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Graduate Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs ... Illustration courses are affiliated with the Storyboarding and Character Design concentration ...

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Graduate Illustrator information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do graduate illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate illustrator in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 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.
More about Graduate Illustrator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Illustrator jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Illustrator jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Illustrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Illustrator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Illustrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Specialist, Creative Services - Technical Illustration

L3Harris Technologies

Londonderry, NH

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, Creative Services

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 hour days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Code: 40557

Job Location: Londonderry, NH

Job Description:


L3Harris, Integrated Vision Systems (IVS), is seeking a highly motivated technical illustrator to support various contractual obligations and future business opportunities. The selected candidate is responsible to create illustrations for technical publications and training materials in both contractor and Military Standard format. Additional responsibilities include working with Product Management and internal marketing organizations to develop marketing materials for IVS, and photography support for products, internal events, headshots, and more.


Essential Functions:

  • Create and revise technical illustrations for publications and training materials in contractor and military standard formats.
  • Interpret technical drawings, engineering data, and source materials to develop accurate visual content.
  • Collaborate with engineering, Product Management, and internal stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy and completeness.
  • Develop marketing graphics and visual materials for IVS products in support of business and customer needs.
  • Edit and deliver graphics and images in accordance with branding, documentation, and quality standards.
  • Manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet schedule, quality, and customer requirements.
  • Maintain consistency in visual style, formatting, and standards across technical and marketing deliverables.
  • Experience creating technical illustrations for publications, training materials, or similar documentation.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering source data.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior relevant experience, or graduate degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience, or in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 8 years of prior related
  • Experience developing graphics or technical illustrations for product communications, or product support materials.
  • Working experience using Adobe Illustrator

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience supporting technical publications in contractor and/or military standard formats.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams including engineering, Product Management, and marketing.
  • Experience with product photography, event photography, and image editing.
  • Experience in a technical, manufacturing, aerospace, or defense environment.
  • Experience with PTC, Arbortext, and Teamcenter preferred.
  • Familiarity with branding standards, configuration control, and document management processes.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

#LI-CB1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time