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Illustrator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Graphic Illustrator

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Hand-Drawn Illustrator -- Retail / Cannabis Packaging The Sticky Trap (FM Holdings LLC) · Michigan · On-site · [Full-time / Part-time] We're a design house that brands cannabis and consumer ...

Adobe Illustrator Tutor

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Adobe Illustrator tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Adobe Illustrator Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Adobe Illustrator tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Adobe Illustrator Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Adobe Illustrator tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the ...

Creative Designer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site +1

$50K - $58K/yr

The Creative Designer works directly under the Associate Creative Director to develop concept designs, create dimensional illustrations for asset production, provide graphic solutions for brands ...

The Creative Designer works directly under the Associate Creative Director to develop concept designs, create dimensional illustrations for asset production, provide graphic solutions for brands ...

He or she must have full mastery of various software design programs including Adobe-based platforms (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) for both Mac and PC. Candidate will also master ...

He or she must have full mastery of various software design programs including Adobe-based platforms (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) for both Mac and PC. Candidate will also master ...

Graphic Designer

Jackson, MI · On-site

$13/hr

He or she must have full mastery of various software design programs including Adobe-based platforms (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) for both Mac and PC. Candidate will also master ...

Graphic Designer

Jackson, MI · On-site

$13/hr

He or she must have full mastery of various software design programs including Adobe-based platforms (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) for both Mac and PC. Candidate will also master ...

He or she must have full mastery of various software design programs including Adobe-based platforms (Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) for both Mac and PC. Candidate will also master ...

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Showing results 1-20

Illustrator information

See Michigan salary details

$28.3K

$51.7K

$83.7K

How much do illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for illustrator in Michigan is $51,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,600.00 and $59,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an illustrator do?

An illustrator is a professional artist who creates visual images to accompany or explain text, convey ideas, or tell stories. Illustrators work in a variety of fields such as publishing, advertising, fashion, and entertainment, producing artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, packaging, and digital media. They may use traditional drawing techniques, digital tools, or a combination of both to create their illustrations. Illustrators often collaborate with writers, designers, and clients to achieve the desired visual outcome. Their work helps to engage audiences, clarify information, and enhance the overall impact of the content.

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 skills, a solid understanding of color theory and composition, and often a degree or coursework in art or design. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and digital tablets is crucial for producing professional work. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help an illustrator interpret briefs and collaborate with clients or teams. These abilities ensure the creation of compelling visual work that meets client objectives and stands out in a competitive market.

How does an illustrator typically collaborate with writers and art directors during a project?

Illustrators often work closely with writers and art directors to ensure that their visuals effectively complement the intended message or story. Early in a project, illustrators may attend brainstorming sessions to discuss concepts and receive briefs outlining the desired style and tone. Throughout the creative process, they share drafts and sketches for feedback, adapting their work based on input from the team. This collaborative dynamic means strong communication skills and flexibility are essential for illustrators to successfully bring ideas to life and meet client expectations.

What is the difference between Illustrator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectIllustratorGraphic Designer
Primary FocusCreating original artwork and illustrationsDesigning visual content for branding, marketing, and communication
Skills & ToolsDrawing, digital illustration, Adobe IllustratorLayout, typography, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign
Work EnvironmentFreelance, publishing, advertising, entertainmentAdvertising agencies, corporate in-house teams, design studios
CredentialsPortfolio, artistic skills, sometimes art or design degreesDesign degrees, portfolio, understanding of branding and marketing

While illustrators focus on creating original artwork and detailed illustrations, graphic designers develop visual concepts for branding, advertising, and communication. Both roles require creativity and proficiency in Adobe tools, but their end goals and daily tasks differ significantly.

Are illustrators still in demand?

Illustrators continue to be in demand across various industries such as publishing, advertising, entertainment, and digital media. The growth of online content and the need for visual storytelling keep illustration skills relevant, especially for those proficient in digital tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Is being an illustrator a good career?

Being an illustrator is a viable career that involves creating visual artwork for various media such as books, advertising, and digital platforms. Success often depends on developing strong artistic skills, proficiency with tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and building a professional portfolio. The field can be competitive and may require freelance work or self-promotion to secure steady income.

What jobs can an illustrator get?

An illustrator can work in various fields such as publishing, advertising, animation, video game design, and product packaging. They create visual content for books, magazines, websites, and media using tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, often requiring a strong portfolio and artistic skills. Many illustrators work freelance or as part of creative teams in studios or companies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Illustrator jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Illustrator jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Illustrator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Illustrator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Illustrator jobs in MI?

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

Infographic showing various Illustrator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,725 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Graphic Illustrator

FM Holdings LLC

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

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Job description

Hand-Drawn Illustrator — Retail / Cannabis Packaging
The Sticky Trap (FM Holdings LLC) · Michigan · On-site · [Full-time / Part-time]

We're a design house that brands cannabis and consumer products — logos, packaging, apparel, merch.


We're looking for an illustrator whose hand-drawn art can own a shelf: characters, caricatures, and striking scenes that make someone pick the product up. Your art ships — on jars, bags, shirts, and stickers people actually buy and keep.


This is a hands-on, in-studio role. You'll sketch in front of clients, think out loud in design meetings, and — because we build in public — show your process on camera for our channels. If your best work only happens hidden behind a screen, this isn't the seat.


What you'll do

  • Hand-draw original art for retail packaging — characters, caricatures, scenes, label and wrap illustration
  • Take work from rough sketch to print-ready file
  • Present concepts and sketch live in client meetings
  • Keep our artwork library organized and reusable
  • Show your process on camera for social content, with the team

What you need

  • A portfolio that proves the hand-drawn skill. Show us the work — it beats a résumé or a degree.
  • Fluency in Adobe: Illustrator (vector for print), and Photoshop
  • Comfortable working on Windows
  • Print discipline — our deadlines are tight and unforgiving; a misspelled strain name or an off-register file costs real money
  • 21+ and comfortable creating cannabis-industry artwork

Bonus points

  • A distinct, recognizable style you can talk about
  • Range beyond illustration — lettering, 3D, motion, print finishing — anything that widens what we can make
  • Up for being part of our content — you'd rather show the craft than hide it

What you get

  • Pay: $45 to $60k · paid sick time ·
  • Your work on real products, out in the wild
  • A reel and an audience you build through our content — not just ours

To apply
Send your portfolio (link or PDF) and a couple lines on your style and method. Include one piece you'd put on a product — and one line on why it'd sell. Applications without a portfolio won't be reviewed.


FM Holdings LLC, dba The Sticky Trap, is an equal-opportunity employer. This is an at-will position.