Illustration
With access to some of the most talented illustrators on the market, you can post a job description and hire your ideal candidate within the same day on Upwork. Browse through our collection of professionals and use this guide as a resource for creating the perfect job post.
What does an illustrator do?
An illustrator creates original artwork, often for books, magazines, advertising, and digital media. Their work involves interpreting ideas or stories into visual representations, which can range from simple sketches to detailed designs. 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.
How do you hire an illustrator?
You can source illustrator talent on Upwork by following these three steps:
- Write a project description. You’ll want to determine your scope of work and the skills and requirements you are looking for in an illustrator.
- Post it on Upwork. Once you’ve written a project description, post it to Upwork. Simply follow the prompts to help you input the information you collected to scope out your project.
- Shortlist and interview illustrators. Once the proposals start coming in, create a shortlist of the professionals you want to interview
Of these three steps, writing your project description is the most important. It’s where you will determine your scope of work and the specific type of illustrator you need to complete your project.
How much does it cost to hire an illustrator?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
An experienced illustrator may command higher fees but also works faster, has more specialized areas of expertise, and delivers higher-quality work.
A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their illustration services more competitively.
Rates typically charged by illustrators on Upwork are:
- Beginner: $15 per hour
- Intermediate: $23 per hour
- Advanced: $30 per hour
Source: https://www.upwork.com/hire/illustrators/cost/
The future of illustration industry in the era of AI
With the continuous development of the AI industry, many illustrators wonder if it will be difficult for them to compete with the new technologies. Even though AI tools can produce images faster than humans, there are still a lot of drawbacks to consider. For example, AI-generated images require creativity, while an illustrator will generate unique ideas. More importantly, illustrations created by humans have style and personality. AI tools generate images based on pre-existing data or algorithms.
How do you write an illustrator job post?
Your job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
Job post title
Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords that your ideal candidate is likely to type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample illustrator job post titles:
- Looking for an illustrator to develop construction and architectural renderings
- Seeking an illustrator with experience in children’s books
- Software illustrator needed for B2B icon development
Project description
An effective illustrator job post should include:
- Scope of work: From initial conception to final computer files, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer illustrators who use computer software, oil painting, pencil, or any other medium, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Illustrator job responsibilities
Here are some examples of illustrator job responsibilities:
- Creating 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
Illustrator job requirements and qualifications
Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in an illustrator. Here are some examples:
- Mastery of latest graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
- Ability to take client direction, conceptualize initial drafts, and deliver final artwork
- Completion of deliverables by agreed-upon deadlines
- Portfolio of completed artwork for consumer product packaging