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Freelance Illustrator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

This position is not available for remote or freelance work. Moreover, this individual will ... Strong skills in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop * Experience with signage materials ...

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

New

Marketing Coordinator

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$40K - $56K/yr

Relevant internships, student leadership roles, freelance work, and applicable coursework will also ... Working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Canva, or similar creative tools is ...

Freelance Illustrator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$14

$46

$129

How much do freelance illustrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 the Job of Freelance Illustrators?

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.

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.

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.

How much does a freelance illustrator make?

Freelance illustrators' earnings vary widely based on experience, project complexity, and client base, but they typically charge per project or hour, with rates ranging from $25 to $150+ per hour. On average, freelance illustrators can earn between $20,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on workload and reputation. Successful freelancers often build portfolios, use digital tools like Adobe Illustrator, and set their own schedules to increase income potential.

Is there a demand for illustrators?

There is consistent demand for freelance illustrators across industries such as publishing, advertising, and digital media. Success often depends on building a strong portfolio, mastering digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, and networking with clients or agencies.

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.

Is AI taking over illustration jobs?

AI tools are increasingly used in illustration, automating certain tasks and generating images, but they do not fully replace freelance illustrators. Many clients value human creativity, style, and customization, making skilled illustrators still in demand for unique and complex projects.

How to get work as a freelance illustrator?

To get work as a freelance illustrator, build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, and actively network with clients and other artists. Developing skills in digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop and maintaining a professional online presence can also help attract clients.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,882 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
Deputy Director of Creative, Design

Deputy Director of Creative, Design

Southern Poverty Law Center

Atlanta, GA โ€ข On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


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: Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
  • Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per 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.