- Salary statistics
- Illustrator
Illustrator
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Illustrator
What does an illustration artist do? – Tasks and work environment
An illustration artist creates visual images used in books, magazines, advertising, digital media, and educational materials. Tasks include interpreting texts and ideas into images, collaborating with authors, art directors, and other creatives, and adapting styles to meet client or project needs. Illustration artists often work digitally but can also use traditional techniques such as watercolors, pencils, or ink. The work environment varies – many work freelance from home offices or shared studios, while others are employed at agencies, publishers, or larger companies. The pace can be intense with deadlines, but there are also periods of independent and creative work.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, illustration artists have experienced stable and positive salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK, increasing to 38 400 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows an average salary of 39 779 SEK, representing an overall increase of approximately 10% during this period. This trend reflects a rising demand for visual content in digital and print media, as well as an increase in specialized assignments that value higher qualifications. It is also clear that the market appreciates experience and a broad portfolio, which may have contributed to the positive salary trend for the profession. At the same time, differences exist between various working arrangements and regions, with freelancers and illustration artists based in larger cities often earning somewhat more than the average.
Many illustration artists combine assignments across different industries, such as book illustration, advertising, and educational materials, which broadens both job opportunities and artistic development. The ability to adapt to various styles and technical platforms is often crucial for long-term success.
Illustration artist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as an illustration artist, a background in art and design, preferably with specialization in illustration or graphic design, is often required. Many attend vocational colleges, art schools, or university programs, complemented by courses in digital tools. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are crucial, as work samples often weigh more than formal grades during recruitment.
- Artistic higher education: 3–5 years (e.g., Konstfack, HDK)
- Vocational college: 2 years, often with internships
- Shorter art and design courses: 1–2 years (folk high schools, adult education)
- Strong portfolio: Demonstrates breadth and style sense
- Knowledge of digital tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, among others
Common benefits and compensations
Illustration artists often have access to benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and sometimes wellness allowances if employed by larger companies or agencies. Freelancers have greater freedom but are responsible for their own pension, insurance, and holiday pay. Some clients also offer further training or access to creative networks.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession of illustration artists is high, especially in larger cities where many creative companies operate. Many assignments are secured through networking, recommendations, and online visibility, making it important to build a strong personal brand. The profession also demands adaptability to new technologies and rapidly changing trends. For freelancers, uneven workloads and uncertain income can be challenges, while employed artists may face high productivity demands and tight deadlines. Despite these challenges, many are attracted to the profession due to the creative freedom and influence over visual expressions in society.
Tips for aspiring illustration artists
To succeed as an illustration artist, it’s important to have strong drive and a genuine passion for image creation. Being curious and continuously developing your skills benefits your portfolio, while flexibility makes it easier to adapt to different clients’ wishes. Networking is crucial, so don’t hesitate to reach out and showcase your work. Patience is needed to handle periods of varying workload and uncertain assignments, while attention to detail helps deliver high quality even under time pressure. Finally, staying updated on new digital tools and trends is key to remaining competitive in the job market.
Key facts about Illustration Artists
- Educational level: Artistic higher education or vocational college
- Work form: Freelance or project employment is common
- Work environment: Home office, studio, or office
- Demand: 620 available jobs in 2024
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience, an illustration artist can take on more advanced projects, such as lead illustrator, art director, or project manager within creative teams. Specializations like children’s book illustration, medical illustration, or digital animation are common. Opportunities also exist for teaching or establishing one’s own business. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for the profession of illustration artist due to limited data, but within the broader category of visual artists, there is demand with 620 available jobs. Digitalization and increased visual communication create new opportunities, but competition is expected to remain high.
Frequently asked questions about Illustration Artists
- What does an Illustration Artist earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 SEK per month. - What education is required to become an Illustration Artist?
- Typically, artistic higher education, vocational college, or equivalent experience and a strong portfolio are required. - What is the job market like for Illustration Artists?
- In 2024, there were 620 available jobs, but competition is high. - What are the tasks of an Illustration Artist?
- Creating images for books, advertising, digital media, and educational materials, interpreting texts and ideas into visual expressions. - What is the work environment like for Illustration Artists?
- Many work from home or in studios, sometimes at agencies or companies, often with flexible hours. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- There is no specific data on gender-based salary differences for illustration artists. - What personal qualities are important?
- Creativity, precision, flexibility, and the ability to work independently are key qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Illustrator has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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