific. As a freelance artist, you use your talents to develop an artistic style that is unique to you. You may focus on one type of medium, or you may experiment with multiple forms of art. Freelance painters may choose to use oils, watercolors, pastels, or a combination of paints for their pieces. Sculpting by hand or on a wheel uses clay in different ways to make pottery, sculptures, and other clay-based works. Sketch artists may use charcoal, pencil, chalk, or other writing utensils to draw realistic or abstract images. Photographers and actors are also considered artists. Freelance photographers are hired to take pictures of people, things, or events, while freelance actors perform in shows but are not on the staff of a particular theater or performing arts company.

How do you become a freelance artist?

To become a freelance artist, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain experience through practice or internships, and establish an online presence on platforms like Behance or Instagram. Building a network, setting clear rates, and managing your own schedule are also essential steps to start working independently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Artist jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Freelance Artist jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Freelance Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Artist job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,347 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Sales & Education Advisor - Springfield, IL (Freelance)

ILIA, Inc.

Springfield, IL • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Contractor

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

We are seeking an experienced beauty advisor that is passionate about the clean color category and safe, performance driven ingredients. They will be an example and advocate of the ILIA lifestyle and a champion of our in-store presence and client experience. Strong communication skills are critical for this candidate as it will enable them to educate the store teams on our unique point of difference.
This role is open to candidates located in the Springfield, IL metropolitan area and reports into the Sales, Artistry & Education Account Executive, Midwest-Chicago.
ILIA Sales and Education Advisor's responsibilities include:
Sales
  • Drive and exceed sales goals as determined by ILIA through store visits for support, events and relationship building.
  • Coordinate store visit schedule with manager and strategize plans to achieve sales goals and execute corporate initiatives.
  • Create monthly calendar to support focus doors and to achieve sales goals.
  • Superior selling skills with proven ability to set and achieve sales goals
  • Effective and engaging training skills that deliver consistent sales results
  • Proven ability to build relationships, drive sales and provide outstanding customer service
  • Partner with store and brand field leadership team, to ensure new store openings are executed

Training, Events & Education
  • Educate store teams on hero products to increase the BAs ability to recommend products to clients and drives retail sale
  • Develop brand advocates in stores by training them on key selling and service behaviors that drive sales, building relationships with clients and grow loyalty.
  • Track and monitor event sales impact.
  • Initiate innovative ways to impact sales and drive retail results.
  • Train all retail associates, inter-sell associates and freelancers on all brand products and the appropriate selling skills needed to achieve sales goals.

Calendar Execution
  • Activate store visit calendar, and recap store successes, opportunities, and action plan post-visit in T-Sheets
  • Provide detailed weekly recap of business opportunities, callouts, and celebrations.

Communication
  • Communicate with manager regularly via status call. Prepare updates as directed.
  • Communicate with store Leadership in collaboration with manager regarding brand opportunities.
  • Communicate stock concerns to manager and retailer partners as needed to support business.

  • Must have reliable form of transportation
  • 2+ years of beauty industry experience as a professional make-up artist or brand ambassador
  • Currently live in the territory listed in job posting
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays
  • Exceptional time management and communication skills
  • Ability to work on your feet for 6-8 hours
  • Ability to lift at least 30 lbs

What can help you really stand out:
  • 1+ years Sephora training and selling experience with established relationships
  • Passion in the Clean Beauty Category

What we would like to offer...
  • Base rate: $25-28/hour*
  • ILIA Products

*This is the anticipated hourly rate for this position. The hourly rate offered will carefully consider a few factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
About ILIA
ILIA makes clean skin-centric beauty. We see skincare and makeup as one and believe that skin should look like skin. With transparency as our guide and color as our vehicle, we challenge the conventions of clean beauty to create something radically new, through safe, groundbreaking formulas that protect + revive the skin. Headquartered in Laguna Beach, California, ILIA brings together a strong group of innovative thinkers, rule-breakers and creative problem solvers. We pave the way forward as the leading clean makeup brand in what is being called the Clean Beauty Revolution. Fast paced growth provides constant learning, collaborative teamwork, and the desire to be the best at what you do. We celebrate taking risks and doing what hasn't been done before.