Entry level illustration Jobs in USA

As an illustration professor, you will inspire and mentor the next generation of artists preparing for careers in animation, film, games, and themed entertainment. You will teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in visual development and illustration that utilize cutting-edge technologies to explore both traditional and digital media. These courses will incorporate industry workflows and expectations to support portfolio development tailored to animation, gaming, and other entertainment industries. In your classes, you will also offer critiques and mentorship to students in character design, environment design, prop design, and worldbuilding. In this position, you will support curriculum development to keep it aligned with industry standards, maintain an active practice or pursue ongoing professional growth in the field, and participate in departmental meetings, reviews, and events. Responsibilities include adherence to all duties and expectations outlined in the SCAD Faculty Handbook, which encompasses coursework preparation, syllabus design and approval, office hours, midterm grade reviews, and more. Among other responsibilities, you will provide students with extra help sessions, extended learning opportunities, and field trips outside of regular class hours. In this role, you will model professionalism, fulfill all grading and academic documentation requirements, and record attendance. You will assist with all academic assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts. Occasionally, you may support departmental and university-wide initiatives by attending both in-person and virtual events, such as faculty councils, admission activities, accreditation support, curriculum development, and exhibitions, among other duties. Professors must fulfill teaching assignments determined by contact hours as specified in the Employment Agreement. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional skills in drawing, painting, communication, and organization. They have a proven history of published illustrations and are experienced in concept or entertainment design. The candidate is a seasoned industry artist and educator with a passion for storytelling, world-building, and character design across multiple genres, platforms, and pipelines, including 2D and 3D animation. They are also eager to mentor students on building industry-ready portfolios and creating effective branding to support their success. Additionally, the ideal candidate stays current with trends and practices in animation, gaming, and entertainment design. Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of professional experience in visual development, concept art, or related entertainment design fields
• Strong background in illustration, with demonstrated ability to teach both foundational and advanced visual development concepts
• Proficient in 2D and 3D tools and workflows, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, ZBrush, Autodesk Maya, or similar animation and modeling software
• Knowledge of paint-over and 3D block-in techniques
• Experience collaborating in a studio environment and working within established pipelines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in illustration, animation, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Teaching experience at the collegiate level or in mentorship roles

Travel Required:

• Less than 10%

Required application documents:

• Current résumé and/or CV
• Cover letter
• Robust portfolio demonstrating professional work in concept art, character design, environments, and visual storytelling
• Unofficial academic transcripts

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:

• Academic and professional credentials to teach illustration

Special instructions to applicants: Only complete packages will be considered. An unofficial transcript of your highest degree awarded, a cover letter, and a résumé or CV are required. Work hours: As noted in the Employment Agreement. ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.