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Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Demonstrate Technical Illustration skills. * Ability to interpret technical / engineering drawings for transformation to line art. * Strong working knowledge of a variety of graphics software ...

Gather illustration requirements from the technical publications team, product managers, and subject matter experts (such as engineers, quality assurance, software developers) across many departments.

Gather illustration requirements from the technical publications team, product managers, and subject matter experts (such as engineers, quality assurance, software developers) across many departments.

Make illustrations for animation * Work closely with other illustrator on same project * Manage your time and meet deadlines * Great at collaborating with our animators * Create awesome storyboards ...

Demonstrate Technical Illustration skills. * Ability to interpret technical / engineering drawings for transformation to line art. * Strong working knowledge of a variety of graphics software ...

Demonstrate Technical Illustration skills. * Ability to interpret technical / engineering drawings for transformation to line art. * Strong working knowledge of a variety of graphics software ...

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Illustration & Creative Production • Create and prepare illustrated graphics for customization needs used in stores and on the web. • Illustrate and develop ...

Make illustrations for animation * Work closely with other illustrator on same project * Manage your time and meet deadlines * Great at collaborating with our animators * Create awesome storyboards ...

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$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do illustration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 illustration and what does an illustrator do?

Illustration is the creation of visual imagery to explain, decorate, or clarify text and ideas. Illustrators use their artistic skills to produce drawings, paintings, or digital images for books, magazines, advertisements, packaging, and various media. Their work helps convey messages, tell stories, or enhance information in a visually engaging way. Illustrators may specialize in areas such as children's books, editorial illustration, concept art, or technical drawing, depending on their interests and skills.

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 ability, a solid grasp of design principles, and proficiency in color theory, often supported by a degree or coursework in art or design. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, or CorelDRAW is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help illustrators interpret briefs and collaborate with clients or teams. These skills are essential to produce compelling visual content that meets project objectives and resonates with target audiences.

What are some common challenges illustrators face when working on client projects, and how can they be managed?

Illustrators often encounter challenges such as unclear client briefs, shifting project scopes, and tight deadlines. Effective communication is key—clarifying expectations and regularly sharing progress can help avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, using contracts that outline deliverables and revision limits protects both the illustrator and the client. Building flexibility into your workflow and being open to feedback also ensures smoother collaborations and successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Illustration vs Graphic Designer?

AspectIllustrationGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, art skills, sometimes art or design degreesDesign degrees, software proficiency, portfolio
Work EnvironmentFreelance, studio, publishing, advertisingAgency, corporate, freelance, digital media
Industry UsageCreating visual art, book illustrations, concept artBranding, marketing materials, digital content

Illustration and graphic design share skills like creativity and visual communication, but illustration focuses on creating original artwork for books, products, or media, while graphic design emphasizes visual branding and layout for marketing and digital content. Both roles often collaborate but serve different primary purposes in the visual arts industry.

Do illustrators make good money?

Illustrators' earnings vary based on experience, specialization, and client base. Freelance illustrators often set their own rates, which can range from modest to high, while those working for companies or agencies typically have steady salaries that can range from entry-level to six figures annually. Success in the field often depends on skill, portfolio quality, and networking.

Is it hard to get illustration jobs?

Securing illustration jobs can be competitive, especially for freelance or entry-level positions, as many illustrators seek similar opportunities. Building a strong portfolio, developing specific skills, and networking can improve chances of obtaining work in this field.

What jobs are there for illustration?

Jobs for illustration include roles such as book illustrators, concept artists, character designers, and storyboard artists. These positions often require proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and may involve working in publishing, advertising, entertainment, or gaming industries.

What jobs can illustrators get?

Illustrators 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, often using tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Many roles require a strong portfolio and proficiency in digital or traditional art techniques.

What cities are hiring for Illustration jobs?

Cities with the most Illustration job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Illustration jobs?

The most popular types of Illustration jobs are:

What states have the most Illustration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Illustration jobs include:

Infographic showing various Illustration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,345 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty - Illustration (Evergreen)

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity
Lesley University always welcomes applications for adjunct faculty to teach upcoming daytime or evening classes for our Illustration programs at the undergraduate level. Subject areas in this department include courses on Illustration and Visual Narrative. Classes in this department are primarily taught in-person and on-campus.
Since adjunct faculty positions are ongoing, evergreen positions, your materials will remain on file and will be reviewed on an as-needed basis throughout the upcoming semesters. By submitting your application, you will be put into consideration for current and future adjunct positions within the undergraduate Illustration subject area. We hire adjunct faculty on a regular cadence to support our Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The specific course hired for is subject to change depending on semester, course catalog, and department needs.
About Lesley Art & Design
At Lesley Art + Design, students are multidisciplinary artists who shape cultural trends and spark change. As future leaders in their fields, students understand that ideas and implementation are equally important, encompassing both artistic vision and business acumen.
Our undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts programs span Communication Arts, Illustration, Media Arts and Studio Arts. We also offer low residency Master of Fine Arts programs in Visual Arts and Creative Writing. Our alumni are always welcomed back to our Alumni Studio co-working space, to create and collaborate on their own projects amongst other Art & Design alumni.
Qualities & Capabilities
Required:
  • Master's degree in Illustration or related field
  • 2+ years minimum of professional experience working in a related art field
  • Demonstrated successful experience teaching in the particular discipline at the undergraduate level
  • Experience in studio-based, experiential learning with an emphasis on student engagement
  • Demonstrated advanced studio competencies and fluency in technical, conceptual, medium-specific skills specified by the discipline
  • Experience and commitment to teaching and developing culturally responsive curriculum
  • Please note: Portfolio examples of the candidate's work and/or student work in a combined PDF that is no larger than 5mg is required

Preferred:
  • MFA or equivalent terminal degree in a related field

Why Lesley
Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.
Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.
Expressing Interest
A CV/resume which demonstrates teaching experience, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.
At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity's webpage for the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.
Lesley University Adjunct Faculty positions are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). To view our compensation targets for this position, please visit this link.