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Illustrator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD

$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 ...

Synertex LLC

Graphics Designer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Develops design concepts and implements designs for new web pages, mobile applications, newsletters, ads, infographics, banners, illustrations, logos, and other types of digital content that will be ...

The Atlantic

Senior Art Director

Washington, DC

$105K - $135K/yr

They will also focus on creating original illustrations for daily coverage and digital features, while commissioning and art directing from a network of contributors. The role will occasionally ...

Hendall Inc

Digital Content Creator

Rockville, MD · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Create and enhance graphs, charts, tables, illustrations, and other design treatments, including digital animation and illustration as requested * Build and update content via content management ...

Hendall

Digital Content Creator

Rockville, MD

$90K - $110K/yr

Create and enhance graphs, charts, tables, illustrations, and other design treatments, including digital animation and illustration as requested * Build and update content via content management ...

Hendall Inc

Digital Content Creator

Rockville, MD · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Create and enhance graphs, charts, tables, illustrations, and other design treatments, including digital animation and illustration as requested * Build and update content via content management ...

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All JobsIllustrator JobsIllustrator Jobs in Reston, VA

Illustrator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$33.8K

$61.7K

$99.9K

How much do illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for illustrator in Reston, VA is $61,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,100.00 and $70,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What Do Illustrators Do?

An illustrator is an artist who creates commercial designs and images. Some illustrators work with traditional media, utilizing watercolors or oil paint to produce their designs. They often produce works for publications such as children's books, newspapers, and magazines to highlight the text. Others may use illustration and editing software to create digital images. These kinds of illustrators work in a variety of industries; their job duties may include designing images for apparel, accessories for toys, or sketching interior design or architectural prints. Manufacturers also use illustrators to create product packaging, while advertising companies hire illustrators to work on marketing materials.

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.

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.
More about Illustrator jobs
What job categories do people searching Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Illustrator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Illustrator job openings:
Illustrator jobs near you
Creative Director, Editorial

Creative Director, Editorial

The Atlantic

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Atlantic is seeking a Creative Director to oversee visual direction and brand expression across all editorial platforms-including the print magazine, website and app, podcasts, video, and live events. The Creative Director will manage The Atlantic's art department, and lead the team's work on design, illustration, and photography across The Atlantic's journalism.

The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, an ambitious design mind, and able to think big while maintaining attention to detail. Their work should elevate The Atlantic's visual identity while maintaining its core sensibility and spirit.

Qualifications of the ideal candidate:

  • Demonstrated talent for leadership, including creative vision, people-management experience, and the ability to both identify and execute against goals

  • Astute design and journalistic sense, and facility with both conceptual and reportorial work

  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively under deadlines and to manage concurrent projects

  • Established relationships with photographers, illustrators, and other artists, and a keen eye for emerging talent

  • Adaptability to change and grace under pressure

  • Clear communication skills and a collaborative spirit

  • Energized by a fast-paced and intensely demanding creative environment

  • Expertise with Adobe Creative tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign/K4

This position is based in New York City or Washington, D.C.

Salary minimum: $200,000; Salary maximum: $275,000

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 encouragesmembers 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. TheAtlantic 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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