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The Daily Insight

What jobs do illustrators do?

Author

Olivia Shea

Updated on May 20, 2026

Illustrators solve visual problems and tell stories in formats that range from infographics to comic books. You can make 3D visualizations, book covers, posters, cards, graphic novels, collectibles and more. You are also responsible for managing and maintaining your own business.

Do illustrators make good money?

It is important to know that being an Illustrator means you can earn money through a lot of ways such as freelancing, selling prints/merchandise with our art printed on it, selling digital work like clipart, stickers, planners, and of course there is freelancing work like illustrating for companies, creating ads.

How much money do illustrators make per hour?

Illustrators earn an average hourly wage of $22.87. Salaries typically start from $9.08 per hour and go up to $57.60 per hour.

How much do illustrators earn?

Starting salaries for illustrators are in the region of £18,000 to £20,000. In London, starting salaries are higher – around £23,000. As an experienced illustrator with several years’ experience, you may earn £20,000 to £30,000 a year. Well-established illustrators may earn up to £40,000 or more.

What type of illustrations sell best?

Creative Illustration Ideas

  1. World Travel. “My best-selling illustration themes include sports, food, technology, cultural values, and holidays, but my personal favorite is travel,” Vadim Georgiev admits.
  2. Annual Holidays.
  3. Current Events.
  4. Local Culture.
  5. Scenes from Daily Life.
  6. Botanicals.
  7. Florals.
  8. Landscapes.

How do I get my first illustration job?

How to Kick Start Your Career as an Illustrator

  1. Think about what kind of work you’d like to do. Most people I know start off in editorial illustration.
  2. Get drawing.
  3. Create a portfolio website.
  4. Set your business up.
  5. Share your work on social media.
  6. Start hustling.
  7. Make friends with other illustrators.
  8. Get organised.

How do I start a freelance illustration?

Advice for freelance illustrators, from an art director

  1. 1 | Have a presence on at least 3 platforms where art directors already look for illustrators.
  2. 2 | Actually participate on those platforms.
  3. 3 | Show your work in context, not just a raw presentation.
  4. 4 | Market yourself to publications.

How do I get paid for illustrations?

10 Easy Ways Freelance Illustrators Can Make Money Online

  1. How Much Do Illustrators Make? How much can you really make as an illustrator?
  2. #1 Find Online Gigs.
  3. #2 Do Art Commissions.
  4. #3 Sell Your Vector Designs.
  5. #4 Sell Posters & Prints.
  6. #5 Sell T-Shirts.
  7. #6 Use Twitter, DeviantArt, & Instagram.
  8. #7 Participate In Competitions.