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Magazine Illustrator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Magazine Designer / Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of ... Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and ...

The Magazine Designer / Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of ... Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and ...

Art Director I TFT

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$119K - $125K/yr

... magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators ...

New

Art Director I TFT

Colorado Springs, CO

$119K - $125K/yr

... magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators ...

New

Art Director I TFT

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$119K - $125K/yr

... magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators ...

New

Be Seen First

... magazines, and print publications. * Coordinate and execute digital marketing campaigns from ... Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Senior Graphic Designer

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$75K - $85K/yr

High level of proficiency with industry standard Adobe CC applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, and ... The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine's Great Places to Work winners * Comprehensive ...

Magazine Illustrator information

See Colorado salary details

$34.2K

$62.4K

$100.9K

How much do magazine illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for magazine illustrator in Colorado is $62,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a magazine illustrator?

Magazine illustrators are artists who create original images, drawings, or graphics for magazines. Their work helps to convey ideas, enhance stories, and capture readers' attention through visual art. They often collaborate with editors, writers, and art directors to develop illustrations that align with the magazine's style and content. Magazine illustrators may work in traditional media, digital formats, or a combination of both, adapting their techniques to fit the publication's needs.

What does a magazine illustrator do?

A magazine illustrator creates drawings and images for magazines and similar publications. Your duties in this career can include working on cover design and layout, creating illustrations for articles, drawing editorial pictures or cartoons, or making stand-alone pieces of artwork. In this position, you can illustrate for both print and online magazines. Some employers expect a magazine artist to create drawings by hand, while others expect you to do your work digitally. Your responsibilities in those positions may include making illustrations for the publication using software like Adobe Illustrator. If you are involved in the layout, you may use Adobe InDesign as well.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a magazine illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Magazine Illustrator, you need strong drawing skills, creativity, and a solid portfolio demonstrating your ability to convey concepts visually, often supported by a degree in illustration, graphic design, or related fields. Proficiency in digital illustration tools like Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and Illustrator) is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to interpret editorial direction help illustrators collaborate effectively with art directors and writers. These skills ensure that the illustrator can deliver engaging, on-brand artwork that enhances the magazine’s visual storytelling and appeals to its target audience.

How does a magazine illustrator typically collaborate with editors and writers during the publication process?

Magazine illustrators work closely with editors and writers to ensure that the artwork effectively complements the articles and enhances the publication's visual storytelling. This collaboration often involves attending editorial meetings, reviewing article drafts, and receiving feedback to align illustrations with the magazine's tone and message. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as illustrators may need to revise their work based on editorial direction. This teamwork helps create cohesive and engaging content for readers.

What is the difference between Magazine Illustrator vs Comic Book Artist?

AspectMagazine IllustratorComic Book Artist
Required CredentialsArt degree or equivalent, portfolioArt degree or equivalent, portfolio
Work EnvironmentFreelance or in publishing studiosStudio or freelance, comic publishers
Industry UsageMagazines, editorial, advertisingComics, graphic novels, entertainment
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Magazine Illustrators and Comic Book Artists both require strong artistic skills, portfolios, and often similar educational backgrounds. However, Magazine Illustrators focus on creating images for magazines, often with a more realistic or editorial style, while Comic Book Artists specialize in sequential art and storytelling through comics. Both roles are prevalent in publishing and entertainment industries, but they serve different audiences and formats.

Infographic showing various Magazine Illustrator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,403 per year, or $30 per hour.

Magazine Designer / Art Director

fotf

Colorado Springs, CO

$119K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Magazine Designer / Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of the design team under the supervision of the Director.  This position is responsible for the development, direction, supervision, and presentation of the graphic design activities of print magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators, and photographers. Collaborates with editorial teams on project strategy while showing a superior understanding of the client goals and audience needs.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Creates and/or directs concept development, design, layout, and art production, requiring at times, independent, creative thinking
  • Actively participates and/or leads creative meetings, brainstorm sessions and team activities
  • Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo house and working with AE’s
  • Assists in the guidance, training and mentoring of other designers
  • Interfaces and conducts contract negotiations with freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo houses
  • Coordinates, schedules, supervises, and directs photography and off-site photo shoots
  • Helps coordinate art direction activities of other designers, as well as freelancers
  • Take responsibility for the quality, completeness, and on-time delivery of projects
  • Work closely with print buyer to ensure quality of printed pieces; participates in press checks
  • Works closely with others to ensure quality and design integrity standards are met consistent with the magazine’s mission and Focus on the Family principles and standards
  • Monitors progress to schedule-from conceptualizing to final proofs
  • Makes efficient and effective use of computer systems, magazine production software and digital asset management system
  • Is responsible for design staffs’ use of digital asset management system and the archival of creative assets
  • Works closely with DMS, IT, Print Buyers, and Sr. Designers to ensure quality and timely delivery of print, web, and mobile publications
  • Stays abreast of developments within department
  • Participates in editorial planning sessions

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

  • May take photographs for various FOF events and assignments
  • Performs other duties, including but not limited to duties as assigned, some of which may include the development and creation of a variety of copyrightable works (e.g., print, photography, voice work, film, music, visual arts, etc.) for distribution in any and all media and formats (such as television, radio, internet, wireless, DVD, satellite and digital) on a world-wide basis, all of which shall be for the benefit of Focus on the Family

 

Managerial Breadth/Scope of Job:

  • None

 

 

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

  • Office environment
  • Travel may be necessary
  • This role may require occasional travel including nights and weekends

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Character/Spiritual

Exemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us...”


Pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”


Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus; adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith; upholds Focus on the Family's ministry in prayer


Prays personally for Focus on the Family’s staff and constituents and may occasionally lead in a public prayer


Engages in Christian ministry


Demonstrates behaviors aligned with FOF core values

Personal Characteristics:

 

  • Team Oriented
     
  • Detail Oriented
  • Teachable, flexible, and reliable
  • Positive, dependable and takes the initiative
  • Desire to expand and learn new skills and stay up on industry trends
  • Can graciously give and receive constructive criticism to creative work

 

Knowledge/Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Graphics Art or equivalent work experience
  • 5-7 years professional design experience with an agency, studio, publisher, or equivalent
  • In depth understanding of design fundamentals for a wide range of creative and conceptual challenges
  • Working knowledge of Focus on the Family mission, philosophy, values, and objectives

Skills, Abilities, and Special Talents/Gifts:

  • Advanced graphic and organizational skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to think creatively in artistic endeavors
  • Ability to accept criticism of creative work
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent listening skills
  • Ability to function effectively and efficiently in a team environment
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and meet strict deadlines
  • Ability to organize work effectively to meet time constraints
  • Ability to deal with stress due to deadline pressure
  • Ability to build and maintain solid team working for a common goal
  • Able to delegate responsibilities to the appropriate personnel
  • Demonstrates superior use of graphic design principles (knowledge of typography, photography, composition, white space, color, etc.)
  • Advanced skill in use of Macintosh equipment, including experience with QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop and InDesign

Pay Range: $62,431 to $74,783

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

*Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove any age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume. 2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications.

Focus on the Family puts a high value on our team members and offers a unique benefit package.


Employees scheduled for 20 hours or more per week are eligible for:

  • Norton LifeLock ID Theft Coverage
  • Legal Shield/ID Shield Coverage
  • AFLAC
  • 403B Retirement Plan
  • Vacation Time & Vacation Payout
  • Sick Time
  • Holidays
  • Service Awards
  • Community Service Days
  • Bookstore Discount
  • Fitness Center

Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more per week are eligible for all the above and:

  • Medical Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Warehouse Membership Reimbursement

Note: This is a summary and should not be construed as future promises to continue to provide benefits as outlined above. For complete and definitive language, refer to the governing plan documents. 

*Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits, except for:

  • Sick Time
  • Bookstore Discount
  • Fitness Center

Tentative Search Timeline:

  • Priority will be given to applications submitted by May 30, 2026 However, this posting will remain open until filled. 
  • The potential employee start date is June 8, 2026

Posting date:  April 30, 2026

Un-posting date: ongoing until filled

Posting contact email: job@fotf.org