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Historical Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

History Factory

Video Editor

Washington, DC · Remote

C. (Hybrid/Remote options available) About History Factory At History Factory, we believe a company ... Premiere, After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop. * Open to new tools and technologies:

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Illustration

Chicago, IL · On-site

DePaul's Animation Program offers Illustration courses that include making comics, history of comics, concept art, storyboarding, practical perspective, technical rendering, observational drawing ...

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Historical Illustrator information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do historical illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for historical 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 is a historical illustrator?

A Historical Illustrator is an artist who specializes in creating visual representations of people, events, places, and objects from the past. They use their knowledge of history, along with artistic skills, to produce accurate and detailed illustrations that help bring historical subjects to life. Their work can be found in textbooks, museums, documentaries, and educational materials, providing visual context and aiding in the understanding of historical events.

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

To thrive as a Historical Illustrator, you need a strong background in art, knowledge of historical periods and styles, and proficiency in drawing or digital illustration, often supported by a degree in illustration, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and research skills for sourcing accurate references are typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication with historians or clients help set top illustrators apart. These skills ensure that visual representations are both artistically compelling and historically accurate, which is essential for educational, publishing, and museum work.

What are some common challenges historical illustrators face when ensuring accuracy in their artwork?

Historical illustrators often encounter challenges in balancing artistic interpretation with historical accuracy. They need to conduct thorough research using primary sources, collaborate with historians, and sometimes work with limited or conflicting visual references. Additionally, they must stay updated on new findings that could affect their work, all while meeting deadlines and client expectations. Attention to detail and adaptability are crucial for producing illustrations that are both visually compelling and faithful to the period depicted.

What is the difference between Historical Illustrator vs Scientific Illustrator?

AspectHistorical IllustratorScientific Illustrator
Required CredentialsArt degree, illustration skills, historical researchArt or science degree, detailed scientific knowledge, research skills
Work EnvironmentMuseums, publishing, educational materialsResearch institutions, medical, environmental, or scientific publications
Employer & IndustryHistorical societies, museums, publishersUniversities, research labs, scientific publishers
Common Search & ComparisonHistorical accuracy, artistic style, period depictionScientific accuracy, detailed anatomy, technical precision

While both Historical Illustrators and Scientific Illustrators require strong artistic skills, Historical Illustrators focus on depicting past events, periods, and scenes with historical accuracy, often for museums or educational materials. Scientific Illustrators specialize in creating precise, detailed images of biological, medical, or environmental subjects for research, publications, and scientific communication. The roles overlap in research and attention to detail but differ mainly in subject matter and purpose.

What are popular job titles related to Historical Illustrator jobs?

For Historical Illustrator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Historical Illustrator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Illustration

Chicago, IL • On-site

DePaul University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about DePaul Universityexternal

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
DePaul's Animation Program offers Illustration courses that include making comics, history of comics, concept art, storyboarding, practical perspective, technical rendering, observational drawing, and color theory. Our comics facilities include a Risograph EZ590. Illustration courses are affiliated with the Storyboarding and Character Design concentration within DePaul's nationally ranked Animation Program in the School of Cinematic Arts. Our full-time faculty includes cartoonists Amy Lockhart, Jacob Ciocci, and Scott Roberts. To learn more about DePaul Animation check out our Animation Zine https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/AnimationZine
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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