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Caitlin

Available

Illustrator
I'm a designer and artist, running a portrait photography business for 15 years. Illustration and painting are a daily practice and at the heart of all I do. Creating slo...
Nathalie Gribinski

Available

Illustrator
Watercolour Illustration, Pencil2D, Pencil Illustration
Watercolour Illustration, Pencil2D, Pencil Illustration
Hi, I'm Nathalie Gribinski, a multidisciplinary graphic designer and illustrator based in Chicago. With over fifteen years of experience blending fine arts intuition with...
Tim Liu

Available

Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop, Animation, Artwork
Adobe Photoshop, Animation, Artwork
Tim's journey as an artist traces back to simple beginnings, with a crayon as his first tool of expression. Over the years, his passion for drawing has blossomed into a c...
mikeybattista

Available

Illustrator
Illustration, Freelance Gig, Freehand Digital Illustration
Illustration, Freelance Gig, Freehand Digital Illustration
Nimble, perceptive creator with comprehensive art and design ability cultivated from a background in digital media and fine art. Possessing wide-ranging technical profici...
Paul Thompson

Available

Illustrator
Illustration, Character Design
Illustration, Character Design
Hi! I’m Paul, an illustrator passionate about blending digital and traditional mediums to create captivating visuals. Specializing in nature-themed illustrations and pict...
Bianca Stevens

Available

Illustrator
Character Design, Book Illustration
Character Design, Book Illustration
I am a multi-medium artist located in Chicago. I am most commonly known for portraits done using chiaroscuro technique to create drama and depth. No project is too small ...
Zahi Raines

Available

Illustrator
Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
Freelance Illustrator, Cartoonist, and Storyboard Artist. I specialize in comic strips, book covers, storyboard art, and graphic design.
MADISON NADLER

Available

Illustrator
Illustration, Fantasy Illustration, Narrative Illustration
Illustration, Fantasy Illustration, Narrative Illustration
I’m a Chicago-based monster-loving clown— who also writes and illustrates. I’m also currently a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago working to get my BF...
Bernard Granger

Available

Illustrator
Editorial Illustration, Portrait, Pencil Illustration
Editorial Illustration, Portrait, Pencil Illustration
Hi, I’m Bernard Granger, a designer with a passion for graphic design, illustration, and product design. I bring a meticulous eye for detail and strong collaboration skil...
Julia O'Brien

Available

Illustrator
Pencil Illustration, Acrylic Illustration, Editorial Illustration
Pencil Illustration, Acrylic Illustration, Editorial Illustration
2-paragraph first-person bio, friendly tone
Rebecca Akli

Available

Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, 2D Animation
Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, 2D Animation
Hi, I’m Rebecca Akli, a character design and animation artist based in Chicago. I recently graduated with MFA in Animation at DePaul University, with a BFA in Animation a...
Kathleen Burns

Available

Illustrator
Acrylic Illustration, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
Acrylic Illustration, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
I am a color-loving illustrator who never tires of learning and creating. I use both traditional and digital illustration techniques, and even a mixture of the two, to cr...

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We have over 14,500 illustrators who've worked in many different industries and cover various styles and skillsets.
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Trusted by companies around the world

"Dean has now created a few personalised items like logos and drawings for a book I am writing. I give him a brief, and he creates the magic, The personal touch really helps our company we will always use Dean for any personalised art work needed"
Kirk @ Cheesey Pantos
Jan 12, 2026
"There is no more beautiful, fulfilling and precious living moments than studies and act of practice and learn art and drawings, I am very happy of my journey. I would like to thank every people who have read my profile"
Myself @ Life
Jan 10, 2026
"Karina is a phenomenal illustrator. She has a unique ability to take a complex idea and turn it into a breathtaking visual story. Her work on my book cover exceeded expectations - highly professional, creative, and delivered on time. If you need a designer who truly understands visual strategy, she is the person to go for,..."
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Aren @ Geeen line
Jan 9, 2026
"I had a great experience working with Margot on our branding project. She handled the logo, brand guidelines, advertising and overall visual identity with a high level of professionalism and creativity. Margot was extremely responsive, open to feedback, and very patient with multiple revision requests, always delivering..."
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Maissa @ FUKUROU
Jan 9, 2026
"I worked closely with Phil and was consistently impressed by his creativity and depth of experience. He brings ideas to life with confidence and clarity. Working across a multitude of major brands, he brought smart, original thinking to every project. A true creative partner."
Aaron @ Tag Worldwide
Jan 9, 2026
""Working with Mehdi Pourdasht on the FizzBite 3D banner was a great experience. Their creativity, attention to detail, and professional approach exceeded our expectations. The final design is vibrant, lively, and perfectly suited to our campaign!""
Fizzbite @ FizzBite
Jan 7, 2026
"Working with Twine enabled us to scale projects quicker than before and the Twine Business makes it so easy to manage and pay contractors over the world."
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CEO, J B Cole
"I found an amazing designer and she's fast. I now send her my ideas and she transforms them into great design. The collaboration is fast, professional and easy. It feels like she is already part of our team."
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-Achim Kohli
CEO, Legal-i
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Clients Rate Twine Illustrators

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reviews as of February 9, 2026

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From the blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Illustrator do?

An Illustrator is a creative professional who specializes in creating visual representations to convey ideas, stories, or concepts. They use various techniques, including digital tools and traditional media, to produce artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, websites, and more. Illustrators can work in diverse styles, from realistic to abstract, and often collaborate with authors, designers, and marketers to bring projects to life. Their work enhances visual communication, making complex information more accessible and engaging to audiences.

How to Hire an Illustrator in Chicago, US?

Hiring an Illustrator in Chicago involves several key steps. First, define your project scope, including the style and type of illustrations you need. Next, post a detailed job listing on platforms like Twine, specifying your budget and timeline. You can also search for local talent by browsing portfolios of Chicago-based Illustrators. Once you find candidates that align with your vision, reach out to them to discuss your project further. Conduct interviews to assess their skills and fit for your project, and make a decision based on experience, style, and communication.

How much does it cost to hire an Illustrator in Chicago, US?

The cost to hire an Illustrator in Chicago can vary based on experience level. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Beginner: $25 - $50 per hour
  • Junior: $50 - $75 per hour
  • Mid-level: $75 - $100 per hour (industry average)
  • Senior: $100 - $150 per hour
  • Expert: $150+ per hour

These rates can fluctuate based on the project complexity, the Illustrator’s reputation, and the required turnaround time. Always discuss rates upfront to ensure transparency.

What qualities set exceptional Illustrators apart from the rest?

Exceptional Illustrators possess a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and professionalism. Key qualities include:

  • Strong artistic vision and style flexibility
  • Attention to detail and a keen eye for color and composition
  • Ability to communicate concepts effectively
  • Strong collaboration skills and adaptability to feedback
  • Time management and reliability to meet deadlines

These attributes enable them to create compelling visuals that resonate with audiences and fulfill client objectives.

How do you recognize the perfect Illustrator in Chicago, US for your needs?

To recognize the perfect Illustrator for your project in Chicago, start by reviewing their portfolio to assess their style and quality of work. Look for diversity in their projects, as this indicates versatility. Communication is crucial; an ideal candidate should listen to your ideas and provide constructive feedback. Additionally, check their client reviews and testimonials for insights into their professionalism and reliability. Conduct interviews to gauge their enthusiasm for your project and ensure their working style aligns with your expectations.

What are the key questions to ask in an Illustrator interview?

During an Illustrator interview, consider asking the following key questions:

  • Can you describe your creative process?
  • How do you handle feedback and revisions?
  • What is your experience with projects similar to mine?
  • What tools and techniques do you prefer to use?
  • Can you provide references from previous clients?

These questions can help you understand their approach, expertise, and compatibility with your project requirements.

What’s the difference between hiring a freelance Illustrator and working with an agency in Chicago, US?

Hiring a freelance Illustrator offers more personalized attention, potentially lower costs, and greater flexibility in collaboration. Freelancers often have unique styles and can work directly with you, fostering a more intimate creative process. Conversely, working with an agency may provide access to a team of professionals with diverse skills and a broader range of services. Agencies usually have structured processes and can handle larger projects more efficiently. However, they may come with higher fees and less direct communication with the creative talent.

What should be in an Illustrator project brief/job description?

A well-crafted project brief for an Illustrator should include:

  • Overview of the project and its objectives
  • Target audience and desired impact
  • Specific styles or examples of inspiration
  • Scope of work, including number of illustrations needed
  • Timeline and deadlines for deliverables
  • Budget constraints and payment terms
  • Contact information and communication preferences

Providing clear and detailed information helps ensure that the Illustrator understands your vision and can deliver work that meets your expectations.

How do I hire an Illustrator in Chicago, US on Twine?

Hiring on Twine is simple.

  1. Post a job with your project details, timeline, and budget.
  2. Browse portfolios of vetted Illustrators and invite those who match your needs.
  3. Receive proposals and compare experience, pricing, and reviews.
  4. Communicate expectations, set milestones, and finalize the hire.
  5. Securely pay through Twine, ensuring protection for both parties. Twine connects you with top freelance Illustrators, making it easy to find the perfect creative professional for your project.

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