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Freelance Drawing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Content Manager

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$95K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is a hands-on individual contributor role with no direct reports: you are the primary creator, drawing on shared and contract resources (design, demand generation, agencies, freelancers) for ...

Content Manager

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$95K - $105K/yr

This is a hands-on individual contributor role with no direct reports: you are the primary creator, drawing on shared and contract resources (design, demand generation, agencies, freelancers) for ...

Freelance Drawing information

See Washington salary details

$16

$54

$149

How much do freelance drawing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance drawing in Washington is $54.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $69.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance drawing?

Freelance drawing is when an artist creates illustrations or drawings on a project-by-project basis for clients, rather than being employed full-time by a single company. Freelance drawing jobs can include creating artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, websites, or private commissions. Freelance artists are responsible for finding their own clients, managing their workload, and negotiating payment terms. This career offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of creative projects, but it also requires self-motivation and strong business skills.

What jobs can I do if I like freelance drawing?

Freelance drawing skills can be applied to various jobs such as creating illustrations for books, magazines, or advertising; designing logos and branding materials; producing concept art for video games and movies; and offering custom artwork or commissions. These roles often require proficiency with digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and the ability to work independently on flexible schedules.

How do freelance drawing professionals typically find clients and manage project workloads?

Freelance drawing professionals often find clients through a combination of online platforms, networking, and portfolio showcases. Building a strong online portfolio on sites like Behance or Instagram helps attract potential clients, while joining freelance marketplaces such as Upwork or Fiverr can provide access to a steady stream of project opportunities. Managing multiple projects simultaneously is common, so freelancers often use project management tools and set clear timelines to meet client expectations. Effective communication and time management are key to balancing creative work with administrative tasks, ensuring deadlines are met and client relationships are maintained.

What are the qualifications to get a freelance drawing job?

The qualifications to get a freelance drawing job vary depending largely on the employer or the type of work you do. Some freelance drawing jobs require no formal training, and the only important aspect is in having proficient drawing skills and some relevant experience, including a portfolio of your work. However, many independent drawing professionals have a background in fine arts or graphic arts. This may include an associate or bachelor’s degree in fine arts, or even a master’s degree in fine arts, which is often required if you are an instructor at a post-secondary institution.

How do I become a freelance drawing?

To become a freelance drawing artist, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, build a presence on online platforms like Behance or DeviantArt, and network with potential clients. Skills in digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and self-marketing are essential for success in freelancing.

What is the difference between Freelance Drawing vs Freelance Illustration?

AspectFreelance DrawingFreelance Illustration
CredentialsPortfolio, artistic skillsPortfolio, artistic skills, sometimes specialized software knowledge
Work EnvironmentHome studio, client sites, onlineHome studio, client sites, online
Industry UsageArt, design, entertainmentAdvertising, publishing, entertainment
Search & ComparisonOften compared for artistic workMore commercial, client-focused projects

Freelance Drawing involves creating artistic sketches and artwork for various purposes, often emphasizing personal style. Freelance Illustration typically focuses on producing visual content for commercial projects like books, advertisements, or media. While both roles require artistic skills and portfolios, illustration often demands a more commercial approach and familiarity with client needs. Understanding these differences helps freelancers target the right opportunities and clients.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Drawing Artist, you need strong artistic ability, a solid grasp of drawing fundamentals, and often a portfolio showcasing your work, with or without formal art education. Proficiency in traditional media or digital tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate is highly valuable. Creativity, self-motivation, and effective communication with clients help you stand out in this competitive field. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality artwork, attracting clients, and managing successful freelance projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drawing jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Drawing jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Drawing jobs in Washington?

For Freelance Drawing jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Drawing jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Drawing jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Drawing job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,388 per year, or $54 per hour.

$76K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Editor, Books, is responsible for coordinating editorial and production aspects of assigned projects, including substantive editing of chapter and book manuscripts; managing manuscript work flow and editorial schedules; performing editorial and production-related tasks for individual projects; managing approved freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers; serving as liaison with authors and volume editors; and working closely with the Prepress Manager and Production staff throughout the production process. Incumbent supports all steps required to bring books and other assigned products to market and maintain ongoing products, provide input on new products as needed, and provide editorial project management with the team involved in content development, production, and marketing. Products may include chapters, books, webinars, ebooks and apps, and consolidations of content from existing books, journals, video, and news.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides editorial and project management support for the development, editing, and production of APAP products, including books, ebooks, mobile apps, and consolidations of content from existing products. Prioritizes workflow to ensure that high-priority schedules are met. Maintains editing schedules of individual projects and continuously monitors and reports on progress of all projects. Consults on production of supplemental materials.
  • Attends transmittal meeting, biweekly team and one-on-one meetings, and Publishing Town Hall to maintain communication, provide updates, and stay informed about Publishing news.
  • Collaborates with managers in various functional areas of APA to identify the special editorial needs of individual projects and address these needs during editing and working with authors. Ensures that manuscript or other product presents authors' ideas in a clear, precise, and effective manner and that necessary permissions for use of previously published material are in order. Ensures that disclosure forms are on file and creates Disclosure section in front matter.
  • Manages, reviews, and oversees the work of freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers. Supervises overall quality of work and provides feedback for freelance vendors regarding APAP style and procedures.
  • Copyedits manuscripts for style, grammar, and accuracy and codes files for typesetting and electronic publishing. Edits, formats, or creates tables, figures, and other product elements as needed. Ensures that all figures have alt text, or queries author to supply. Queries author for abstract and key words if not provided. Verifies scientific nomenclature for accuracy and consistency. Resolves discrepancies and errors in cited references. Evaluates author and proofreader corrections for accuracy and sense and incorporates corrections into computer files with word-processing and typesetting software. Applies to Library of Congress for LCCN data.
  • Transmits projects to Prepress Manager for figure drawing and cover design.
  • Prepares projects for and uploads projects to digital workflow system. Performs initial tasks required by system (e.g., element verification, reference linking). In workflow system, ensures proper formatting of all page elements, including title pages, tables, figures, and references.
  • Updates Milestones in workflow system as needed to keep project on track.
  • Serves as liaison with authors or volume editors on assigned projects. Sends edited manuscripts and page proofs to authors or volume editors for approval; ensures that all changes are incorporated correctly. Monitors all components of project for consistency and adherence to APA style.
  • Reviews/edits supplemental materials (e.g., videos, handouts) and oversees their production across multiple departments to ensure their completion coincides with book publication.
  • Provides input on cover design and reviews cover design and marketing copy for accuracy and appropriateness.
  • Reviews indexes for accuracy and appropriate formatting.
  • Works with workflow system vendor or Prepress Manager to make final InDesign or FrameMaker corrections and prepare book for printer. Notifies Production team that the book is ready for the printer. Examines soft proofs and advances, gives final approval for publication, orders complimentary copies for contributors. Assists in determining potential for reuse and repackaging of content into unique products and services.
  • Develops and maintains knowledge about APA and APAP functional departments, existing publications and processes, and print and online delivery mechanisms (e.g., www.PsychiatryOnline, www.APPI.org, www.Psych.org).
  • Provides input on decisions regarding books and new product development, vendors, platforms and software, and other equipment needed for editing, production, and product delivery. Works with all principals to plan and launch new products.
  • Monitors industry literature, attends meetings/conferences, and/or participates in trainings to become aware of other products on the market, developments in the book and scholarly publishing industry, and issues that may impact product development. Networks with industry colleagues.

COMPETENCIES
The Senior Editor's performance on these duties and responsibilities will be measured using the following competencies:
SCOPE & IMPACT
  • Responsible for the daily activities of all aspects of assigned book projects and supplements.
  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge of grammar, style, copyediting, and project management as well as APA Publishing products and goals.
  • Successfully completes assigned projects within established time frame or alerts Director, Books Editorial if projects fall behind.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in use of Microsoft Word and related templates, Adobe FrameMaker and Acrobat, and software/systems necessary for production (i.e., eXtyles RefPro, Lanstad).
  • Provides suggestions and recommendations that improve processes and increase efficiency.
  • Collaborates with fellow team members to address project- or team-related challenges (e.g., sharing input on unusual or problematic projects, reviewing processes or guides that need updating). Update in-house Style Guide as needed.
  • Success is measured by the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain schedules, and interact appropriately and effectively with staff, authors, editors, vendors, and other stakeholders.

COMPLEXITY, PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISION-MAKING
  • Independently resolves issues with internal or external clients and/or identifies novel and complex problems and issues. Designs and implements solutions with management approval or escalates concerns to the appropriate level.
  • Makes appropriate project-related decisions and performs project-related tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Manages time and balances project priorities to maintain production schedules.
  • Approaches unusual projects or supplements as opportunities to learn new skills and procedures.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT & AUTHORITY
  • Relationships center on collaborative work efforts within Publishing and effective communication with external clients such as authors, editors, and vendors.
  • Uses diplomatic skills to obtain trust and cooperation in order to resolve issues and/or non-routine matters, manage projects, or achieve appropriate solutions.
  • May be asked to represent the organization as a liaison to external audiences with feedback provided to management.
  • Uses tact and discretion to obtain cooperation and understanding on routine and non-routine matters.

ORGANIZATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
  • Demonstrates a general understanding of the Senior Editor's responsibilities and relationships within the department.
  • Demonstrates a general knowledge of APA Publishing's processes, relationships, and responsibilities as well as the interactions within the organization.

SUPERVISION
  • Coaches and mentors junior-level staff.
  • Supervises and assesses work of freelance vendors.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in English, science, or behavioral science, with at least 5 years of significant experience in medical or scientific editing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrated examples of significant editorial skills and electronic publishing experience.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to creatively solve problems; and strong content development and project management skills.
  • Knowledge of publishing systems and emerging technologies and content delivery systems as they apply to publishing, combined with prior experience in STM publishing.

EOE, including disability/vets