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 936 Illustrator jobs posted on Upwork
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We are looking for beautiful and talented dancers who have a unique style to join our team. If you are passionate about dancing and hav…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Entry
Experience level
Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix Pixel fix
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We are seeking an experienced art teacher to provide creative and engaging art lessons for our 5-year-old son. The ideal candidate shou…
30+ hrs/week
Hours needed
More than 6 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
We are looking for a skilled Generative AI Expert to join our team. The ideal candidate will be proficient in using platforms like Scen…
$5
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
We are looking for a talented illustrator to create a stunning illustration of a scenic landscape. The illustration should capture the…
$350
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
I’m looking for a CREATIVE illustrator with EXPERIENCE using Amazon KDP and the ability to draw MULTICULTURAL illustrations for a child…
$70
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
a talented artist to create a personalized illustration of my best friend throughout different phases of his life, following the imprin…
$100
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
We are updating the web page www.redso.uk and adding new drawings that align with its "souk" theme. The site utilizes minimalist design…
30+ hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
There are two parts to this project, first create a sequence of images telling a story involving 4 or 5 steps. This is for a specific a…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
I'm looking for a talented freelance illustrator or cartoonist to create an original and fun illustration for an idea I have. This proj…
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