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Traditional Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Point Loma Nazarene University

$5.0K - $6.6K/mo

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering ... deliver illustrated lectures. * Successful candidate will work strategically with diverse ...

The Atlantic

Art Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

... 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 ...

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Traditional Illustration information

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

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.

Adjunct Faculty, Illustration - Figure and Landscape Painting (On Campus)

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO

$3.3K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, Illustration - Figure and Landscape Painting (On Campus)
Salary: $3340 (studio) per 8 week class, per term
Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Fill Date: Open Until Filled
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design seeks qualified applicants to teach Figure and Landscape Painting on our historic campus in Lakewood, CO. RMCAD is a premier college certified by HLC and offering degrees in fine and applied arts, including Illustration. RMCAD's academic calendar consists of eight-week courses offered 6 times a year. Adjunct faculty are assigned courses based on availability and student enrollment. Courses taught may include Figure Painting and Landscape Painting. Individuals with traditional painting skills are encouraged to apply.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Teaching and Instructional Activities: the practice and art of teaching, including evaluation by students, supervisor(s), and self. Faculty must also comply with all administrative and classroom management policies, procedures and instructional deadlines.
  • Regularly record class attendance in Faculty Portal and submit midterm/final grades by the due date specified.
  • Provide timely, periodic, and meaningful feedback to students on assignments and participation.
  • Successfully complete online Faculty Certification Course, a faculty online orientation and certification class administered through RMCAD's Learning Management System.
Qualifications:
  • MFA and/or professional experience as an illustrator/designer, 18 graduate credit hours in the posted field or a related discipline. Degree can be a Master’s Degree (or Equivalent) in Art, Fine Art, Illustration, Painting, etc.
  • This is a campus based position, candidate must reside in the Denver area
  • Teaching experience at the college level is preferred
  • Submit a portfolio or web link showing professional illustrative work.
How to Apply:
Review of applicants will begin immediately. Please use the online application link to submit your cover letter, CV, as well as examples of your professional work and student work (optional). PDF format is preferred, however the size limit for individual files is 5MB.
About RMCAD:
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is an innovative, rigorous, and community-oriented global learning environment that inspires passion for critical thinking and prepares learners to be forces of change in the creative industries, our communities, and the world. RMCAD was established in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, who had a vision to provide students with a quality higher education in art and design. RMCAD continues to experience growth since its comparatively modest beginnings and now thrives on a lush, historic campus including more than 23 acres of land and 16 buildings. We are also pioneers in the online learning environment for art and design. RMCAD currently has over 2,000 students enrolled.
RMCAD is dedicated to living its mission and values, specifically that “Our students come first.” The college continuously works with faculty and staff towards developing an evolving student-ready paradigm. RMCAD is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and maintains a policy of inclusiveness that recognizes values and reflects the diversity of the community it serves. The college fosters a dynamic learning and working environment that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas. We welcome people from a multitude of backgrounds who are committed to creativity, academic excellence, societal and cultural evolution and betterment, civility, mutual respect, social justice, and the free and open exchange of ideas.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
The work environment is a typical office environment which may include moderate noise, some evening or weekend hours, confined workspaces, fast work pace with unscheduled interruptions, the need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and extensive time sitting and working with computers. Occasional overnight travel required.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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