Find the best Illustration jobs
It takes just one job to develop a successful relationship that can propel your career forward.
Find work Interested in hiring?Professionals on Upwork rate clients
on average from 2M+ reviews
Trusted by
Check out a sample of the 957 Illustrator jobs posted on Upwork
$10
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
I am looking for a creative and skilled thumbnail designer to create eye-catching and compelling thumbnails for my YouTube channel, whi…
$100
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
Looking to partner with a graphic designer/ illustrator to recreate a design I’ve been working on. I have several drafts and need someo…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We are looking for a talented and creative designer to create an eye-catching cover for our children's coloring book. The cover design…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
3 to 6 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We are seeking a highly skilled and imaginative Creative Character Design Artist to join our dynamic team. As a Creative Character Desi…
$100
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
We are looking for a a skilled artist to replicate our png ai generated image of our mascot in a ssystem like adobe/photoshop trace and…
$5
Fixed-price
Expert
Experience level
I am seeking a talented illustrator to create a single, high-quality vector illustration of a boat. The illustration is needed urgently…
$10
Fixed-price
Expert
Experience level
projects: *Ai artist *Graphic design *Basic photoshop editing *project Management User Experience (UX)
$10
Fixed-price
Expert
Experience level
projects: *Ai artist *Graphic design *Basic photoshop editing *project Management User Experience (UX)
$40
Fixed-price
Entry
Experience level
If we work well there is opportunity for more work with higher pay, **Job Description:** We are seeking a highly creative, passionate,…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
We are seeking a talented and experienced manga artist to join our marketing team. As a Senior Marketing Manga Artist, you will be resp…
can earn $15–$45/hr.
$15 $45
Median hourly rates (USD)
How to Become a Freelance Illustrator
If you have artistic ability and enjoy sketching, drawing, and technology, you may have a future as a freelance illustrator. Artistic ability is the primary requisite to become a freelance illustrator. An ability to draw, sketch, use computer software to conceive and develop artwork, and otherwise create attractive illustrations is a starting point to being a freelance illustrator. A track record of creating graphic illustrations for clients or an employer also goes a long way in positioning yourself as a freelance illustrator.
What does a freelance illustrator do?
A freelance illustrator develops and delivers artistic work, including graphics, images, logos, characters, and children’s books, to individuals or corporate clients. The types of illustrations needed by clients varies, depending on the project being hired for.
The scope of illustrations could include anything from developing comic book characters for a publishing company to providing images for a greeting card company to drawing portraits for families. The finished work could include art created on a canvas or digital files created with the use of computer software.
What skills do I need to become a freelance illustrator?
To become a freelance illustrator, a college education may be helpful, but a degree is not necessary. Attending art school could set you apart from the competition, but it isn’t necessarily required. The primary requirement an aspiring illustrator must have is the ability to create attractive illustrations. Depending on your career path, additional skills might be useful.
Common skills a freelance illustrator should possess include:
- Ability to create illustrations that are attractive to various audiences
- Experience using design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Ability to meet client deadlines
- Understanding of tools used on different surfaces, such as canvas, paper, and acrylic
- Bachelor’s degree (recommendation) in graphic design, fine arts, or related field
- A website, portfolio, or social media profile to showcase your best work
What are the job responsibilities of a freelance illustrator?
A full-time or a freelance illustrator may have a number of responsibilities ranging from ensuring availability of proper tools needed to complete an assignment to understanding in detail what a client wants. Freelance illustrators can be found working on numerous projects such as children’s books, editorial illustrations, or on graphic novels, to name just a few examples.
In addition, a freelancer will be responsible for:
- Determining the proper illustration tools and platforms in which to complete requested client work
- Understanding and executing in relation to the requirements established by the client
- Completing illustration projects on time and within budget
- Asking questions if unclear on assignments
- Working with potential clients along with art directors, graphic designers, and advertising agencies
Jump-start your career as an illustrator on Upwork and start looking for your first job. Eager to learn more about illustrator jobs on Upwork? Check out these additional resources:
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyse and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
Your next job starts right here
Set up a free profile to showcase your skills, experience and desired pay rate to clients. You choose the payment method that's best for you to easily get paid for your work.
Find workGives you security and peace of mind