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Freelance Illustrator Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dolls Kill

Freelance Apparel Designer

Oakland, CA · On-site

About The Role The Freelance Apparel Designer supports Dolls Kill's product team in developing new ... Sketch original designs by hand or digitally (Illustrator/Procreate) and translate concepts into ...

Solomon Page

Freelance Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50/hr

We are hiring a Freelance Handbag Designer. This position requires 5+ years of experience in ... Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop is a must * Ability to take direction from design team ...

thelab

Freelance Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Strong proficiency in Adobe Photoshop; familiarity with InDesign, Illustrator, and/or Keynote a ... Freelance/contract engagement #J-18808-Ljbffr

System One

Freelance Designer - Graphics

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Job Title: Freelance Designer - Graphics Location: New York, New York Overview: The Freelance ... Create and update packaging, labeling, and production artwork using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring ...

tarte cosmetics

Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Designer - Remote tarte is seeking a creative, trend-savvy freelance graphic ... Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). Experience designing for ...

System One

Freelance Designer - Graphics

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Job Title: Freelance Designer - Graphics Location: New York, New York Overview: The Freelance ... Create and update packaging, labeling, and production artwork using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring ...

Solomon Page

Freelance Designer Menswear

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$45/hr

We are seeking a Freelance Designer - Men's Apparel to lead the design of menswear across wholesale ... Design men's knit product using Adobe Illustrator (sketches + tech flats) * Lead tech pack ...

Midjourney

Brand Designer (Freelance)

We're looking for a talented visual designer to shape how Midjourney shows up in the world. We are ... Motion or illustration * You already make things with generative tools Logistics * Freelance ...

TWO'S Company, Inc.

Freelance Catalog Designer

Elmsford, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator ... Previous experience working as a freelance or contract designer * Experience designing catalogs or ...

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How much do freelance illustrator designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance illustrator designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance illustrator designer?

A freelance illustrator designer is a self-employed professional who creates visual artwork and illustrations for clients on a project-by-project basis. They work in a variety of industries, such as publishing, advertising, web design, and product packaging. Unlike in-house designers, freelance illustrators have the flexibility to choose their projects, set their own rates, and manage their own schedules. Their work often involves client communication, concept development, and using digital or traditional tools to bring creative ideas to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance illustrator designer?

To thrive as a Freelance Illustrator Designer, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of design principles, and a portfolio showcasing diverse illustration styles. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and digital drawing tablets is essential. Excellent communication, time management, and self-motivation help you attract clients and deliver projects on deadline. These skills ensure you can produce high-quality, client-focused work while managing the demands of a freelance business.

How do freelance illustrator designers typically manage client communication and project timelines?

Freelance illustrator designers often juggle multiple clients and projects, making clear communication and efficient time management essential. Most professionals use tools like email, project management software, or messaging apps to keep clients updated on progress, share drafts, and request feedback. Setting clear expectations about deadlines, revisions, and deliverables at the outset helps prevent misunderstandings. Regular check-ins and maintaining a well-organized schedule enable freelancers to meet client needs while balancing their workload.

What is the difference between Freelance Illustrator Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance Illustrator DesignerGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, illustration skills, design software proficiencyPortfolio, design software proficiency, sometimes formal education
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or client sites, project-basedIn-house, agency, or freelance, often collaborative
Industry UsagePublishing, advertising, entertainment, brandingAdvertising, marketing, branding, corporate communications

Freelance Illustrator Designers focus on creating custom illustrations for various media, often working independently. Graphic Designers handle visual communication through layouts, branding, and marketing materials, typically working in teams or agencies. Both roles require strong design skills and software proficiency, but their primary outputs and work settings differ.

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Freelance Illustrator Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Illustrator Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Freelance Apparel Designer

Oakland, CA • On-site

Dolls Kill
Retail • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Dolls Killexternal

Contractor

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Dolls Kill is a global fashion brand that empowers everyone to celebrate their individuality. We currently have over 10 million social media followers including some of the most influential personalities in music, art, pop culture and fashion. We're also backed by strong consumer-focused investors who share in our vision of building one of the world's next great consumer brands.
 
Our team is growing quickly and we are hiring across many functions. We are looking for team members who are equally passionate about what we do and excited about joining the Dolls Kill crew.

Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice

About Us
Named "The Fastest Growing Retailer in the US", Dolls Kill is a fashion brand that boldly empowers young women to celebrate their individuality. With over three million followers on Instagram, we've become a cult favorite among DJs, celebrities and artists around the world.
 
Based in Oakland, we have an amazing team of retail leaders, scrappy hackers, creative marketers and fashion trendsetters who are fun to work with and serious about what they do. We're also backed strong consumer-focused investors who share in our vision of building one of the world's next great consumer brands.
 
About The Role
The Freelance Apparel Designer supports Dolls Kill's product team in developing new styles across all categories (ready-to-wear, intimates, outerwear, etc.), from concept through tech pack. This is a flexible, project-based role suited to a designer who can work independently, turn around fast-paced deliverables, and design specifically for the DK customer.
Responsibilities
  • Design new styles based on trend direction and brand aesthetic
  • Sketch original designs by hand or digitally (Illustrator/Procreate) and translate concepts into clear, detailed design specs
  • Research trends across alternative fashion, festival wear, rave, goth, punk, and subculture-adjacent spaces to keep designs current and distinct
  • Select fabrics, trims, prints, and washes appropriate to cost targets and DK's aesthetic
  • Build and maintain tech packs: measurements, construction details, callouts, colorways, and trims for factories/vendors
Qualifications
  • Understanding of our unique aesthetic and lifestyle
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating range across silhouettes, prints, categories and trims - bonus points if it already leans alternative/subculture
  • College degree in Fashion Design required
  • 5-7 years industry experience in fashion design required (apparel, footwear and/or bags/accessories) 
  • Ability to sketch computerized vector flats in Adobe Illustrator (hand sketching is a huge plus)
  • Tech pack experience required
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Comfortable working independently and meeting deadlines within a freelance/contract structure
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