Breaking into the world of remote design jobs isn’t just a dream anymore—it’s a serious moneymaker.
If you’ve got an eye for detail and the skills to back it up, there’s a whole online world ready to pay you top dollar for your creativity.
And we’re not talking about peanuts here.
We’re talking $50+ per hour gigs that let you work from wherever, whenever.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not.
Companies, startups, and even solo entrepreneurs are scrambling for talented illustrators to bring their brands to life.
Whether you’re into digital art, branding, or character design, there’s a spot for you.
So, if you’re looking to cash in on your artistic skills, here are ten remote design jobs that’ll make your bank account very happy.
1. Digital Product Illustrator
With the boom in digital products—think ebooks, online courses, and printables—there’s a growing demand for custom illustrations.
Creators need unique visuals that stand out in a crowded market. T
hat’s where you come in.
Brands and entrepreneurs will pay premium rates for custom cover art, infographics, or illustrated guides that enhance their digital products.
Your job is to transform bland PDFs into visually appealing, engaging assets.
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Dribbble are goldmines for these types of gigs.
But don’t stop there. Building a strong personal brand on Instagram or Behance can also attract direct clients willing to pay top dollar.
Want to charge even more? Specialize.
If you become the go-to illustrator for a specific niche—say, wellness workbooks or finance-themed visuals—you can command even higher rates.
Businesses love hiring experts who know their industry inside and out.
2. Custom Logo Designer
Every business needs a logo, and they’re willing to shell out serious cash for a design that speaks to their brand’s identity.
While some folks settle for cheap, generic logos, those who value their brand are ready to invest in high-quality, custom work.
That’s where you come in.
Freelancers in this space can easily charge $50 to $150 per hour, depending on experience.
The key is to offer more than just a logo—sell the full branding package.
Businesses love it when they get logo variations, social media icons, and brand color guides all in one go.
Clients often look for logo designers on platforms like 99designs, Upwork, and LinkedIn.
However, personal referrals and social media marketing can be just as powerful.
Show off your past work and let potential clients see the magic you bring to the table.
3. Book Cover Illustrator
With the rise of self-publishing, authors are looking for cover designs that grab attention.
A well-designed book cover can make or break a sale, and authors know it.
That’s why they’re willing to pay premium prices for a striking design.
Illustrators specializing in book covers often charge between $500 and $2,000 per project, which breaks down to a sweet hourly rate.
Whether it’s sci-fi, romance, or business books, there’s a niche for every art style.
To land these gigs, set up shop on platforms like Reedsy or connect with indie authors through writing forums.
Once you build a reputation, word-of-mouth will do the rest.
4. Character Designer for Games and Animation
Gaming companies and animation studios are always hunting for fresh talent to bring characters to life.
This is one of the most exciting—and highest-paying—remote gigs for illustrators.
From mobile game developers to indie animators, businesses are looking for unique, eye-catching characters.
Rates can go well beyond $50 per hour, especially if you have a unique style that stands out in the industry.
Breaking into this field requires a killer portfolio.
Showcase your best character designs on ArtStation, DeviantArt, or even TikTok.
If your work gains traction, clients will come knocking.
5. NFT Illustrator
The NFT world may be unpredictable, but one thing’s certain—illustrators who create unique digital assets can make serious cash.
NFT creators need skilled designers to craft collectible characters, avatars, and backgrounds that buyers can’t resist.
Artists who hop on this trend can charge high fees per project, with some making five-figure sums for exclusive NFT collections.
Platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation are prime spots to showcase and sell digital art.
6. Merchandise Illustrator
Custom merchandise is big business.
From T-shirts to stickers, brands and influencers want unique designs that represent their style.
That means there’s a massive market for illustrators who can create eye-catching, on-brand artwork.
You can charge per design or work on a royalty basis, earning money every time a product sells.
Sites like Redbubble, Printful, and Society6 are great places to start.
7. UX/UI Illustrator
User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design go beyond basic layouts—illustrations bring them to life.
Think onboarding animations, app icons, and website visuals that enhance user engagement.
Companies pay top dollar for UX/UI illustrators because polished visuals can mean the difference between a user staying or bouncing.
Rates typically start at $50 per hour and can climb much higher.
If you want to break into this space, platforms like Toptal, Dribbble, and Behance are the perfect places to showcase your work and connect with clients.
8. Packaging Designer
Product packaging isn’t just about slapping a logo on a box.
Brands want eye-catching designs that make their products fly off the shelves.
From eco-friendly packaging to luxury branding, illustrators in this niche can earn hefty paychecks.
A single high-end packaging project can bring in thousands, translating to a solid hourly rate.
Finding work on platforms like 99designs or through direct outreach to brands can set you up for long-term success.
9. Social Media Graphics Designer
With content being king, businesses need custom graphics that stand out on social media.
From Instagram carousels to Pinterest pins, brands want eye-catching visuals that drive engagement.
Illustrators who specialize in social media assets can easily charge $50-$100 per hour.
The key is offering complete packages that include templates, brand colors, and font pairings.
If you can make content creation easier for brands, they’ll happily pay top rates.
10. Editorial Illustrator
Magazines, blogs, and news sites need unique illustrations to break up walls of text and add visual interest.
Editorial illustrators bring stories to life with custom artwork, and their rates reflect their impact.
Freelancers in this space can charge anywhere from $250 to $1,000 per piece, making it a lucrative niche.
Landing these gigs requires pitching directly to editors or showcasing work on LinkedIn and industry platforms.
Final Thoughts
Remote design jobs for illustrators aren’t just a side hustle—they’re a serious way to earn a living doing what you love.
Whether you’re sketching characters, designing book covers, or creating social media graphics, there’s a market for your talent.
The key? Build your portfolio, put yourself out there, and charge what you’re worth.
So, what’s stopping you? Pick a niche, start marketing your skills, and watch the clients (and cash) roll in.