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Freelance Illustrator Jobs in Quebec (NOW HIRING)

Keywords Studios

2D Concept Artist - Volta

Quebec, QC · On-site

CA$75K - CA$81K/yr

Vous devrez produire des dessins conceptuels et des illustrations exploratoires d'excellente ... or freelancer (relevant education considered equivalent). * Proven experience working on AAA ...

Keywords Studios

2D Concept Artist - Volta

Quebec, QC · On-site

CA$75K - CA$81K/yr

Vous devrez produire des dessins conceptuels et des illustrations exploratoires d'excellente ... or freelancer (relevant education considered equivalent). * Proven experience working on AAA ...

Keywords Studios

2D Concept Artist - Volta

Quebec, QC · On-site

CA$72K - CA$78K/yr

Vous devrez produire des dessins conceptuels et des illustrations exploratoires d'excellente ... or freelancer (relevant education considered equivalent). * Proven experience working on AAA ...

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Freelance Illustrator information

See Quebec salary details

$9

$30

$64

How much do freelance illustrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance illustrator in Quebec is $30.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance illustrator?

A freelance illustrator is a self-employed artist who creates visual images for clients on a project-by-project basis. They may work on illustrations for books, magazines, advertisements, websites, packaging, or other media. Freelance illustrators are responsible for managing their own schedules, finding clients, negotiating contracts, and delivering high-quality artwork according to client specifications. Their work often requires creativity, strong technical skills, and the ability to adapt to different artistic styles or client needs.

What does a freelance illustrator do?

Freelance illustrators work in many different industries; they create commercial designs and images for a variety of uses. Instead of working on the staff of a company, freelance illustrators are independent contractors who can be hired to work on a short- or long-term basis. One of the most common types of freelance illustrators is a publication illustrator. They create images for books and articles that complement the text or highlight subjects in a magazine or newspaper. Other freelance illustrators develop accessories for toys, apparel, or interior design sketches. While many use traditional artistic mediums, such as pencil or watercolors, others utilize graphic design programs to create product packaging or marketing materials.

How do freelance illustrators typically find and manage client projects?

Freelance illustrators commonly find work through a combination of online platforms, personal portfolios, networking, and referrals. Managing client projects involves clear communication about project scope, deadlines, and deliverables, often using contracts to set expectations. Many illustrators use project management tools or simple spreadsheets to track progress and deadlines, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Building strong client relationships and maintaining a professional workflow are key to securing repeat business and growing a freelance career.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Illustrator, you need strong drawing abilities, a solid understanding of color theory and composition, and a portfolio showcasing your style and versatility. Proficiency with digital illustration software such as Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate is typically required, and knowledge of file formats and printing processes is beneficial. Excellent communication, time management, and client collaboration skills help you stand out in managing projects and building client relationships. These skills are essential for delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a successful freelance business.

What is the difference between Freelance Illustrator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance IllustratorGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, artistic skills, possibly art-related certificationsDesign skills, graphic design certifications, portfolio
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or studio-based, project-specificAgency, in-house, or freelance, often collaborative
Industry UsagePublishing, advertising, entertainment, brandingAdvertising, branding, corporate communications, print and digital media

While both Freelance Illustrators and Graphic Designers create visual content, Freelance Illustrators focus on artistic, hand-drawn or digital illustrations for books, products, or entertainment. Graphic Designers develop visual concepts for branding, marketing, and communication materials. The main difference lies in their specialization and typical project types, though both roles often require strong portfolios and design skills.

Are freelance illustrators still in demand?

Freelance illustrators continue to be in demand as businesses, publishers, and content creators seek visual content for marketing, publishing, and digital media. Success often depends on skills in digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop and building a strong online portfolio. The gig economy and remote work trends support ongoing opportunities for freelance illustrators.

How much does a freelance illustrator make?

Freelance illustrators typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, with annual incomes ranging from $25,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, specialization, and client base. Earnings can vary widely based on project scope, skill level, and the ability to market oneself using tools like social media and online portfolios.

How to get into freelance illustration?

To become a freelance illustrator, build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, develop skills in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and create an online presence through a website or social media. Networking with clients and other artists, setting clear rates, and consistently applying for projects are essential steps to establish a freelance illustration career.
More about Freelance Illustrator jobs

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For Freelance Illustrator jobs in Quebec, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Freelance Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Illustrator job openings in Quebec as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,841 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

2D Concept Artist - Volta Studios

Keywords Studios

Montreal, QC • On-site

CA$67K - CA$73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Keywords Studios rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 78 rated media

Job description

The role originally posted on February 11th, 2026

En tant qu'artiste conceptuel(le) chez VOLTA, vous jouerez un role cle dans l'elaboration de la direction visuelle de titres AAA tres mediatises. Vous devrez produire des dessins conceptuels et des illustrations exploratoires d'excellente qualite donnant vie a diverses idees tout en suivant les directives des clients. Sous la supervision d'un directeur ou d'une directrice artistique de VOLTA, vous devrez faire preuve a la fois de motivation et de creativite pour contribuer a une variete de taches liees au developpement visuel.

Responsabilites

  • Creer de l'art conceptuel, des concepts exploratoires et de la documentation visuelle d'excellente qualite pour des jeux AAA.
  • Collaborer avec les directeurs artistiques de VOLTA afin d'interpreter des consignes et de livrer des uvres qui respectent les attentes des clients.
  • Collaborer de maniere creative tout en respectant les exigences du projet et en maintenant la coherence pour tous les styles et toutes les instructions.
  • Utiliser des techniques avancees de l'industrie, comme les logiciels 3D et la retouche d'image, au cours de votre processus de creation.
  • Gerer de maniere responsable les echeances et prendre en charge les projets assignes.

Exigences

  • Cinq annees ou plus d'experience dans l'industrie en tant que sous-traitant(e) et/ou travalleur(euse) autonome (une education pertinente a une valeur equivalente).
  • Experience de travail prouvee sur des projets AAA.
  • Maitrise solide des outils et flux de travail standard de l'industrie (logiciel 3D, retouche d'image, etc.).
  • Capacite prouvee de comprendre les consignes et la documentation artistique et de les mettre en uvre.
  • Experience de collaboration avec des clients a l'international en tant que sous-traitant(e).
  • Sens des responsabilites, prise en charge et gestion du temps solides.
  • Competences linguistiques
  • Anglais : avance (obligatoire)
  • Francais : intermediaire (privilegie)
  • Toute langue supplementaire est un atout, car nous travaillons avec des clients internationaux.

Points bonis

  • Experience anterieure avec des clients ou des projets de VOLTA.
  • Presence dans les credits d'entreprises telles que Bioware, ArenaNet ou Capcom.

Salaire de depart entre 67 000 $ CAN et 73 000 $ CAN

---------------------------------------------------------

As a Concept Artist at VOLTA, you will play a key role in shaping the visual direction of high-profile AAA titles. You'll be responsible for producing high-quality concept designs and exploratory illustrations that bring ideas to life while aligning with client guidelines. Working under the supervision of a VOLTA Art Director, you are expected to be both self-motivated and highly creative, contributing to a wide range of visual development tasks.

Responsibilities

  • Create high-quality concept art, exploratory designs, and visual documentation for AAA game projects.
  • Work closely with VOLTA Art Directors to interpret briefs and deliver work that aligns with client expectations.
  • Collaborate creatively within project requirements while maintaining consistency across styles and directions.
  • Use advanced industry techniques, including 3D software and photo manipulation, to support your design process.
  • Manage deadlines responsibly and take ownership of assigned projects.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of industry experience as an outsourcer and/or freelancer (relevant education considered equivalent).
  • Proven experience working on AAA projects.
  • Strong proficiency with industry-standard tools and workflows (3D software, photo manipulation, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and execute from briefs and art documentation.
  • Experience collaborating with international clients as a contractor.
  • Strong sense of responsibility, ownership, and time management.
  • Language Skills
  • English: Advanced (required)
  • French: Intermediate (preferred)
  • Additional languages are a plus, as we work with international clients.

Bonus Points

  • Previous experience working with VOLTA clients or projects.
  • Credits with companies such as Bioware, ArenaNet or Capcom.

Salary starting at $67,000 to $73,000 CAD

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About Keywords Studios

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whatever the scale of your project, whatever the time frame, whatever your location: Keywords is here for you, bringing our network of 13,000+ people and 70+ studios together to deliver the unified solutions you need. We offer everything necessary to ensure your project achieves its full potential and that strategic opportunities are turned into long-term growth. The games industry is complex and fast-moving. Working with Keywords allows you to remain lean and agile, and to remain focused on creating the world’s most immersive playing experiences. Our network of studios brings best-in-class experience, expertise, technology and capacity across the full development, release and player-support lifecycle.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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