The use of digital marketing and ecommerce has become a standard trend thanks to the Internet. Companies learned the importance of social media and a digital presence to expand their reach to grow their businesses and establish brand awareness. In this article, we will discuss the best companies for illustrators.
Illustrators use art and other mediums to create eye-catching pieces, which put them in a crucial role for delivering effective digital marketing strategies. If you’re a talented and passionate illustrator, you’ll probably want to know what the highest-paying illustration companies are and why you should consider working for them. Read on to find out.
What Is an Illustrator?
An illustrator is a type of artist that creates a visual representation of a concept that reflects a specific text or idea. Professional artists are skilled in drawing inspiration from simple texts and turning them into visual art. Illustrators are also capable of adding elements of personality and character to their illustrations that make them attention-grabbing.
There are different types of illustrators based on their field, expertise, or the type of art they make. Some of the most common are digital illustrators, product illustrators, fashion illustrators, storyboard illustrators, and editorial illustrators.
How to Get an Illustrator Job
Becoming a professional illustrator is a lot more than just learning digital artistry. Artists who want to make their drawing skills their job need to put in extra work and effort. Below are some ways for getting a job as an illustrator.
- Know what you’re good at. Different artists have different skills. Some are good at drawing, while others are more inclined to paint. Before deciding to become an illustrator, you must know what kind of art, style, and medium you’re good at. This will help you focus on developing those specific skills.
- Polish your skills. As an artist, you must continue to develop and polish your skills. Try to create a signature art style or develop your illustrating skills by using different mediums or elements while practicing frequently.
- Create a portfolio. Whether you draw on paper or on the computer, it is important to create a folder of all of your art. However, your work portfolio should feature your best pieces and those that accurately represent you as an artist. A portfolio can help people see your capability, versatility, and potential.
- Share your work. You wouldn’t be able to start your career as an illustrator if you keep your art to yourself. Share your work on social media platforms so people can take notice of you as a talented illustrator. Potential clients can also learn about your work through this.
- Apply for jobs and offer your services. There are different ways to start earning as an artist. To start, you can offer your services to friends or people in your local community. Freelancing is a popular way for talented illustrators to get clients from all over the world. Once you’re confident enough with your skills, try applying for full-time jobs in graphic design, digital illustration, or marketing design.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Illustrator Companies
| Company | Salary for Illustrators |
|---|---|
| Meta | $175,000 to $192,000 |
| Uber Technologies Inc. | $140,000 to $154,000 |
| Nike | $113,000 to $124,000 |
| Paramount Pictures | $107,768 |
| Riot Games | $105,581 |
| Microsoft | $101,801 |
| Dreamworks Animation | $100,952 |
| Marvel Entertainment | $93,000 |
| Disney | $81,085 |
| Yahoo | $54,541 |
Meta
Meta is a technology company based out of Menlo Park, California. Meta is the parent organization for other companies like Facebook, Whatsapp, and Instagram, as well as one of the big five information technology corporations in the United States.
What Does Meta Pay Its Illustrators?
The base pay average for illustrators at Meta is somewhere between $175,838 to $190,053 per year. Illustrators at Meta can provide creative solutions and contribute to improving corporate identity.
Meta Reviews
Meta reviews on Glassdoor say that working at Meta has allowed employees to meet some of the smartest people in the world. The company has a dynamic work environment that can be overwhelming at times. Employees are provided with amazing benefits and perks.
Uber Technologies Inc.
Uber Technologies was only founded in 2009 but quickly became one of the most important and successful startups in the world. Uber is recognized as the largest company in the ride-sharing space. It has now extended its services to include delivery services and digital wallets.
What Does Uber Technologies Inc. Pay Its Illustrators?
The yearly salary of a full-time illustrator at Uber is $139,778 to $154,247, on average. This does not include company-provided cash bonuses, stock bonuses, commission sharing, and profit-sharing.
Uber Technologies Inc. Reviews
Full-time employees at Uber report that the company provides discounts for services and products. The medical benefits also include mental health services for holistic healthcare.
Nike
Nike is a world-renowned brand in the sports and apparel business. They are an innovative company that has led in the creative field for products related to different sporting goods. Nike’s award-winning team continues to develop innovations that help improve athlete performance.
What Does Nike Pay Its Illustrators?
A technical illustrator at Nike averages a yearly salary of $114,427 to $122,780. This does not include employee cash bonus, stock bonus, commission sharing, profit sharing, and tips. Technical illustrators are responsible for creating technical visualization of different Nike products.
Nike Reviews
Nike strives to provide benefits that are globally consistent and locally relevant. Reviews for working at Nike include a variety of perks such as the 50 percent discount on Nike products and services. Other unique employee benefits that come with working at Nike include discounted fitness opportunities and tuition assistance for employees who are still studying.
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures is one of the oldest production companies in the world. They have a reputation for producing motion graphics using many illustration styles. Some of its most popular and successful animations are The Little Prince and Rugrats.
What Does Paramount Pictures Pay Its Illustrators?
A senior illustrator at Paramount Pictures earns an average of $72 to $79 per hour. Senior illustrators in a production company and design studio hold a huge role in the illustration process.
Paramount Pictures Reviews
Paramount Pictures reviews note that the company provides a standard two weeks off for new employees and also offers 20 percent off of company products and services.
Riot Games
Riot Games is a well-known video game developer in the US. They are famous for producing massive computer games such as League of Legends and Valorant. Riot is also taking steps to become a mobile app development company with future projects focusing on mobile gaming.
What Does Riot Games Pay Its Illustrators?
A senior illustrator at Riot Games can earn an annual salary of $109,263 to $157,880 on average. This salary range is 44 percent higher compared to the average salary of a senior illustrator in the US.
Riot Games Reviews
Employees at Riot Games find work to be enjoyable because most people share the same passion for video game creation and gaming in general. Riot Games has the company culture and practice of actively listening to employee and consumer opinions. This allows them to accurately improve their products and services.
Microsoft
Microsoft is an international tech corporation with a wide array of products and services. They use modern technology to produce computer software, personal computers, and electronics. It is a leading company that focuses on the future of innovation in the tech industry.
What Does Microsoft Pay Its Illustrators?
Contractor illustrators at Microsoft are paid an average of $72 to $79 an hour. However, this rate does not include tips and commissions. Illustrators at a big company such as Microsoft may work as part of a marketing team or be part of advertising agencies.
Microsoft Reviews
Reviews for Microsoft report a competitive atmosphere while being among some of the smartest people in the world. The company offers amazing perks and benefits such as free healthcare. They also provide competitive pay and a flexible work setup, thus allowing remote illustration jobs.
Dreamworks Animation
Dreamworks Animation is a famous design studio that produces high-quality films and productions. Dreamworks artists and illustrators are the ones behind iconic films such as the Shrek trilogy and How To Train Your Dragon movies.
What Does Dreamworks Animation Pay Its Illustrators?
Contracted animation illustrators hired by Dreamworks Animation receive a base pay average of $68 to $74 per hour, providing a very livable wage for illustrators.
Dreamworks Animation Reviews
Dreamworks Animation reviews also note that the company offers its employees a selection of health insurance options for them to choose from. Employees also emphasize the good work environment and culture that promotes collaborative work.
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Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment is the organization that handles all Marvel productions and businesses. This includes Marvel Studios, Marvel Animation, and Marvel Comics. The increasing popularity of Marvel made 2D artists and talented illustrators in demand.
What Does Marvel Entertainment Pay Its Illustrators?
Freelance illustrators working for Marvel Entertainment have an average hourly pay of $15 to $104. This wage depends on the complexity of the project and the qualifications of the artist, as well as their role within the production.
Marvel Entertainment Reviews
Marvel reviews from freelance illustrators noted that the company provided a great work environment. Their experience also opened a lot of opportunities to learn and grow in their field. They also enjoy an advanced screening of much-awaited Marvel movies.
Disney Parks
Disney Parks is the umbrella company that handles the different Disneyland locations all around the world. It was once awarded as one of the best places to work back in 2015. Disney Parks illustrators render illustrations of buildings, products, and models.
What Does Disney Parks Pay Its Illustrators?
Remote illustration jobs at Disney Parks have a base pay average of $67 to $74 per hour depending on the artist’s skill and experience. Some benefits include an employee discount and free food.
Disney Parks Reviews
Employee reviews of Disney Parks note that staff on top of enjoying discounts on park merchandise and services, Disney also provides a comprehensive health plan for its employees. Company-provided intensive training also helps develop employee skills.
Yahoo
Yahoo, Inc. is an established multinational tech company in the US known for its long-standing web service, Yahoo. It features services such as Yahoo Mail, My Yahoo, Yahoo News, Yahoo Sport, and Yahoo Finance. These platforms are typically used for digital marketing and advertising.
What Does Yahoo Pay Its Illustrators?
Illustrators at Yahoo have an average hourly rate of $80 to $88. Yahoo provides this rate for contracted illustrators only, but this does not include commissions and tips.
Yahoo Reviews
Yahoo employee reviews say that the company has a great work-life balance and amazing perks. The work environment is employee-friendly and has been fair regardless of the staff’s ethnicity or gender identity.
Why You Should Become an Illustrator in 2023
Becoming a professional illustrator can be a fulfilling career for passionate artists. However, the journey to earning big bucks in the field of illustration is not easy. Artists should always strive to improve their craft. Continuous professional development and consistency can land them a job in some of the best companies for illustrators.
The goal of an illustrator is to create print or digital illustrations that serve as a visualization of a thought, concept, or text. Your skill should go hand-in-hand with your chosen field of illustration, whether it’s medical, fashion, or another. Regardless, good art can bring life and give a brand new meaning to stories and ideas.
Best Companies for Illustrator FAQ
The average salary of an in-house illustrator is about $65,000 a year. On the other hand, freelance illustrators have average yearly earnings of roughly $58,000. Factors such as location, company size, and artist experience influence the salary of an illustrator.
Freelance illustrators thrive through commission-based business transactions to start earning money. These commissions include custom illustrations and unique graphic designs. Selling prints and posters and creating paid online tutorials are also effective ways of earning as an illustrator.
Art is increasingly popular as an effective tool used for education and marketing. Illustrators are needed in different industries such as fashion, medicine, and construction. Knowing different industry trends in a variety of fields can make your services in demand.
Illustrators are tasked to create original designs, images, or drawings to produce a visualization of a story, concept, or message. The expected output for illustrators depends on the field or industry they belong to. For example, illustrators in the field of medicine create medical illustrations.
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