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In 2025, finding illustrators online is more than just a convenience – it’s a strategic move to make marketing touchpoints more personalized.
After all, data reveals that 36.4% of marketing specialists said they use unique arts in their marketing.
But with countless platforms and ways to hire freelance illustrators, how do you choose the perfect match for your project? We’ll unpack that and more in this blog.
Where to Find Illustrators Online
Here are a few go-to platforms where marketers get online illustration services to use for their brand positioning strategy.
1. Penji
If you’re looking for illustration services that come with access to other types of design, Penji is surely a top choice.
Founders launched Penji with the aim of helping businesses and nonprofits get their marketing and branding visuals done. This on-demand graphic design company has been on the radar since 2017 and has appeared on Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur. Penji snagged the 1006th spot on the Inc. 5000 list in 2019.
This subscription-based company boasts of a stringent hiring process. This means only the top 2% of illustrators online get to join the reliable Penji team. Employers looking for illustrators will also experience a fast and hassle-free hiring process. Because Penji’s illustrators are vetted, clients no longer have to search for the best. Penji assures every client gets the crème de la crème.
Benefits:
- Unlimited illustrations and revisions
- Fast 24 to 48-hour turnaround
- Professional and high-quality work
- Access to bespoke design and messaging platform
- Cancel anytime without cancellation fees
- Pay a fixed rate monthly
- Provides a 15-day money-back guarantee
Get illustrations from the world’s top 2% designers
Unlimited graphic design at a flat monthly rate
2. FlexJobs
It’s called FlexJobs for a reason. And that’s because FlexJobs believes that providing flexible terms is what lures more employers and freelancers. FlexJobs has been in the online marketplace hemisphere since 2007. The brand has been offering flexible illustration jobs to millions of people in the United States and all over the world.
Moreover, FlexJobs also supports the UN’s SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). If you’re a client who believes in sustainability, it’s best to hire illustrators online on this platform.
Benefits:
- Provides remote, flexible, and hybrid illustrators
- The brand hand-screens the illustrators
- The platform is also ad-free
- Offers special discounts to members
3. Toptal
If the leading IT company Silicon Valley hired freelance graphic designers from this platform, it means the platform is a reliable one. Indeed, Toptal is a name you can trust when looking for illustrators online. This online marketplace only hires the top three percent of the world’s leading creatives.
Since founded in 2010, Toptal has matched clients with top and elite illustrators, designers, developers, and whatnot. The platform also gained a positive reputation from the top review sites such as Sitejabbker and Trustpilot, averaging four out of five-star ratings.
Benefits:
- Clients can match with freelance illustrators within 24 hours
- A Toptal expert handles candidate matching, which ensures clients get the most suitable freelancer for the job
- Clients may work with multiple candidates before choosing the right one
- Offers a two-week trial period
4. PeoplePerHour
Since 2007, PeoplePerHour has been a contender within the freelance online marketplace landscape. This platform was founded in the United Kingdom but hires freelancers worldwide, especially in the U.K. and U.S.
To date, more than two million freelancers offer their services on PeoplePerHour. If you’re looking for illustrators online with a native English tongue, this is the platform for you, as 26% of its online traffic is derived from the U.S. and U.K.
Benefits:
- Clients get to browse millions of freelance illustrator profiles for free
- The platform has vetted freelancers
- Escrow payment is available until both parties agree on the outcome
- Provides a video chat option
- Get access to a robust invoice management feature
- Easy-to-use dashboard for a smooth hiring process
5. Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the leading online marketplaces to hire illustrators online. It offers a wide array of specialties and skills under various categories. One of the best advantages of looking for illustrators on this platform is its low fees. Recruiters can browse through projects according to their budget.
Payment transactions are also done on the platform, protecting both the clients and freelance illustrators. Moreover, freelancers offer a variety of pricing ranges, and support is available whenever there are disputes. The only downside is searching through thousands of freelancer profiles and hiring the right one.
Benefits:
- Fiverr protects the client by holding payments until freelancers get the work done
- Confidentiality and security because transactions are made on the platform
- Variety of pricing options available
- Transparency for both clients and freelancers
- Excellent platform for communication between clients and freelancers
6. 99designs
99designs is also another unique online marketplace where you can find illustrators online. Since launching in Australia, 99designs has become one of the most popular platforms for holding design contests. In 2010, they expanded their market in the United States, which remains the platform’s biggest market to date.
Employers looking for illustrators on this platform can either work directly with freelancers or run design contests. The only disadvantage of running design contests is that they take a month to organize and complete. For clients looking to hire illustrators immediately, this can be a speed bump.
Additionally, there have also been complaints from clients about freelancers stealing others’ designs. Luckily, the platform has created a reporting system for users to report stolen designs.
Benefits:
- User-friendly website
- Has created a positive reputation for holding the most successful design contests online
- Lets clients see the custom designs first before shelling out payments
- Clients can browse through profiles via industry, design category, designer skills, and language
- A reporting system that offers security and protection from copyright infringements
- Clients get a dedicated manager as well as a design expert consultation
- Offers a 100% money-back guarantee during a 60-day period after payment is made
7. Upwork
Formerly known as Elance-oDesk, this platform is the biggest online marketplace for freelance illustrators, designers, web developers, IT experts, writers, and more. To date, Upwork offers over 8,000 skills from professionals in over 180 countries. This diverse variety means clients will indeed find someone suitable for their business needs at the price they love.
Most big brands, such as Microsoft, Airbnb, Samsung, and Dropbox, have hired creatives from this platform. With over 18 million registered freelancers, you’ll find an illustrator that fits within your budget and design style. The only drawback is that the platform doesn’t have vetted freelancers, as anyone can register. As clients, it’s your responsibility to check freelancer reviews and ratings from past clients.
Benefits:
- Backed by payment protection
- Upwork has an option to check if freelancers bill the right amount according to the time worked
- Easily browse through freelancer profiles by viewing their former successful projects and portfolios
- Clients can set the contract terms
- Cost-efficient for clients
8. Freelancer
Another Australian-based online marketplace launched in 2009, Freelancer, aims to connect clients and freelancers from across the globe. Recruiters can search from more than 1,800 different job categories and skills. The platform also boasts over 50 million registered users from over 247 countries and territories. This makes Freelancer one of the biggest online marketplaces with a comprehensive list of eligible candidates.
It’s easy to use the platform, too. All clients have to do is post a job, choose the freelancer, and pay securely. Freelancer provides optimum support for both recruiters and freelancers as well.
Benefits:
- Most projects can get bids in as fast as 60 seconds, which means clients can search for their creatives quickly
- Clients will know what freelancers are up to by using the platform’s mobile app and time tracker
- Clients can pay only when goals are met or when projects are completed
- Easy comparison between freelancers by using features such as bid viewing, proposal comparisons, project progress, and live chat
How to Evaluate Illustrators
Whether you’re leaning toward graphic design subscription plans, illustration platforms, or hiring freelance professional illustrators online, here are factors to consider when choosing one:
- Portfolio Quality. First, check their portfolio for consistency and versatility. Look for examples of cool illustrations that align with your brand’s aesthetic. If your project involves typography, see if they’ve collaborated with typography designers or incorporated text creatively in their work. At Penji, for instance, we offer a diverse range of illustration styles – from classic to quirky and everything else in between.
- Platform Credibility. Whether you’re availing a plan or hiring freelance online illustrators, check their ratings and reviews. After all, these reviews are your sneak peek at what it’s like to work with them.
- Experience and Niche Expertise. Some illustrators specialize in specific niches, such as creating graphic design packages for small business or working on custom branding projects. Look for professionals who have relevant experience in your industry.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring an Illustrator
Whether you’re working on branding, book illustrations, or anything else in between, here are a few questions to ask yourself to make sure that you pick the best illustrator services for your project.
1. What Are My Project’s Specific Needs?
Before searching for an illustrator, determine what you need in terms of style, medium, and project goals. Ask yourself:
- Is the project for commercial use, like merchandise or branding?
- Do I need a detailed and realistic illustration or a stylized, abstract piece?
- Will the illustrator need to follow a specific branding kit?
For instance, take this custom illustration from one of our designers:
This fantasy-style character design showcases bold linework and a dramatic pose, making it perfect for book covers, gaming artwork, or mythology-themed branding.
2. Does the Illustrator’s Style Align With Mine?
Once you’ve defined your project’s style, check illustrators’ portfolios. Upon browsing the designs, ask yourself:
- Is the level of detail and how they handle colors, shading, and composition go with the style I have in mind?
- Do their past projects align with my vision?
- Do they specialize in character design, editorial illustrations, or vector graphics or any specific field?
When it comes to specialization, a design subscription like Penji trumps other options like freelancer platforms. Since we have a roster of vetted designers with various design specializations, you’ll have access to a wide range of artistic styles within your finger tips.
For example, this dramatic fantasy illustration features a highly detailed composition with strong emotional storytelling:
The interplay between light and shadow enhances the impact of the scene, making it ideal for graphic novels, fantasy book covers, and immersive storytelling projects.
3. How Does My Budget and Timeline Look Like?
Illustrators charge based on their experience, project complexity, and licensing rights. Before you hire illustrator services, ask yourself:
- How much am I willing to spend for the project?
- How much time do I have to complete the project?
For realistic estimates, illustration pricing models include:
- Fixed project rates (e.g., a full illustration for $500)
- Hourly rates (ranging from $30 to $100+ per hour)
- Commission-based pricing for commercial artwork
- Subscription-based design where you pay a flat monthly rate for all the designs you need
Ensure the illustrator’s availability matches your deadline, especially for projects with tight turnarounds. For instance, a detailed landscape like this is an example of a time-intensive digital painting style:
That said, it may require a longer turnaround and a higher budget if you’re paying an hourly rate compared to simpler illustrations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To find an illustrator online, start by checking illustration marketplaces and the platforms mentioned above. Look at portfolios, reviews, and ratings to choose the best fit. Also, make sure to share clear project details with remote illustrators when reaching out.
Digital illustrators for hire charge different rates based on experience and project scope. For instance, prices can range from $20 to $200 per hour or $100 to $1,000 per project. That said, always ask for a detailed quote before starting a digital illustration project.
Explore freelance illustration platforms like Behance, Freelancer, or Upwork. Search for portfolios that match your style and needs. While freelancers offer flexibility, they might not be the best option for ongoing or high-volume projects—services like Penji can provide a more reliable solution.
An illustrator creates visual representations to communicate ideas, stories, or concepts through artwork. Their responsibilities include understanding project briefs, creating original designs, and collaborating with clients to align with their vision.
Financial aspects include the illustrator’s fees, which can vary based on experience, project scope, and complexity. Additional costs may include revisions, licensing fees for commercial use, and potential royalties for ongoing usage.
Wrap Up
Hiring illustrators online doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. After all, responsible recruiters, portfolios, testimonials, and completed projects are a couple of the things you need to consider to find the perfect illustrator for your project or business.
However, if you don’t want to undergo the rigorous hiring process, subscribe to on-demand design services like Penji.
View a quick demo today and learn how Penji’s vetted professional illustrators can create quality and professional designs for your project.
