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Hand Lettering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Paramount

Designer, Publishing

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Illustration and hand-lettering skills * Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop * Deep knowledge of file preparation, print production, color management ...

the sign center

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Sign Production Associate - Vinyl Graphics & Installation

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Mount exterior/interior signage, window graphics, and vehicle lettering using standard hand tools and ladders. * Quality Control & Shop Care: Inspect finished work for precision, prep materials for ...

Branzino

Busser

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

... meats, hand-selected wines, and cheeses and spices imported directly from Spain. With a modern ... lettering specials on chalkboards. Maintains table setting by removing courses as completed ...

Outdoor Dimensions

Sign Installer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

Apply vinyl graphics and lettering to various surfaces. * Assist with the installation of sales office displays, furniture, fixtures, and related materials when required. * Operate hand tools, power ...

Outdoor Dimensions

Sign Installer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

Apply vinyl graphics and lettering to various surfaces. * Assist with the installation of sales office displays, furniture, fixtures, and related materials when required. * Operate hand tools, power ...

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All JobsHand Lettering JobsHand Lettering Jobs in California

Hand Lettering information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do hand lettering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for hand lettering in California is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges hand lettering artists face when working on client projects?

Hand lettering artists often encounter challenges such as interpreting a client's vision accurately, managing revisions, and meeting tight deadlines. Balancing creative expression with brand guidelines or specific client requirements can be demanding. Additionally, hand letterers must ensure their work translates well across various mediums, such as digital and print, which sometimes requires adapting their techniques or using specialized software.

What is hand lettering?

Hand lettering is the art of drawing letters by hand, rather than using pre-existing fonts or typefaces. Unlike traditional calligraphy, which relies on specific strokes and tools, hand lettering focuses on creating custom letterforms and unique designs for each piece. Artists often use pencils, pens, markers, or brushes to craft decorative words or phrases for things like signs, invitations, logos, and artwork. Hand lettering allows for a high level of creativity and personalization, making each project unique.

What is the difference between Hand Lettering vs Calligraphy?

AspectHand LetteringCalligraphy
Skills & TechniquesDrawing and designing custom letterforms by hand, often with digital toolsCreating decorative, stylized writing with specific brush or pen strokes
Tools & MaterialsPencils, markers, digital tabletsBrush pens, dip pens, ink
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, freelance, digital platformsArt studios, wedding invitations, formal events
Industry UsageBranding, logos, custom artworkWedding invitations, certificates, formal documents

While both Hand Lettering and Calligraphy involve beautiful lettering, Hand Lettering focuses on creating custom letterforms through drawing and design, often combining digital and traditional tools. Calligraphy emphasizes stylized writing with specific strokes and tools, typically used for formal or decorative writing. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right artist for their project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hand lettering artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hand Lettering Artist, you need a strong foundation in typography, drawing skills, and design principles, often supported by a portfolio of creative work. Familiarity with digital illustration tools like Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, and traditional materials such as brush pens and paper is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and patience are essential soft skills for producing unique and polished lettering pieces. These skills and qualities are important because they enable artists to create visually appealing and professional work that meets client or project needs.

What are popular job titles related to Hand Lettering jobs in California?

For Hand Lettering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hand Lettering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hand Lettering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hand Lettering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hand Lettering job openings:

Hand Lettering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hand Lettering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,700 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Lead Graphic Designer

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Lead Graphic Designer

Req ID:

10155151

Job Description:

DEPARTMENT: Global Creative, Disney Consumer Products

The Lead Graphic Designer is responsible for Graphic Design development from concepts to final artwork. The Lead Graphic Designer should be highly creative, think strategically and forward-thinking and handles projects at all levels of complexity. Meets deadlines under pressure while maintaining high-quality standards. This role sits onsite in Glendale, CA and reports directly to the Senior Manager of Graphic Design.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Development of Graphic Design for style guides and portfolios across multiple properties and cross divisions

  • Manages Graphic Design activities for multiple categories and numerous franchises

  • Ideas generation for Franchise expansion

  • Art style/new technique development to co-ordinate with trends in the market place

  • Attendance at key shows/exhibitions to keep abreast of trends and product development techniques

  • Seeks out and applies knowledge of new trends and innovation in Graphic Design & Branding

  • Contribute new product ideas and participate in brainstorming sessions

  • Ensures Graphic Design & Branding excellence by maintaining integrity and leading artistic and creative direction locally and globally

  • Partners with internal teams, product design and content partners on creative development for new IP.

  • Develop a strong Graphic Design & Branding community across DCP

  • Understands Graphic Design & Branding and how it translates to products

  • Fresh and inventive creative thinker

  • Awareness of marketplace trends

  • Able to present creative concepts on both formal and informal settings

  • Strong team player

  • Exhibits ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness

  • Work closely with Artists to create elevated relevant art that encompasses trend, consumer insights, Studio initiatives and Franchise priorities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 6-8 years of related work experience in graphic design, character art illustration or merchandise design

  • Extensive knowledge of Graphic Design & Branding

  • Able to clearly communicate, present, and sell creative ideas both in formal and informal settings.

  • Strong traditional and digital drawing skills, and concepting skills

  • Ability to illustrate and stylize characters a plus

  • Strong knowledge and understanding of fashion and merchandise design

  • Hand lettering/custom typography

  • Strong interpersonal and people management skills

  • Strong negotiation skills and influencing abilities

  • Highly motivated and able to manage and inspire others

  • Thinks strategically

  • Excellent creative computer skills (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Creative Suite, Keynote)

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Art, Graphic Design and/or Illustration

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

All Artists and Graphic Designers on the team. Director of Graphic Design & Branding, VP and Director of Art and Story, Operations, Production, Packaging, Product Design, Commercialization, Franchise, Retail and key contacts at Studio partners: Pixar, Disney, Marvel, Lucas, 20CS, Burton, Muppets, Channel, Disney+

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $95,500.00-$128,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

NA - Global Creative

Job Posting Primary Business:

NA - Global Creative

Primary Job Posting Category:

Product Graphic Design - Consumer Products

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-23

What Walt Disney Company employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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