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Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Book Illustrator

Olympia, WA · On-site

$29.63/hr

Maintain a professional portfolio of illustration work. * Adhere to project timelines and maintain a high level of professionalism. * Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ...

Book Illustrator

Olympia, WA · On-site

$29.63/hr

Maintain a professional portfolio of illustration work. * Adhere to project timelines and maintain a high level of professionalism. * Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ...

Support continuous improvement of technical illustration workflows and tools. Qualifications Required Experience: Demonstrated experience with IETMS or similar formats that utilize technical ...

Make illustrations for animation * Work closely with other illustrator on same project * Manage your time and meet deadlines * Great at collaborating with our animators * Create awesome storyboards ...

Illustration Development: Partner with Documentation and Training teams to research, conceptualize, and develop visually compelling isometric, orthographic, and perspective vector illustrations that ...

Make illustrations for animation * Work closely with other illustrator on same project * Manage your time and meet deadlines * Great at collaborating with our animators * Create awesome storyboards ...

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Illustration information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do illustration jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for illustration 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.

Is it hard to get illustration jobs?

Getting illustration jobs can be competitive, especially for freelance or entry-level positions, as many illustrators seek similar opportunities. Building a strong portfolio, developing specific skills, and networking can improve chances of securing work in this field.

What is the difference between Illustration vs Graphic Designer?

AspectIllustrationGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, art skills, sometimes art or design degreesDesign degrees, software proficiency, portfolio
Work EnvironmentFreelance, studio, publishing, advertisingAgency, corporate, freelance, digital media
Industry UsageCreating visual art, book illustrations, concept artBranding, marketing materials, digital content

Illustration and graphic design share skills like creativity and visual communication, but illustration focuses on creating original artwork for books, products, or media, while graphic design emphasizes visual branding and layout for marketing and digital content. Both roles often collaborate but serve different primary purposes in the visual arts industry.

What is illustration and what does an illustrator do?

Illustration is the creation of visual imagery to explain, decorate, or clarify text and ideas. Illustrators use their artistic skills to produce drawings, paintings, or digital images for books, magazines, advertisements, packaging, and various media. Their work helps convey messages, tell stories, or enhance information in a visually engaging way. Illustrators may specialize in areas such as children's books, editorial illustration, concept art, or technical drawing, depending on their interests and skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Illustrator, you need strong drawing ability, a solid grasp of design principles, and proficiency in color theory, often supported by a degree or coursework in art or design. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, or CorelDRAW is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help illustrators interpret briefs and collaborate with clients or teams. These skills are essential to produce compelling visual content that meets project objectives and resonates with target audiences.

What are some common challenges illustrators face when working on client projects, and how can they be managed?

Illustrators often encounter challenges such as unclear client briefs, shifting project scopes, and tight deadlines. Effective communication is key—clarifying expectations and regularly sharing progress can help avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, using contracts that outline deliverables and revision limits protects both the illustrator and the client. Building flexibility into your workflow and being open to feedback also ensures smoother collaborations and successful project outcomes.
What cities are hiring for Illustration jobs? Cities with the most Illustration job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Illustration jobs? The most popular types of Illustration jobs are:
What states have the most Illustration jobs? States with the most job openings for Illustration jobs include:
Infographic showing various Illustration job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

$29.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Please note: NSORNA Nisqually's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires all individuals who have ever been convicted of a sex offense to register with our Public Safety Department. This is true whether or not you have to register with another jurisdiction.
This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Book Illustrator is responsible for collaborating with the Language Team to create engaging and visually appealing illustrations for Nisqually language and cultural materials.
This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.
  • Create original illustrations for assigned projects.
  • Collaborate with the Language Team, project team, and editors to ensure illustrations align with project goals, story themes, and target audiences.
  • Develop illustrations that capture the essence of characters, settings, and storylines.
  • Utilize a variety of mediums, including pencil, ink, and digital tools.
  • Provide creative input and feedback to enhance content and project outcomes.
  • Participate in community events and workshops to share knowledge of illustration and cultural perspectives.
  • Maintain a professional portfolio of illustration work.
  • Adhere to project timelines and maintain a high level of professionalism.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
  • Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience as an illustrator or a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant work.
  • Proficiency in a variety of illustration techniques and mediums.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) or related applications.
  • Must Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience working with remote teams and collaborating across disciplines.
  • Experience leading, pitching and collaborating on creative projects.
  • Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
  • Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. This position reports to the Language Resource Center Manager.
COMPETENCIES
Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of:
• Illustration principles, visual storytelling, and composition techniques.
• Traditional and digital illustration methods, tools, and software.
• Culturally appropriate representation, particularly in relation to Indigenous/Nisqually language and cultural materials.
• Project development processes, including concept development and editorial collaboration.
Skill in:
• Creating original illustrations that effectively convey narrative, tone, and character.
• Using a variety of artistic mediums, including pencil, ink, and digital platforms (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including language specialists, editors, and providing constructive creative input and incorporating feedback into revisions.
• Presenting and sharing artistic knowledge in community or workshop settings.
• Time management and organizing multiple projects to meet deadlines.
Ability to:
• Translate written or oral concepts into engaging visual representations.
• Maintain consistency in artistic style across projects.
• Adapt illustrations to meet diverse audience needs and project goals.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Work independently while maintaining accountability to project timelines.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Engage respectfully with community members and represent cultural perspectives appropriately.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.