What Does an Illustrator Do?
An illustrator is a creative professional who produces original artwork to visually represent ideas, stories, concepts, or products. Their work is used across a wide range of media, including books, magazines, advertisements, websites, packaging, and more. Illustrators collaborate closely with clients, art directors, marketers, and editors to bring abstract concepts to life through compelling, aesthetically engaging visuals.
While some illustrators work with traditional mediums like pencil, ink, or watercolor, many work digitally using tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Procreate. Their role is not just artistic but also strategic; they help brands establish visual identities, clarify messaging, and emotionally connect with target audiences.
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Illustrator Core Responsibilities
- Create original illustrations that align with creative briefs and project goals
- Translate complex or abstract ideas into visually compelling artwork
- Collaborate with creative directors, designers, writers, and marketing teams
- Use digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and drawing tablets
- Revise illustrations based on client or stakeholder feedback
- Ensure consistency with brand identity and visual guidelines
- Prepare final artwork for digital, print, or multimedia production
- Manage time effectively to meet project deadlines and production schedules
- Stay current on industry trends, tools, and illustration techniques
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop
- Strong understanding of composition, perspective, color theory, and typography
- Ability to work in a variety of illustration styles as needed
- Experience preparing artwork for both digital and print platforms
- Familiarity with digital drawing tablets (e.g., Wacom, iPad Pro)
- File formatting and export knowledge (PNG, SVG, EPS, etc.)
Soft skills
- Strong conceptual and visual storytelling ability
- Attention to detail and precision in visual execution
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to take creative direction and integrate feedback
- Strong time management and ability to multitask
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in illustration, graphic design, fine arts, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional (recommended)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an agency, publishing, or product development environment
- Familiarity with animation or motion graphics tools such as After Effects
- Knowledge of UX/UI design principles or basic HTML/CSS
- Prior experience working directly with clients or managing visual brand assets
- A portfolio showcasing a range of styles and project types
National Average Salary
Illustrator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Illustrator is:
$57,125
Sample Job Description Templates for Illustrators
Junior Illustrator
Position Overview
The junior illustrator supports the creation of original artwork under the guidance of senior creative staff. This entry-level position focuses on developing visual assets that align with project briefs and brand standards, often working across marketing, editorial, and product design projects.
Responsibilities
- Produce simple illustrations based on detailed briefs and reference materials
- Assist with revisions and updates to existing artwork
- Prepare files for production using appropriate formatting standards
- Collaborate with designers, copywriters, and senior illustrators
- Maintain organized file structures and version control
- Participate in feedback sessions to learn and improve skills
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate
- Understanding of color theory, basic composition, and typography
- Ability to take creative direction and follow style guides
- Basic file handling for print and digital formats
Soft skills
- Coachability and willingness to learn
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy
- Good communication and time management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in illustration, graphic design, or related field (or equivalent coursework or portfolio)
Mid-Level Illustrator
Position Overview
The mid-level illustrator independently creates high-quality illustrations that align with brand guidelines and project goals. This role requires strong artistic and technical skills, with the ability to execute both conceptual and marketing-focused work on deadline.
Responsibilities
- Develop original illustrations from brief to final execution
- Refine artwork based on internal and client feedback
- Ensure design consistency across multiple formats and platforms
- Collaborate cross-functionally with content creators, marketers, and designers
- Contribute to visual brainstorming sessions and moodboarding
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Skilled in composition, perspective, and digital rendering
- Ability to adapt illustration styles based on brand needs
- Knowledge of image resolution, exporting, and digital asset management
Soft skills
- Creative problem-solving and conceptual thinking
- Strong collaboration and communication
- Organized and deadline-driven
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in illustration, graphic design, or fine arts
Senior Illustrator
Position Overview
The senior illustrator leads visual development for creative projects and mentors junior talent. This position balances hands-on creation with strategic input, playing a key role in elevating brand visuals and ensuring conceptual clarity across deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Design high-impact illustrations that align with campaign strategy
- Work with stakeholders to interpret creative briefs and provide input
- Guide junior illustrators and review their work for quality control
- Innovate new visual styles while maintaining brand consistency
- Present and explain concepts to clients or leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in illustration tools (Illustrator, Photoshop, tablets)
- Portfolio demonstrating a variety of styles and formats
- Experience with visual storytelling and conceptual development
- Understanding of motion graphics or animation (preferred)
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring ability
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strategic thinking and attention to detail
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in illustration or related field; equivalent professional experience accepted
Lead Illustrator
Position Overview
The lead illustrator defines and drives the illustration style for the organization, managing visual output across campaigns and overseeing a team of creatives. This strategic role ensures illustration work meets both creative standards and business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Set visual direction for all illustration work across channels
- Lead concept development for major campaigns
- Oversee illustration workflows and team assignments
- Review final assets for style, accuracy, and quality
- Collaborate with creative directors, product managers, and marketing leads
- Develop and maintain illustration guidelines and libraries
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level skill in digital illustration, visual storytelling, and brand development
- Demonstrated leadership in visual creative teams
- Mastery of illustration software and asset management workflows
- Portfolio showcasing strategic, high-profile visual work
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and team development
- Strong cross-functional communication
- Proven ability to drive visual strategy and creative innovation
Education
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in illustration or design
- 8+ years of relevant experience
Digital Illustrator
Position Overview
The digital illustrator creates original, digital-first artwork that enhances branding, marketing, and UI/UX efforts. This role demands strong visual design sensibility, technical fluency, and the ability to translate abstract concepts into engaging visual assets.
Responsibilities
- Produce digital illustrations for websites, social media, product interfaces, and advertising
- Collaborate with designers and content creators to align on messaging
- Contribute to iconography, infographics, and branded visual systems
- Maintain style consistency across multiple platforms
- Optimize artwork for different devices and screen sizes
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in digital illustration software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma)
- Understanding of UI/UX principles and responsive design
- Ability to work with SVG, PNG, and vector formats
- Experience working in digital brand environments
Soft skills
- Collaborative, responsive to feedback
- Strong time management across fast-paced projects
- Attention to visual detail and accessibility
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in digital art, illustration, or graphic design
Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional (recommended)
Editorial Illustrator
Position Overview
The editorial illustrator creates expressive, thought-provoking visuals to accompany written content in print or digital publications. This role focuses on visual storytelling, often interpreting complex or abstract topics into engaging imagery.
Responsibilities
- Develop illustrations to accompany articles, features, or opinion pieces
- Interpret editorial direction into conceptual sketches and finished art
- Collaborate with editors, writers, and layout designers
- Ensure illustration enhances tone and message of the text
- Deliver work in alignment with tight editorial schedules
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong conceptual and visual storytelling skills
- Ability to work in styles that suit varied publication types
- Expertise in composition, pacing, and adapting to page layouts
- Proficient in both traditional and digital illustration techniques
Soft skills
- Strong interpretive and communication skills
- Receptiveness to editorial feedback
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in illustration, fine arts, or visual communication