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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…

Illustration Adobe Illustrator Brand Guidelines Brand Positioning English
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Pixel art Hourly ‐ Posted 2 days ago

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

Illustration Pixel Art
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Art Teacher Needed for 5-Year-Old Boy Hourly ‐ Posted 2 days ago

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…

Illustration Freestyle Drawing Illustration Jobs English
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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…

Illustration Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop AI-Generated Art
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Illustration of Scenery Fixed-price ‐ Posted 1 day ago

$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…

Illustration Drawing Concept Artistry Adobe Illustrator Character Design Illustration Jobs
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Seeking Creative Children's Book Illustrator Fixed-price ‐ Posted 2 days ago

$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…

Illustration Drawing Adobe Illustrator Illustration Jobs Character Design Cover Art Design AI-Generated Art 2D Art Animation
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$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…

Illustration Character Design Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Illustration Jobs
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Arab/Bedouin -inspired sketches Fixed-price ‐ Posted 2 days ago

$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…

Illustration Drawing Sketching Freestyle Drawing Illustration Jobs
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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…

Illustration Adobe Illustrator Illustration Jobs Minimalist Graffiti Midjourney AI
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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…

Illustration Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Cartoon Art Concept Artistry Character Design Digital Illustration
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Illustrators on Upwork
can earn $15–$45/hr.
Learn more below about how you can earn a career on the world’s work marketplace.
Illustrator average prices bell curve

$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.

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