Author Illustrator Jobs
Author Illustrator jobs are open across publishing, children's media, educational content, and games, with specializations in picture books, graphic novels, and licensed characters, from debut creator to veteran author-illustrator. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS, AND COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the listed items satisfactorily
Technical Writer and Illustrator
Essential Job Functions
- Studies drawings, specifications, mock-ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
- Reviews published materials and recommends revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
- Interviews production and engineering personnel and reads journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- Reviews manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
- Determines need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
- Observes production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
- Confers with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, departmental representatives, and service bureaus to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication – both routine and ad hoc.
- Organizes material and completes writing assignment according to set standards (i.e. - FAA, GAMA, ATA, and Piper) regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Edits, standardizes, or makes changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Selects photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material and/or assembly sequence.
- Renders detailed drawings, illustrations, and artwork working from sketches, blueprints, memory, reference materials, or digital imagery.
- Coordinates draft review by engineering, flight test, or experimental, as required, to ensure technical accuracy and appropriate operational procedure.
- Lays out and forwards material for print, microfiche, CD, and web publication.
- Supports other departments in the preparation of internal documents and other matters where desktop publishing expertise is required.
- Maintains records and files of work and revisions. Assigns part code numbers for service parts and kits, as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Position Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience
- Requires an associates degree (AS or AA), four years of desktop publishing experience in a technical writing environment or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Physical Demands
- Demonstrates physical and functional ability to perform and accomplish tasks. Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
Mental Demands
- Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Working Conditions
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to both office and plant environments. May be exposed to odors, chemical agents, dust, fumes, gases, sharp objects, hazardous or moving equipment, wet slippery floors, and extremes in temperature and humidity.
- Interacts regularly with various staff and employees, and occasionally with vendors, suppliers, community members and regulatory agency representatives.
- Travel and overtime are required when necessary.
Operational Excellence
- Supports all operational excellence initiatives ensuring full participation in all department services, continuous improvement efforts, and training programs.
Quality Assurance
- Maintains a safe, orderly working environment including FOD compliance.
- Ensures adherence to Piper Aircraft, Inc. corporate compliance policies.
- Adheres to organization and department policies and procedures.
Compliance
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws, rules and regulations appropriate to job function.
- Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
- Work ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
- Maintains compliance with OSHA regulations pertaining to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), behaviors, and physical space.
Communicates Effectively
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills who understands how to develop and maintain external supplier and internal customer relations in both written and oral form.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times during direct contact with employees, suppliers, and customers.
Decision Quality
- Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving on-time with deliverables.
Optimizes Work Processes
- Knows and contributes the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Attention to Detail
- Takes responsibility for a thorough, accurate, and detailed method of completing work tasks.
Drives Results
- Overcomes adversity, consistently achieving quality results - even under demanding deadlines and unexpected operating circumstances.
Teamwork
- Interacts, partners, and collaborates effectively with others, positively contributing to overall department and organizational deliverables and results.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Please note - This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week including mandatory overtime may be required to support periods of high production demand
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS, AND COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the listed items satisfactorily
Technical Writer and Illustrator
Essential Job Functions
- Studies drawings, specifications, mock-ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
- Reviews published materials and recommends revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
- Interviews production and engineering personnel and reads journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- Reviews manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
- Determines need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
- Observes production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
- Confers with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, departmental representatives, and service bureaus to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication – both routine and ad hoc.
- Organizes material and completes writing assignment according to set standards (i.e. - FAA, GAMA, ATA, and Piper) regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Edits, standardizes, or makes changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Selects photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material and/or assembly sequence.
- Renders detailed drawings, illustrations, and artwork working from sketches, blueprints, memory, reference materials, or digital imagery.
- Coordinates draft review by engineering, flight test, or experimental, as required, to ensure technical accuracy and appropriate operational procedure.
- Lays out and forwards material for print, microfiche, CD, and web publication.
- Supports other departments in the preparation of internal documents and other matters where desktop publishing expertise is required.
- Maintains records and files of work and revisions. Assigns part code numbers for service parts and kits, as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Position Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience
- Requires an associates degree (AS or AA), four years of desktop publishing experience in a technical writing environment or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Physical Demands
- Demonstrates physical and functional ability to perform and accomplish tasks. Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
Mental Demands
- Computer literacy, (working knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with CAD) ability to understand and interpret blueprints, technical specification documents, etc., and familiarity with aircraft and aircraft systems are required to perform the duties of this position.
Working Conditions
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to both office and plant environments. May be exposed to odors, chemical agents, dust, fumes, gases, sharp objects, hazardous or moving equipment, wet slippery floors, and extremes in temperature and humidity.
- Interacts regularly with various staff and employees, and occasionally with vendors, suppliers, community members and regulatory agency representatives.
- Travel and overtime are required when necessary.
Operational Excellence
- Supports all operational excellence initiatives ensuring full participation in all department services, continuous improvement efforts, and training programs.
Quality Assurance
- Maintains a safe, orderly working environment including FOD compliance.
- Ensures adherence to Piper Aircraft, Inc. corporate compliance policies.
- Adheres to organization and department policies and procedures.
Compliance
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws, rules and regulations appropriate to job function.
- Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
- Work ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
- Maintains compliance with OSHA regulations pertaining to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), behaviors, and physical space.
Communicates Effectively
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills who understands how to develop and maintain external supplier and internal customer relations in both written and oral form.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times during direct contact with employees, suppliers, and customers.
Decision Quality
- Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving on-time with deliverables.
Optimizes Work Processes
- Knows and contributes the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Attention to Detail
- Takes responsibility for a thorough, accurate, and detailed method of completing work tasks.
Drives Results
- Overcomes adversity, consistently achieving quality results - even under demanding deadlines and unexpected operating circumstances.
Teamwork
- Interacts, partners, and collaborates effectively with others, positively contributing to overall department and organizational deliverables and results.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Please note - This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week including mandatory overtime may be required to support periods of high production demand
See All 6 Author Illustrator Jobs
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Find Author Illustrator JobsAuthor Illustrator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in author illustrator jobs.
- Professional portfolio demonstrating both writing and illustration for the target age group
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Procreate for final art delivery
- Experience creating complete picture book dummies or graphic novel layouts
- Ability to develop original characters with consistent design across multiple spreads
- Bachelor's degree in illustration, fine arts, or a related visual arts field
- Familiarity with industry file preparation standards including trim, bleed, and color profiles
Tips for Your Author Illustrator Job Search
Lead with your published work first
Hiring editors and art directors scan portfolios before resumes. Open your portfolio with two or three finished, published or print-ready projects that show both your writing voice and your visual style in the same piece, not separate samples.
Tailor your dummy book for each listing
Many author illustrator roles ask for a picture book dummy as part of the application. Customize pacing and page turns to match the age range the publisher specializes in, whether that is board books, early readers, or middle-grade graphic novels.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists author illustrator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show your process in portfolio notes
Publishers and studios increasingly want to see sketches, color studies, and character development alongside final art. A brief process note under each project signals you can iterate on feedback, which matters more than a flawless first draft.
Name the age category and trim size you target
Generic cover letters lose editors quickly. State the specific category you are pitching, picture book, early chapter book, or graphic novel, and mention the word count or page count range you are working within. It shows you understand publishing conventions.
Prepare a revision round for the interview
Many editorial interviews include a live or take-home revision exercise on a sample manuscript or sketch. Practice tightening text to under 500 words and reworking a spread layout based on a single note, so you can respond clearly under time pressure.
Author Illustrator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most author illustrators?
The most active employers for author illustrators right now are MRCOOL, Hasbro, and Piper Aircraft, and the most openings are in Delaware, Kentucky, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Children's publishing houses, educational media companies, and licensed character studios tend to post the highest volume of combined author illustrator roles.
How many author illustrator jobs are remote?
About 33% of author illustrator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the project-based and digital-delivery nature of most illustration work. Fully remote arrangements are most common for picture book and graphic novel freelance contracts, while staff roles at larger publishing houses are more likely to require occasional on-site presence.
How do you become an author illustrator?
Start by developing a cohesive body of work that shows your writing and visual storytelling together, not as separate skills. Create several complete picture book dummies, study published books in your target category, and seek feedback from critique groups or mentorship programs in the children's publishing community. Build a professional portfolio site, attend industry conferences, and submit directly to publishers or respond to open calls for submission to establish your first credits.
How do you get hired as an author illustrator with little or no experience?
Focus on creating strong self-initiated projects that demonstrate your concept-to-completion ability rather than waiting for paid assignments. A single polished picture book dummy with a compelling story and consistent character design carries more weight than a broad collection of unrelated illustrations. Smaller independent publishers, educational content studios, and licensing companies often hire emerging author illustrators for work-for-hire projects, which are a practical way to build a professional credit early in your career.
What does the author illustrator interview process look like?
Most author illustrator interviews begin with a portfolio review, where an editor or creative director walks through your existing projects and asks about your process and influences. A take-home or timed revision exercise is common at mid-stage, testing how you respond to editorial notes on text or layout. Final rounds typically involve a conversation with the broader editorial team and may include a discussion of a manuscript concept you would develop if hired.
Where can I find and apply to author illustrator jobs?
You can find and apply to author illustrator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from publishers, studios, and educational media companies across the United States. Find roles that match your style and category focus and apply directly to each listing from the job page.
See All 6 Author Illustrator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Author Illustrator Jobs