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Illustrator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Atlantic Monthly Group

Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

This person will create original illustrations for The Atlantic, with a focus on daily coverage and digital features. They will also commission and art direct assignments. The role may also include ...

Artemis Arc

Graphic Designer

Camp Springs, MD · Hybrid

Requisition ID2026-4437Job Summary Artemis is seeking a he Graphic Designer to produce a wide range of outreach and marketing materials, including posters, exhibits, publications, illustrations ...

Artemis Arc

Graphic Designer

Camp Springs, MD · Hybrid

2026-4437 Artemis is seeking a he Graphic Designer to produce a wide range of outreach and marketing materials, including posters, exhibits, publications, illustrations, icons, logos, brochures, and ...

Artemis Arc

Graphic Designer

Camp Springs, MD · On-site

Requisition ID 2026-4437 Job Summary Artemis is seeking a he Graphic Designer to produce a wide range of outreach and marketing materials, including posters, exhibits, publications, illustrations ...

VTG

Graphics Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$95K - $160K/yr

Designs and develops graphics and illustrations for use in technical materials, manuals, and publications. Operates computer hardware and software to prepare, revise, print and store text ...

VTG

Graphics Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$95K - $160K/yr

Designs and develops graphics and illustrations for use in technical materials, manuals, and publications. Operates computer hardware and software to prepare, revise, print and store text ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

This position develops high-quality 2D and 3D visual assets, animations, technical illustrations, and graphics for promotional, training, and instructional materials. Responsibilities also include ...

MSD

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

This position develops high-quality 2D and 3D visual assets, animations, technical illustrations, and graphics for promotional, training, and instructional materials. Responsibilities also include ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsIllustrator JobsIllustrator Jobs in Washington

Illustrator information

See Washington salary details

$36.8K

$67.2K

$108.7K

How much do illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for illustrator in Washington is $67,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $77,000.00 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.
More about Illustrator jobs

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

The most popular types of Illustrator jobs in Washington are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Illustrator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Illustrator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Illustrator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Illustrator job openings:

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

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

Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Illustrator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,215 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Art Director

The Atlantic Monthly Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Atlantic is looking for an art director to join the newsroom. This person will create original illustrations for The Atlantic, with a focus on daily coverage and digital features. They will also commission and art direct assignments. The role may also include occasional work on special projects and the magazine.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of illustration and design for digital platforms, and an enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced news environment. They should be highly collaborative but also able to work independently to complete tasks.
We are looking for a creative thinker-someone who brings an editorial voice through illustration and design, but is also excited about thinking outside the box in their approach and practice. They should ideally be skilled in digital and traditional mediums. They should also be detail-oriented, ensuring that all work meets The Atlantic's design, production, and editorial standards. The role will at times include later night, weekend, and early morning work.
Qualifications of the ideal candidate:
  • 5+ years of experience working in editorial design, illustration, digital media, or other relevant fields
  • Mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud (experience with motion graphics and video editing preferred)
  • Familiarity with Figma preferred
  • A close attention to detail and the ability to multitask
  • Clear and concise communication skills
  • Experience in journalism or a news-related environment strongly preferred

Salary Minimum: $85,000; Salary Maximum: $100,000
This role is open to remote applicants.
This is a Guild position.
About The Atlantic:
The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.
The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

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