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Illustrator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The Atlantic

Creative Director, Editorial

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 7, 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.

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.

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 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 agencies or companies.

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.

Is being an illustrator a good career?

Being an illustrator can be a rewarding career for those with strong artistic skills, creativity, and proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. It often involves freelance work or employment in publishing, advertising, or entertainment industries, with income varying based on experience, specialization, and workload.
More about Illustrator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA? For Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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
Infographic showing various Illustrator job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,740 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Graphic Designer - Object Based Intelligence

Bigbear.ai

Washington, DC

$72K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview

BigBear.AI is seeking a Graphic Designer to support one of our Intelligence clients' Object Based Intelligence mission. This position will be onsite in Washington DC or Reston, VA with potential travel for onsite customer trainings


Responsibilities

  • Works collaboratively with analysts to understand requirements and further enhances / conveys analytic thoughts and assessments by
    developing graphic and layout solutions

  • Provides graphic design and layout solutions for intelligence products including, but not limited to, developing illustrations, editing existing images, providing font management, and utilizing advanced pre-publications
    techniques

  • Uses Government-specified technology to produce graphic design, cartographic products, and interactive graphical content, video content, analytic product templates, and marketing content. Integrates graphics with text, audio and video to
    support interactive and multimedia high-visibility finished intelligence products

  • Produces dynamic content IAW IC published standards (i.e. D3 Style Guide), including

  • podcasts or audio segments. Provides user experience / user interface expertise for development of interactive graphics and web products

  • Demonstrates proficiency in professional graphics and design software to include, but not limited to: Adobe Creative
    Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, Premiere, and Flash), Apple Final Cut Pro X, and Apple Mac hardware platforms, Map Publisher, MS Office Suite, and any other interactive graphics enablers, languages, or tools specified


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 3 to 8 years of relevant Graphic Design experience utilizing the tools and software listed.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance