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Hand Lettering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Press Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

... lettering on rolls of paper for use in making butter, candy and confectionary and food service ... Removes rewound roll or sheets from machine with hoist and pulls shaft from core by hand. * Weighs ...

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Hand Lettering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do hand lettering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for hand lettering in Chicago, IL is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Are calligraphers in demand?

Calligraphers, including those specializing in hand lettering, are in moderate demand as custom and personalized design work remains popular. Opportunities often exist in wedding invitations, branding, and signage, but the field is competitive and freelance work is common. Developing skills with digital tools like Adobe Illustrator can enhance job prospects.

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 popular job titles related to Hand Lettering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Hand Lettering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hand Lettering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Hand Lettering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Hand Lettering jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Hand Lettering job openings:
Hand Lettering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hand Lettering job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,264 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Sign Painting/ Hand Lettering

Sign Painting/ Hand Lettering

Hasana, Inc.

Chicago, IL

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Aparecio Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was designed as an economic development strategy to lift women out of poverty and as a community development approach to build the leadership capacity of low-income women. The Aparecio Foundation provides academic support and scholarship programs for hih-potential, low-income women in public high schools hrough an eight-year multiple-mentor program.

The culture of Aparecio Foundation is characterized by an informal and laid back environment, where employees work independently and in teams to develop and carry out effective organizational structure and work processes. Employees are driven through self-motivation and passion for the not-for-profit sector. Through the development of quality services to the enhancement of the organization's goals and objectives employees are able to use their strengths and skills the best ways they can! Therefore Aparecio Foundation employees are given freedom to be creative and energetic in performing their tasks and duties as professionals in their respective field of expertise.



Please note that this is an unpaid internship.
Job Description

As a sign painter you will be responsible for painting different logos of the company on the windows. You will be working with photographers and work will be displayed openly.

  • Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
  • Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, in order to produce desired effects such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
  • Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
Qualifications

A passion for women's economic opportunities
Excellent command of the English language
Proven ability to work to stringent deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team or autonomously
Ability to work in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment with competing deadlines and priorities.
Integrity, honesty, openness and a willingness to operate as a team player

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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