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Hire an Illustrator

The best sites for hiring an illustrator in the U.K.
By Carla Lottering, Updated 25 Nov 2023
An illustrator painting a design on a piece of paper.

The illustration industry in the United Kingdom is a broad, layered sector that has influence in various markets, including animation, production, and publishing. As a result, employers often look to niche platforms that put them in direct contact with talented illustrators across the country.

To help find and recruit qualified candidates, we've put together a list of niche job boards, including well-known national and industry-specific sites.

Top Sites for Hiring an Illustrator:

Rank

Job Board

Pricing*

1.Creativepool

Free and paid options.

2.Design Jobs Board

From £49.00 +VAT /post.

3.If You Could Jobs

From £125.00 /post.

4.Upwork

Free and paid options.

5.The Dots

Free and paid options.

6.Behance

Free and paid options.

7.Freelancer

Project-dependent.

8.99designs

Project-dependent.

9.Dribbble

From US$99.00 /mo.

10.Reed.co.uk

From £89.00 +VAT /post.

*Companies may offer discounted rates for monthly, annual, and bulk packages. Non-U.K. clients may be exempt from paying VAT.

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FAQs:

What are the best illustrator job boards?

How much does an illustrator in the U.K. make?

It depends on the project size and the illustrator's expertise. In the U.K., the average annual salary for an illustrator is £25,000.

How can I find an artist for hire?

Most artists or illustrators who are available for projects list their services on freelance sites like The Dots, Guru, and Upwork. If you post a job in the illustration category on one of these sites, illustrators should apply.

Is it better to use a freelance artist-for-hire or to hire a permanent employee?

Most businesses use freelance illustrators for their projects because they do not need illustration work to be done every day. However, some creative fields may require full-time illustrators. In that case, it would make sense to hire someone as a permanent employee rather than a freelancer.

What are some important tips to hire an illustrator?

  • Ask to see the illustrator's portfolio. An illustration is entirely visual, so you will discover very quickly whether you like the artist's style by viewing some of their work.
  • Negotiate with an illustrator to get an agreeable rate. If you're working with a freelancer, their prices aren't necessarily fixed and they will likely offer a better price if they feel that your project is a good opportunity for them to showcase their skills.
  • Before the project or job begins, be very clear about your expectations.

Where can I look for an illustrator?

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