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Freelance Illustrator Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

DocuSign

Sr. Brand Designer, Events

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

Experience with core design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign ... Experience partnering with and art-directing agencies, production vendors, and freelance creatives ...

Johngore

Graphic Designer

Seattle, WA

$26.50/hr

... Illustrator * Knowledge of HTML5, JavaScript, WordPress, and CSS, a plus * Motion graphics and ... Graphic design work experience - freelance orfull/part-time/internshipemployment - required

All JobsIllustrator JobsFreelance Illustrator JobsFreelance Illustrator Jobs in Bothell, WA

Freelance Illustrator information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$16

$53

$147

How much do freelance illustrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance illustrator in Bothell, WA is $53.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $69.04 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.
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What job categories do people searching Freelance Illustrator jobs in Bothell, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Illustrator jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Freelance Illustrator jobs?

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Freelance Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Illustrator job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,928 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Director, Creative - TCG

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

About the Team

Fanatics TCG is a new Seattle-based trading card game studio within the Fanatics Collectibles family, founded by industry veterans with a long-term mandate: to build enduring franchises that live across tabletop, digital, community, and culture. We're looking for the most skilled and passionate talent in the games industry and beyond to help us create the best trading card games in the world.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a visionary Creative Director reporting to the SVP of TCGs to define the visual and creative identity of our trading card game franchises. You have an extraordinary eye and deep roots in art and visual culture, and you thrive at the intersection of world-building, visual design, and player experience. You know what will make a trading card iconic, what makes a universe feel alive, and you bring that perspective to every decision you make.

Responsibilities
  • Own and drive the overarching creative vision for Fanatics TCG's game franchises, ensuring consistency and quality across all visual and narrative touchpoints
  • While you won't be directly managing a team, you'll serve as the primary creative stakeholder across all art pipelines - from initial concept and illustration briefs through final production-ready assets - with final say on quality, direction, and delivery at every stage
  • Establish and evolve the visual identity, art direction, and world-building frameworks for new and existing TCG IP
  • Represent the creative vision with internal stakeholders and executive leadership, communicating strategy and rationale with clarity and conviction
  • Partner with Game Design and Narrative leads to ensure creative output is deeply integrated with gameplay mechanics and player experience
  • Build and maintain relationships with a global network of freelance illustrators and creative partners
  • Stay deeply attuned to trends in the Collectibles space, tabletop gaming, pop culture, and visual arts to keep our brands culturally relevant and fresh
Qualifications & Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in creative direction, art direction, or a senior creative leadership role within games, entertainment, or a related industry
  • Demonstrated track record of building and shipping creative products-ideally including trading card games, collectibles, or tabletop games-from concept to market
  • Deep knowledge of and genuine passion for the TCG or Collectibles genre, including an understanding of what makes art and world-building emotionally resonate with players
  • Experience working with creative teams across disciplines, including concept artists, illustrators, graphic designers, and art producers
  • Portfolio that demonstrates exceptional aesthetic range, world-building sophistication, and a high bar for visual quality
  • Experience working with external studios, freelancers, and global art vendor networks
  • Familiarity with digital and physical product production pipelines, including print specifications and digital asset delivery
Skills & Abilities
  • Exceptional visual taste with the ability to give precise, constructive, and inspiring creative direction
  • Strong communication and storytelling skills-able to articulate a creative vision compellingly to artists, designers, executives, and players alike
  • Strategic thinking: able to balance long-term franchise vision with short-term product realities
  • Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to make confident decisions in a fast-moving, early-stage studio environment
  • Proficiency with industry-standard creative tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.) and familiarity with project management platforms
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple creative workstreams simultaneously without losing attention to detail
Location

All employees of Fanatics TCG are expected to be onsite in our Seattle office five days per week.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

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