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Graduate Illustrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Art Director

Los Angeles, CA

$130K - $136K/yr

... college graduate with 1+ years experience * Excellent command of the English language * Proven ... Must be highly experienced in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator Additional Information All your ...

Intern/Volunteer Art Director

Los Angeles, CA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

... college graduate with 1+ years experience * Excellent command of the English language * Proven ... Must be highly experienced in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator Additional Information All your ...

$5.0K - $6.6K/mo

... deliver illustrated lectures. * Successful candidate will work strategically with diverse ... Evidence of a commitment to excellence in (undergraduate/graduate) teaching. Demonstrated ...

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop * Ability to ... Current student or recent graduate in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Branding, or related ...

Retail Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Strong conceptual, graphic and design skills illustrated in a comprehensive portfolio - portfolio ... Minimum 4-5 years of post-graduate experience; retail experience strongly preferred. * Experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Illustrator information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$58.6K

$94.7K

How much do graduate illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate illustrator in California is $58,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Illustrator, you need a solid foundation in drawing, visual storytelling, and design principles, usually backed by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and a strong online portfolio are typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to accept feedback and collaborate make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for producing compelling artwork, meeting client needs, and succeeding in a competitive creative industry.

Are graduate illustrators still in demand?

Graduate illustrators are still in demand as visual communication remains essential across industries such as publishing, advertising, and digital media. Success often depends on developing a strong portfolio, mastering digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and staying updated with industry trends.

What is a graduate illustrator?

Graduate Illustrators are individuals who have recently completed a degree in illustration or a related field and are starting their professional careers. They use artistic skills to create images for books, magazines, advertisements, digital media, and other visual communication projects. Graduate Illustrators often work on a freelance basis or as part of a creative team, building their portfolios and gaining experience in various industries. Their work helps visually communicate ideas, stories, or concepts to diverse audiences.

What can I do with a master's in illustration?

A master's in illustration prepares graduates for roles such as professional illustrator, concept artist, or visual designer in industries like publishing, advertising, and entertainment. It enhances skills in digital tools, creative development, and project management, enabling work in freelance, studio, or corporate environments.

Is a degree in illustration worth it?

For a graduate illustrator, a degree in illustration provides foundational skills, technical knowledge, and a portfolio that can help secure entry-level positions or freelance work. However, success in the field also depends on developing a strong portfolio, networking, and mastering digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite; practical experience and self-directed projects are equally important. Ultimately, the value of the degree varies based on individual goals and industry demands.

What is the difference between Graduate Illustrator vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectGraduate IllustratorJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsDegree in Illustration, Fine Arts, or related fieldDegree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, freelance projects, publishingAdvertising agencies, corporate branding, media companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in publishing, entertainment, and art sectorsCommon in marketing, advertising, and digital media

Both roles often require a relevant degree and strong portfolio. While Graduate Illustrators focus on creating visual art and illustrations, Junior Graphic Designers work on broader visual communication projects. The roles overlap in creative environments, but their primary focus and industry applications differ slightly.

What types of projects can a graduate illustrator expect to work on in their first role?

As a Graduate Illustrator, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects, such as creating illustrations for books, magazines, marketing materials, websites, and social media campaigns. Early-career illustrators often collaborate closely with art directors, graphic designers, and writers to ensure that their artwork aligns with the overall vision and message of each project. The work environment may be fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring adaptability and effective communication skills. Over time, you'll gain exposure to different styles and mediums, helping you build a strong portfolio and develop your unique artistic voice.

What jobs can I get with a degree in graduate illustration?

A degree in graduate illustration prepares individuals for roles such as professional illustrator, concept artist, storyboard artist, or visual designer. These jobs often require skills in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite and may involve working in advertising, publishing, entertainment, or freelance settings.
Infographic showing various Graduate Illustrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 17% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,568 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Center Community College District rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

General Purpose Under general supervision, conducts a variety of research to identify potential sources of grant funding to achieve District and department strategic goals and program funding priorities and to support other institutional research programs and priorities; drafts a variety of reports, templates, timelines, training materials and other supporting documents; and performs related duties as assigned. Essential Duties & Responsibilities The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Conducts research to identify potential sources of grant funding in alignment with District, college and departmental program needs, goals and strategic objectives; refers promising funding opportunities to deans, faculty and staff to review and determine whether funding applications will be submitted; analyzes grant application requirements to determine data needs and materials, such as timelines and templates, to facilitate the application process; works with District/college program staff to coordinate grant proposal development to meet strict funder deadlines and requirements; solicits letters of support/commitment from outside program/community partners, as assigned; participates in final edit and packaging processes; uploads completed applications to funder sites. Researches and performs preliminary analyses of data required for grant applications from internal and external sources; works with the grant development team to ensure accuracy, clarity, accessibility, usability and confidentiality of information. Conducts best practice research regarding grant stewardship policies/practices and prepares research papers to present findings and conclusions; develops and recommends grant development policies and procedures consistent with grant stewardship best practices; drafts materials for use in grants development training programs for inclusion in the professional development curricula for District staff.

Regularly interfaces with administrators, faculty, staff, program officers, legislative offices and the public to collect and disseminate data. Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of historically minoritized groups and participates in professional development activities to increase cultural competency to enhance equity-minded practices within the District. OTHER DUTIES Tracks budget expenditures and assists in developing and maintaining ledger books, records and files for assigned department.

Performs related duties as assigned. Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles and practices of grant writing and administration. Basic methods and techniques of institutional and social science research.

Professionally accepted research practices applicable to research methodology development/selection, data analysis and interpretation and reporting. Data extraction and query tools such as structured query language (SQL). Basic principles, practices and methods of administrative, organizational and management analysis.

Basic sections of federal, state and local laws associated with grant management. Basic database management principles and methods. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including computers and applicable software programs.

Practices and techniques of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation. Uses and operations of scanners, phone systems, computers, standard business software, and database and spreadsheet applications. Skills and Abilities to: Conduct assigned research, organize materials, analyze data and prepare reports such as those required by institutional effectiveness programs or grant-funding agencies.

Identify, investigate and define research issues and problems and locate sources of data to meet research needs and requirements, as appropriate to assigned scope of responsibility. Understand, interpret, explain and apply standard research methodologies and techniques. Operate computers and make advanced functional use of standard business software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics and database applications.

Present research findings clearly, logically and in a meaningful and understandable form, using a wide variety of modalities. Maintain the confidentiality of information. Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues and situations.

Effectively engage and support historically minoritized groups by addressing issues of equity and improving culturally responsive service-oriented practices. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Operate a computer and use standard business software. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in social science, institutional research or another relevant field, and at least two years of progressively responsible experience as a grant writer, research assistant or analyst; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Certain assignments may require a valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are frequently required to walk and stand; and to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work; work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under intensive deadlines; and interact with District managers, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work. WORKING ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet. The employee may be required to travel to locations other than assigned work site and to adjust to work schedule changes and requirements to work overtime. Assessment Process Only the most qualified applicants will be invited to interview for the assignment.


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