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Traditional Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Macy's

Concept Artist, Parade Studio

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

$22.64 - $39.67/hr

Traditional Illustration and Digital Art : Strong skills in traditional illustration techniques along with proficiency in digital art creation, enabling the artist to work across different mediums ...

Macy's

Concept Artist, Parade Studio

Moonachie, NJ

$22.64 - $39.67/hr

Traditional Illustration and Digital Art : Strong skills in traditional illustration techniques along with proficiency in digital art creation, enabling the artist to work across different mediums ...

Leidos

Multimedia Design Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

Possess proficiency in traditional illustration techniques including but not limited to perspective, composition, layout, and the importance of line weight * Possess proficiency in multiple ...

Leidos

Multimedia Design Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

Possess proficiency in traditional illustration techniques including but not limited to perspective, composition, layout, and the importance of line weight * Possess proficiency in multiple ...

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Traditional Illustration information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

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How much do traditional illustration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for traditional illustration in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traditional illustration?

A Traditional Illustration job involves creating hand-drawn or painted artwork using mediums like pencil, ink, watercolor, or acrylics. Illustrators in this field produce visuals for books, magazines, advertisements, packaging, and more. They may work freelance, for publishing houses, or in design studios. Traditional illustrators often focus on detailed craftsmanship and unique artistic styles that digital techniques try to replicate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in traditional illustration?

To excel in Traditional Illustration, you need strong drawing and painting abilities, a solid understanding of composition and color theory, and often a degree or formal training in art or illustration. Familiarity with media such as watercolor, ink, acrylics, and pencils is crucial, and portfolio development is typically central to the role. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and the ability to take and integrate feedback are key soft skills. These competencies ensure an illustrator can produce visually compelling artwork that meets client or project specifications and timelines.

How to become a traditional illustrator?

To become a traditional illustrator, develop strong drawing skills through formal education or self-study, focusing on techniques like sketching, shading, and composition. Build a portfolio of your work, gain experience through internships or freelance projects, and familiarize yourself with art supplies and traditional media such as pencils, inks, and paints. Continuous practice and networking within the art community can help you establish a career in illustration.

What career can I do with traditional illustration?

Traditional illustration skills can lead to careers such as book illustrator, concept artist, storyboard artist, or fine artist. These roles often require strong drawing abilities, knowledge of art techniques, and proficiency with tools like pencils, paints, or digital software for integration. Many illustrators work freelance or for publishing, advertising, or entertainment industries.

What are the most common challenges traditional illustrators face in their daily work?

Traditional illustrators often face challenges such as tight deadlines, balancing creative vision with client or art director feedback, and keeping their work consistent and high-quality across different projects. Managing physical materials and workspace efficiently can also be demanding, especially when working with multiple media or large pieces. Additionally, staying inspired and continuously developing new styles to remain competitive are ongoing aspects of the job. However, many illustrators find that these challenges are balanced by the satisfaction of bringing unique, hand-crafted images to life and the opportunity to collaborate with creative teams.

More about Traditional Illustration jobs
What cities are hiring for Traditional Illustration jobs? Cities with the most Traditional Illustration job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Traditional Illustration jobs? The most popular types of Traditional Illustration jobs are:
What states have the most Traditional Illustration jobs? States with the most job openings for Traditional Illustration jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Traditional Illustration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Traditional Illustration jobs are:
Traditional Illustration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traditional Illustration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Concept Artist, Parade Studio

Macy's

Moonachie, NJ • On-site

$22.64 - $39.67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Macy's rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 857 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 21 rated department stores

Job description


Be part of an amazing story
Macy's is more than just a store. We're a story. One that's captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions...about inspiring stores and irresistible products...about the excitement of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.
Job Overview
The Seasonal Concept Artist develops and presents design concepts for the production of floats, balloons, and other properties for events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. They take responsibility for creating concepts from rough ideas to finished color presentations, utilizing both 2D and 3D mediums.
What You Will Do
  • Produce concept sketches and finished renderings, as well as 3D scale models for floats and balloons
  • Formulate a clear and informed creative vision for leadership and sponsors
  • Collaborate on the research and design of projects, particularly for events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • Develop files in both 2D and 3D formats, including virtual files and occasionally physical models
  • Demonstrate the ability to multitask and work collaboratively with various business partners
  • Assist in maintaining organization and inventory for all drawings, scale models, progress photos, and the reference library
  • Work off-site as necessary to create drawings for areas such as event sites, marquees, and store architecture
  • Act as a crew member for installations, set-ups, and take-downs as required
  • Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities

Skills You Will Need
Creative Design: Ability to develop and present design concepts for floats, balloons, and event properties, translating rough ideas into polished presentations using both traditional and digital mediums.
Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Adobe software tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating concept sketches, renderings, and final presentations.
Traditional Illustration and Digital Art: Strong skills in traditional illustration techniques along with proficiency in digital art creation, enabling the artist to work across different mediums effectively.
3D Modeling: Experience in 3D modeling software to create detailed scale models for floats and balloons, bringing concepts to life in three-dimensional space.
ZBrush: Proficiency in ZBrush, a digital sculpting tool, for creating intricate and detailed 3D models with realistic textures and surfaces.
CAD Software: Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for developing precise and accurate virtual models of float designs and other event properties.
Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with team members, sponsors, and other stakeholders, contributing to the research and design process for events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Multitasking and Time Management: Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously, while adhering to deadlines and maintaining high-quality work standards.
Organizational Skills: Capability to maintain organization and inventory of all design-related materials, including drawings, scale models, progress photos, and reference materials, ensuring easy access and retrieval when needed.
Who You Are
  • Candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
  • This position requires heavy lifting, constant moving, standing, and reaching with arms and hands.
    • Involves standing for at least two consecutive hours, lifting at least 30 lbs. stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders
    • May involve reaching above eye level
    • Requires close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
  • Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs

What We Can Offer You
Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.
Some additional benefits we offer include:
  • Merchandise discounts

About Us
This is a great time to join Macy's! Whether you're helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people's lives.
Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - Apply Today!
This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
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About Macy's

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Macy's is proudly America's Department Store. There's a reason we've been around for 160 years. Customers come to us for fashion, value and celebration. Macy's is also known for giving back to our communities. The magic of Macy's ultimately comes alive in our stores, and our store colleagues are the ones making it happen. They provide outstanding customer service, create a memorable shopping experience, and drive sales results.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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