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Illustrator Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Create print materials such as brochures, journal ads, product packaging, event signage, in InDesign and Illustrator. Visualize clinical data--such as line charts, bar charts, and pie charts--in ...

Graphic Designer

Mettawa, IL · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Visualize clinical data--such as line charts, bar charts, and pie charts--in InDesign and Illustrator. * Create digital mockups in Photoshop and color correct, retouch, and optimize images for ...

Create print materials such as brochures, journal ads, product packaging, event signage, in InDesign and Illustrator. Visualize clinical data--such as line charts, bar charts, and pie charts--in ...

Volunteer/Intern: Graphic Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes. Use computer software to generate new images. Key information into ...

Showing results 21-40

Illustrator information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$32K

$58.4K

$94.5K

How much do illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for illustrator in Park Ridge, IL is $58,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,900.00 and $66,900.00 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 Park Ridge, IL?

The most popular types of Illustrator jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Illustrator jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Illustrator jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Illustrator jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Illustrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Illustrator job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,396 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Entry Level Graphic Designer

Gold Rush Gaming

Hoffman Estates, IL

$50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Entry Level Graphic Designer
Job Description
Gold Rush Gaming is looking for an entry level Graphic Designer with 1 to 2 years’ office experience.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Fast-Paced Asset Creation: Rapidly produce high-quality marketing materials—including social media graphics, flyers, digital banners, email headers, and print promotional items—on tight turnarounds.
  • Vector amp; Layout Production: Create vector graphics, icons, and illustrations using Illustrator, and build multi-page publications, brochures, and print layouts using InDesign.
  • Image Editing amp; Manipulation: Retouch, color-correct, crop, and composite raster images using Photoshop for both web and print assets.
  • Brand Alignment: Maintain visual consistency under pressure by applying brand guidelines, color palettes, typography, and logo usage rules across all deliverables.
  • Prepress amp; Export: Prepare print-ready files (preflight, bleed, crop marks, vector pathing) and export digital assets optimized for various web specifications.
  • Workflow amp; File Management: Organize and archive asset libraries, templates, and raw project files to streamline project handoffs and speed up production cycles.
Core Qualifications:
Software Proficiency - Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud with high proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
Pace/Management - Proven ability to thrive under pressure and hit rapid turnaround deadlines while balancing multiple active projects
Design Fundamentals - Solid command of visual hierarchy, typography, grid systems, color theory, and vector path manipulation
Product Knowledge - In-depth understand of digital export formants (SVG, PNG, JPG) and print production specifications (CMYK, DPI, bleed, spot colors)
Soft Skills:
Adaptability
Strong communication
Receptiveness to rapid feedback
Meticulous attention to detail
Key Requirements Checklist
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating advanced proficiency in Illustrator (vector graphics), InDesign (page layouts), and Photoshop (image editing).
  • Proven capability to prioritize tasks, pivot quickly based on shifting feedback, and consistently hit aggressive deadlines.
  • Solid understanding of print prepress setup as well as fast-paced digital design standards.
Benefits (for Full-Time Employees):
  • Competitive pay
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k)
  • Company vehicle and tools provided
Must have a valid driver’s license. This is an in-office position 5 days a week.