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Magazine Illustrator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

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 ...

Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

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 ...

Senior Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

The role will occasionally extend to special projects and print magazine assignments. The ideal candidate brings a strong editorial sensibility and a deep understanding of how illustration and design ...

Senior Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

The role will occasionally extend to special projects and print magazine assignments. The ideal candidate brings a strong editorial sensibility and a deep understanding of how illustration and design ...

Senior Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

The role will occasionally extend to special projects and print magazine assignments. The ideal candidate brings a strong editorial sensibility and a deep understanding of how illustration and design ...

CAR WASHER

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation ...

CAR WASHER

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation ...

CAR WASHER

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation ...

Car Wash

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner * The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation

CAR WASHER

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation ...

Car Wash

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner * The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation

Car Wash

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner * The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation

Car Wash

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Time Magazine National Quality Dealer Award Winner * The Sports Illustrated AIADA All-Star Dealer Award for outstanding customer service and commitment to the industry, community, and the nation

... newspapers, magazines, graphic design and artwork, infographics, video production, photographs ... Experience illustrating concepts by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement ...

... newspapers, magazines, graphic design and artwork, infographics, video production, photographs ... Experience illustrating concepts by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement ...

... newspapers, magazines, graphic design and artwork, infographics, video production, photographs ... Experience illustrating concepts by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement ...

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Showing results 1-20

Magazine Illustrator information

See Washington salary details

$36.8K

$67.2K

$108.7K

How much do magazine illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for magazine 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 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 Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,215 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Art Director

The Atlantic

Washington, DC • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create original illustrations for daily coverage and digital features at The Atlantic.

  • Commission and art direct assignments, including occasional work on special projects and the magazine.

  • Ensure all work meets The Atlantic's design, production, and editorial standards.


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 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.