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Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
Less than 1 month
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We are seeking a talented illustrator to bring our "children's" book, based on The Laundry Lists Workbook, to life...as told through th…
$120
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
We are on the hunt for a dynamic and inventive artist to bring a series of new stuffed figures to life. Inspired by an existing design…
$100
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
I need some background art with few characters. That art I will use for website background.
$20
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
We are looking for a skilled illustration designer to create illustrations for our Harry Potter based comic. We have the story line re…
30+ hrs/week
Hours needed
More than 6 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
Pixel Artist for NFT Collection We are excited to offer an opportunity for a skilled Pixel Artist to contribute to our upcoming NFT co…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
We are seeking a talented digital artist to join our team and assist with our musical project. As a digital artist, you will have the o…
$26
Fixed-price
Entry
Experience level
Please read all before applying. This is a low budget job at the start ! Upwork rules say we cannot ask for a sample. I am not lookin…
Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed
More than 6 months
Duration
Intermediate
Experience level
I run a consultancy and think and write about what's going wrong and how to set it right. I’m also making a series of explainer video…
30+ hrs/week
Hours needed
1 to 3 months
Duration
Expert
Experience level
Hi, I'm a motion designer looking for screensharing tutor sessions from an expert digital illustrator who uses Illustrator/Photoshop o…
$45
Fixed-price
Intermediate
Experience level
Hello there! I'm currently on the lookout for a talented illustrator to bring seven unique creative prompts to life for a project I'm…
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.
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