Hire the best Illustrators

Hiring a skilled illustrator can help bring your brand to life. An illustrator creates original artwork, often for books, magazines, advertising, and digital media. Their work involves translating ideas or stories into visual representations, which can range from simple sketches to detailed designs.

If you’re interested in hiring an illustrator, learn to write an impactful job post, knowing the requirements of the role, the market demand, and potential hiring costs, to help you find the right designer for your needs. 

Once you understand the role and identify your requirements, a freelance illustrator may be the right choice for your team. By engaging independent talent on Upwork, you can quickly access a skilled global talent pool, reduce operational costs, and have the flexibility to work with the right illustrator for a short-term or long-term project. 

Writing an engaging illustrator job post

Developing a clear, concise illustrator job post can help you reach and engage qualified candidates. Below, learn how to write an effective job post that outlines your needs.

Job post title

Identify a simple title that clearly describes what you’re looking for in an illustrator. Examples include: 

• Technical illustrator. Software company seeking a skilled illustrator to create clear diagrams and illustrations that explain complex product features. 
• Editorial illustrator. Digital media company looking for an experienced illustrator to produce engaging illustrations for news articles. 
• Lead illustrator. Design agency in search of a lead illustrator to oversee illustration projects, mentor junior team members, and partner closely with clients. 

Project description 

An effective illustrator job post should include the following

• Scope of work. From initial conception to final design files, list all the deliverables you’ll need. 
• Project length. Clearly indicate whether you’re looking for an illustrator to complete a small, short-term or large, long-term project. 
• Background. If you prefer illustrators who use computer software, oil painting, pencil, or any other medium, mention this in the background section of the project description. 
• Budget. Set a budget and highlight whether you’re offering an hourly or fixed-price contract.

Illustrator responsibilities

Here are some examples of illustrator job responsibilities:

• Creating high-quality illustrations for print collateral using Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
• Conceptualizing relevant imagery to be used in a series of brochures
• Developing graphic files suitable for print and web
• Managing and prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously
• Revising illustrations based on feedback and business needs 
• Staying updated on the latest trends in illustration and design 

Illustrator requirements and qualifications

In your job post, include a high-level list of any requirements or qualifications you’re looking for in a potential illustrator candidate. Including these details in your job post can help you reach individuals with the skills and experience you need. Here are some examples:

• Mastery of graphic design and digital illustration software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Advanced drawing or sketching skills 
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, illustration, or a related field (in some cases, a degree may not be required if an illustrator has a strong portfolio) 
• A diverse portfolio of completed artwork that highlights various styles and projects
• Positive reviews or references from past clients, team members, or employers
• A track record of completing deliverables by agreed-upon deadlines
• Industry knowledge, including current industry design and illustration trends and best practices
• Ability to take client direction, conceptualize initial drafts, and deliver final artwork
• Soft skills such as creativity, communication, collaboration, time management, attention to detail, and adaptability

Helpful information to know before hiring an illustrator 

Understanding the role, hiring demand, and costs associated with hiring an illustrator can help you attract and engage the right illustrator for your business needs. Learn more about what to expect when hiring an illustrator, including the different aspects of their work. 

The role of an illustrator

Illustrators use various mediums, such as digital tools, pen and ink, watercolor, or acrylics, to bring concepts to life. Their role is crucial in conveying themes, characters, and emotions, and they often collaborate with authors, editors, and designers to align their illustrations with the overall project vision.

Typical responsibilities of an illustrator include:

• Concept development. Brainstorming creative ideas and draft sketches to visualize illustrations based on project briefs or requirements. 
• Illustration: Creating high-quality illustrations for use across channels, including print and digital 
• Coloring and rendering. Applying or updating colors and textures to enhance brand visuals. 
• Research. Conducting research on the client’s industry, competitors, and the latest illustration trends to create illustrations that will resonate with the target audience. 
• Client communication: Partnering closely with clients to understand project requirements and goals and bring visual ideas to life. 
• Team collaboration. Working closely with other team members, such as creative directors, designers, writers, and marketing managers, to align on integrated creative projects. 
• Project management. Facilitating multiple projects at the same time while aligning with deadlines and budget requirements. 
• Art direction. More experienced illustrators may take on a leadership role by guiding and managing the visual direction of projects. 
• Quality control. Reviewing final illustrations and other design assets for quality, consistency, and accurate file formats. 

Illustrator hiring demand in 2024

In an increasingly competitive business environment, companies are always looking for new ways to stand out to customers and prospects. Hiring a creative, skilled illustrator can help businesses create a unique visual identity to capture the attention of prospects and reinforce the brand’s personality and values. 

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job outlook for craft and fine artists, which includes illustrators, to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, with an average of 5,500 openings each year. Many of these openings are expected to be due to professionals leaving the workforce or transitioning to other roles. 

Common projects for illustrators

Illustrators can complete a variety of projects or tasks depending on their area of expertise, experience level, and industry knowledge, among other factors. Common projects for illustrators include:

• Logo design. Developing new logos, icons, and other brand elements for brands and businesses. 
• Infographic design. Producing appealing and informative graphics to visually present and explain complex topics. 
• Book cover design. Creating engaging illustrations for book covers across genres, such as children’s books, graphic novels, and memoirs. 
• Storyboarding. Designing a sequence of illustrations to visualize scenes for advertisements, movies, or animations. 
• Educational materials: Illustrating textbooks, online course collateral, and other educational assets with engaging, digestible graphics. 

Industries hiring illustrators

Illustrators are in demand across many industries. Depending on your industry and business goals, hiring an illustrator offers unique uses and benefits. 

Industries include:

• Marketing and advertising. Creative illustrators develop visual assets for print and digital advertising, as well as icons, graphics, and other website collateral. 
• Software. Tech-savvy illustrators design user interfaces, icons, and engaging visual features for software products and applications. 
• Fashion. Experienced illustrators design patterns and prints for clothing, accessories, home goods, and other textiles. 
• Media. Magazines, newspapers, digital publications, and other media companies hire illustrators to add creative visual elements to articles and advertisements. 
• Consumer packaged goods. Illustrators create visuals for product packaging and other physical materials. 
• Animation and film production. Skilled illustrators develop character designs, concept art, storyboards, and other visual assets for animated videos and films. 

Average cost of hiring an illustrator in 2024

An illustrator’s rates and pay range can vary due to many factors, such as expertise and experience, industry knowledge, project scope and complexity, location, and market conditions,

• An experienced illustrator may charge higher rates or demand a higher salary and likely works more efficiently, has specialized expertise, delivers higher-quality work, and may have experience leading projects or other team members.
• An illustrator who is new to the industry may price their services more competitively to gain experience or build a loyal client base.

Illustrators on Upwork typically charge the following average rates:

• Beginner. $15 per hour
• Intermediate. $23 per hour
• Advanced. $30 per hour

If you’re interested in considering a full-time, in-house illustrator, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median annual salary for craft and fine artists, which includes illustrators, is $52,910. 

Find a skilled illustrator for your business now 

Hiring an experienced, creative illustrator can help your business create unique and memorable visuals to leave a lasting impression on customers, prospects, and other stakeholders.  By understanding the role from a high level, along with budgeting for associated costs and learning how to write a compelling job post, you can hire an illustrator who aligns with your business requirements. 

Whether you’re looking for an illustrator to redesign your logo, produce website design assets, develop product packaging, or complete any other creative project, engaging independent talent on Upwork can help you find a professional with the skills you need. Begin your search for an experienced illustrator and start enhancing your brand identity today.