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Freelance Illustrator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Specialist, Graphic Design

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Role also includes asset management, freelance coordination, support for animation/ video ... Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and PowerPoint is required.

Sr. Graphic Designer

Alpharetta, GA ยท On-site +1

$115K - $125K/yr

Expert in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); experience with email and ... Ability to adapt to feedback and provide art direction to vendors or freelance design partners

Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop ... Manage relationships with external vendors including photographers, printers, and freelance ...

Freelance Illustrator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$14

$46

$129

How much do freelance illustrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance illustrator in Decatur, GA is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $60.34 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Illustrator jobs in Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Illustrator jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Illustrator jobs in Decatur, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Freelance Illustrator jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Illustrator jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Freelance Illustrator jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Freelance Illustrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Illustrator job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,882 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Deputy Director of Creative, Design

Southern Poverty Law Center

Atlanta, GA โ€ข On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The SPLC is seeking a Deputy Director of Design, Creative who is passionate about social justice!
The Deputy Director of Creative, Design is an innovative, passionate and hands-on leader that elevates how the organization is presented visually across all platforms. This individual is a key collaborator, internally and externally with various stakeholders and conceptualizing innovative ways to tell the story of SPLC. The Deputy Director of Creative, Design must be a highly organized collaborator and able to supervise a team of designers and senior creatives.
Who You Are
Exceptional Visual Communicator. Creates compelling, accessible, and emotionally resonant visual communications that translate complex social, political, and policy issues into clear, engaging designs while maintaining a consistent brand across channels and audiences.
Skilled in Creative Vision and Art Direction. Demonstrates expertise in branding and visual design, providing clear creative direction from concept through execution while ensuring all work reflects the organization's brand, values, and high standards of quality.
Mission-Driven Storyteller. Uses strategic visual storytelling to inspire action, build movements, and influence public opinion by creating compelling designs that connect audiences to the organization's mission and motivate supporters, donors, advocates, and policymakers.
Calm & Resilient Leader. Remains calm and resilient during fast-paced campaigns and high-profile initiatives, supporting the team through changing priorities and tight deadlines with a positive, solutions-oriented approach.
Collaborative Partner. Builds strong cross-functional relationships, incorporates diverse perspectives into the creative process, and balances stakeholder feedback while maintaining creative integrity and advancing organizational goals.
Mission, Vision & Values Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC's mission, vision and values.
What You'll Do
Manage, mentor and lead a team of designers and senior creatives within the creative team.
Manage the quality and approves design for a range of creative work (digital, print, social, data visualization and design around video projects).
Work closely and collaborates with video team to ensure packages are on-brand and cohesive.
Foster open collaboration within the creative team and with external stakeholders.
Conceptualize, design and art direct smart, visually impactful campaigns that include original data visualization, design and motion elements.
Work closely with freelance illustrators and provides feedback and art direction.
Ensure the design team and freelance contributors are delivering projects on time and on brand, while maintaining budget.
Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.
Minimum Qualifications
We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
  • Minimum of seven (7) print, digital design and art direction experience with an established media or digital company/agency;
  • Minimum of five (5) years experience empowering, managing, mentoring and developing designers; and
  • High School Diploma or GED.
Compensation & Benefits
This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $115,200 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.
Where & How You'll Work
This role has the following work designation options:
  • Local Remote: Employees in positions designated Local Remote Work are expected to attend work-related activities that occur at SPLC offices and in the states in which SPLC operates. These activities include but are not limited to trainings, meetings, events, hearings, and court appearances.
  • Telework: Positions designated as telework eligible may work two days (16 hours) a week from an alternative work location.
  • This position will report to the Director, Creative.
Other Special Considerations
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
Disclaimer:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.