91 Illustration jobs in the United Kingdom

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

 

The Guardian is looking for a Digital Art Director to shape the visual direction of our storytelling across platforms. From illustration and motion design to imagery and brand projects, you’ll ensure our work is bold, innovative and unmistakably Guardian.

 

You’ll lead and commission creative projects, manage a diverse pool of contributors, and collaborate with journalists, designers, engineers and editors to deliver visually compelling stories on and off platform.

 

If you’re a hands-on, organised and curious art director with a strong design background, a flair for visual storytelling, and an eye on emerging trends, we’d love to hear from you.

 

About this role

Working to tight deadlines, in collaboration with creative leads, editors and engineers, create the design concept as an expression of our journalism and values, with the reader in mind. Collaborate with colleagues to understand editorial objectives and identify challenges and opportunities. Produce high quality, innovative and eye-catching designs to project the journalism, using imagination, energy and flair.  Creatively lead, advise and art direct, particularly for editorial desks without dedicated design resource. Design engaging editorial experiences using formats and media appropriately, advocating for new formats where appropriate and consulting with interactive colleagues on any bespoke storytelling opportunities, to ensure designs consistently meet high standards in terms of function, accessibility and usability.  

About you

Proven talent and skill in visual journalism & design Illustration experience Motion experience Exceptional craft in layout and complex formats  Exceptional understanding of editorial design layout structure is desirable Exceptional experience commissioning and creating imagery Ideally, you’ll have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role  We actively encourage applications from candidates who are BAME or from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the media.

 

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV, portfolio (where possible) and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for. 

 

The closing date for applications is Thursday 16th October 2025.

 

Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Sean on to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

 

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

 

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have six weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

 

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

 

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

 

Culture and Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

 

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

 

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

Learning and Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Our client, a prestigious arts institution, is seeking an innovative and experienced Senior Curator specializing in Digital Art to join their dynamic, fully remote curatorial team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital art collections and exhibitions in a leading cultural organisation. You will be responsible for the strategic development, research, and presentation of the institution's digital art holdings, which span contemporary new media, net art, interactive installations, and virtual reality experiences. The role requires a deep understanding of the history and theory of digital art, as well as emerging technologies and their impact on artistic practice. You will curate exhibitions, commission new works, and manage acquisitions for the digital collection. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within the UK. You will collaborate closely with conservators, educators, and digital specialists to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of digital artworks. Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills are essential, as you will be involved in scholarly publications, public lectures, and engaging with a global audience online. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in curating significant digital art exhibitions and a strong network within the international digital art community. Experience with digital asset management systems and an understanding of the technical challenges associated with digital art conservation are highly desirable. You will play a key role in developing the institution's digital strategy and enhancing its online presence. This role demands a forward-thinking approach, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to making digital art accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.
Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement curatorial strategies for the digital art collection
• Research, acquire, and manage digital artworks
• Curate exhibitions and commissions of digital art, both physical and virtual
• Conduct scholarly research and publish articles, catalogues, and online content
• Organise public programs, lectures, and artist talks
• Collaborate with internal teams (conservation, education, digital) and external partners
• Advise on the acquisition and preservation of digital art
• Represent the institution at conferences and international forums
• Stay abreast of trends and developments in digital art and technology

Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies, or a related field, with a specialization in digital art
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in curatorial work, with a significant focus on digital art
• Demonstrated success in curating exhibitions and managing collections
• Strong knowledge of digital art history, theory, and practice
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Experience with digital asset management and digital preservation principles
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote environment
• Established network within the international art world

Our client is seeking a visionary and highly creative Remote Digital Art Director to lead their artistic vision and execution across all digital platforms. This is a fully remote position, offering an exceptional opportunity for a talented individual to shape the aesthetic and user experience of our client's digital presence from anywhere in the UK. You will be responsible for developing and implementing creative strategies, guiding design teams, and ensuring brand consistency across all digital touchpoints.

The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio showcasing award-winning digital design work, a deep understanding of current digital trends, and the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. You will collaborate closely with marketing, product development, and content teams to create engaging and impactful digital campaigns and user interfaces. This role requires exceptional leadership skills, a passion for innovation, and the ability to inspire and mentor a remote creative team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the overall creative vision and strategy for all digital initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a remote team of graphic designers, UI/UX designers, and other creative professionals.
• Oversee the design and execution of website interfaces, social media content, digital advertising campaigns, and other digital assets.
• Ensure all creative output aligns with brand guidelines, strategic objectives, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, product, and development teams to define creative requirements and deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and budgets are adhered to.
• Conduct concept presentations and pitch creative ideas to stakeholders.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in digital design and marketing.
• Review and approve design work before final release, providing constructive feedback.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative remote working environment.
• Develop and maintain style guides and design systems to ensure consistency.
• Evaluate and implement new tools and technologies to enhance the creative process.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Digital Media, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Digital Art Director or Senior Graphic Designer with a strong portfolio of digital work.
• Extensive knowledge of digital design principles, UI/UX best practices, and emerging visual trends.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).
• Experience with wireframing and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage remote creative teams effectively.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of marketing principles and branding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, remote setting.
• Experience with animation and motion graphics is a significant plus.
• A passion for visual storytelling and creating engaging user experiences.

This is a unique opportunity for a creative leader to make a substantial impact on our client's digital presence and shape the future of their brand's visual identity.

Our client, a dynamic and innovative player in the Arts & Entertainment sector, is seeking a visionary Creative Lead specializing in Digital Art to join their team in **Derby, Derbyshire, UK**. This leadership role is crucial for shaping the visual identity and artistic direction of our client's digital projects, including interactive installations, immersive experiences, and digital content. You will lead a team of talented digital artists, guiding them from concept development through to final execution, ensuring a cohesive and compelling aesthetic. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional digital art skills, a deep understanding of visual storytelling, and a proven ability to manage creative projects from inception to completion. Experience with various digital art software and technologies, including 2D/3D rendering, animation, motion graphics, and VR/AR development, is highly desirable. You will collaborate closely with directors, producers, and technical teams to translate creative visions into reality, pushing the boundaries of digital art. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential to inspire and mentor your team, foster a collaborative environment, and present creative concepts effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of digital art for various projects, including interactive media, games, and digital installations.
• Direct and mentor a team of digital artists, providing clear artistic direction and feedback.
• Develop and maintain a consistent visual style and aesthetic across all digital art assets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including writers, designers, and developers, to achieve project goals.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, and visual effects.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in digital art and interactive media.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for digital art production.
• Present creative concepts and final artwork to stakeholders.
• Ensure the technical feasibility and quality of digital art assets.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative creative environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Media, Animation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in digital art creation, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Exceptional portfolio demonstrating a wide range of digital art skills and a strong artistic sensibility.
• Proficiency in industry-standard digital art software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, Blender, Unity).
• Experience with real-time rendering engines and interactive development platforms.
• Strong understanding of visual design principles, colour theory, and composition.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible visualisations.
• Experience in managing creative projects from concept to delivery.

This role offers a hybrid working model, based at our client's **Derby** office.

Our client is a pioneering force in the creative industry, seeking a visionary Lead Digital Art Director to shape the aesthetic and artistic direction of their upcoming projects. This hybrid role offers a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration, based in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK . You will lead a talented team of designers, illustrators, and animators, fostering a collaborative and inspiring work environment. Your primary responsibility will be to translate creative briefs into compelling visual strategies, overseeing the creation of high-impact digital assets across various platforms, including web, mobile applications, and social media campaigns. This involves defining visual styles, color palettes, typography, and overall mood and tone for projects.

You will be expected to manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries. This includes providing constructive feedback to your team, conducting art reviews, and presenting concepts to stakeholders and clients. A deep understanding of current design trends, digital art techniques, and emerging technologies is crucial. You will also play a key role in the conceptualization phase, brainstorming innovative ideas and solutions. The ability to mentor and develop junior team members, nurturing their artistic growth, is essential. Collaboration with marketing, product development, and content teams will be a daily occurrence, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence. We are looking for an individual with exceptional leadership qualities, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for storytelling through visual mediums. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital art and design projects. This role demands a creative thinker who can inspire and guide a team towards achieving exceptional artistic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the visual direction for digital projects, from concept to completion.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of digital artists and designers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure a unified brand vision.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Present creative concepts and design solutions to stakeholders.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging digital art technologies.
• Ensure all creative output meets brand standards and quality expectations.
• Conduct art critiques and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of creative initiatives.
• Maintain a high level of artistic quality and innovation across all projects.

Our client, a dynamic creative agency with a strong portfolio in digital media and entertainment, is seeking a talented and visionary Senior Digital Art Director to lead creative conceptualization and execution for a range of exciting projects. This role involves setting the visual direction, style, and aesthetic for digital campaigns, interactive experiences, and online content. You will be responsible for guiding a team of designers, illustrators, and animators, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, engaging, and brand-aligned visual assets across various digital platforms.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to translate creative briefs into compelling visual narratives and a deep understanding of current digital design trends, UI/UX principles, and motion graphics. Your responsibilities will include developing mood boards, storyboards, and style guides, overseeing asset production, and collaborating closely with content strategists, copywriters, and developers to ensure cohesive project delivery. Strong conceptual thinking, exceptional aesthetic judgment, and excellent leadership and communication skills are essential. You will be expected to present creative concepts to clients and stakeholders, manage project timelines, and foster a collaborative and innovative team environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced art director to make a significant creative contribution and shape the visual identity of impactful digital projects, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK , with a flexible hybrid working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the visual direction and conceptualization of digital creative projects.
• Manage and mentor a team of digital artists and designers.
• Develop mood boards, storyboards, and visual style guides.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality digital assets, including graphics, animations, and illustrations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.
• Present creative concepts and final designs to clients and stakeholders.
• Stay current with emerging digital design trends and technologies.
• Ensure brand consistency and quality across all digital outputs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Digital Media, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in digital art direction or a similar creative leadership role.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of digital design work.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).
• Excellent understanding of UI/UX principles and web design trends.
• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking digital arts organization, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Senior Digital Art Curator to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role involves the strategic development, curation, and management of their extensive digital art collection and exhibition programming. You will be instrumental in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK , shaping the narrative and presentation of cutting-edge digital artworks across various platforms.

Responsibilities include:

• Conceptualizing and executing innovative digital art exhibitions and online showcases, from inception to completion.
• Researching and identifying emerging digital art trends, artists, and influential voices in the digital creative space.
• Acquiring new digital artworks through purchase, commission, and donation, building and diversifying the collection.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, and other arts institutions worldwide.
• Overseeing the cataloguing, conservation, and digital preservation of artworks, ensuring their long-term accessibility and integrity.
• Crafting compelling exhibition texts, artist statements, and promotional materials to engage diverse audiences.
• Collaborating with the digital team to ensure seamless online presentation and user experience for virtual exhibitions.
• Managing exhibition budgets, contracts, and logistical aspects of digital projects.
• Mentoring junior curatorial staff and contributing to the overall strategic vision of the organization.

Qualifications:

• A Master's or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Digital Humanities, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional curatorial experience, with a significant focus on digital art, new media, or contemporary art.
• Demonstrated success in conceiving and delivering high-profile digital art exhibitions.
• Deep knowledge of digital art history, theory, and practice, including familiarity with various digital formats and platforms.
• Proven ability to build and manage art collections.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Experience with digital asset management systems and virtual exhibition platforms.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to expanding the boundaries of art presentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital art curation from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK .

Our client, a highly respected name in the arts and entertainment sector, is seeking a visionary Senior Digital Art Director to lead their creative output. This role demands exceptional artistic talent, a keen eye for aesthetic detail, and a proven ability to translate creative concepts into compelling digital experiences. You will be responsible for defining and driving the visual style and direction for a wide range of digital projects, including interactive installations, online campaigns, and digital content. The ideal candidate will possess a strong portfolio showcasing expertise in graphic design, UI/UX, motion graphics, and digital art. This hybrid role requires collaboration within the Derby, Derbyshire, UK office while allowing for remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the overall visual strategy and creative direction for digital projects.
• Lead and inspire a team of digital artists, designers, and animators, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Develop mood boards, style guides, concept art, and storyboards to articulate creative vision.
• Oversee the design and creation of digital assets, including graphics, illustrations, animations, and UI elements.
• Ensure all digital artwork adheres to brand guidelines and maintains a high level of aesthetic quality.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, content, and development teams to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Stay abreast of emerging digital art trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgets.
• Present creative concepts and final designs to stakeholders, effectively communicating the rationale behind design decisions.
• Contribute to the conceptualisation and pitching of new digital projects and campaigns.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a collaborative and innovative creative environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Art, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• A strong and diverse portfolio demonstrating exceptional digital art direction, graphic design, and UI/UX skills.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in digital art direction, with a focus on the arts and entertainment industry.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), Figma, Sketch, etc.
• Experience with motion graphics and animation principles.
• Strong understanding of interactive design principles and user experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage creative teams and projects effectively.
• A keen understanding of visual storytelling and aesthetic principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model from Derby, Derbyshire, UK .

This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative leader to shape impactful digital experiences in the arts and entertainment space.

Our client, a leading digital arts institution, is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Senior Digital Art Curator to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, permanent position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within the UK. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of digital art collection and exhibition, ensuring our client remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. The role involves extensive research, acquisition, and interpretation of digital artworks, from generative art and AI-driven pieces to virtual reality installations and interactive experiences. You will develop and implement curatorial strategies, manage digital assets, and oversee the conservation of digital art. Collaboration with artists, technologists, and academic institutions will be a key aspect of your work, fostering innovation and expanding the discourse around digital creativity.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research into emerging trends and artists in the digital art space.
• Identify, evaluate, and acquire significant digital artworks for the permanent collection.
• Develop and curate compelling digital exhibitions, both online and potentially in virtual environments.
• Write authoritative texts, catalogue entries, and scholarly articles related to the collection.
• Manage the digital infrastructure and archival processes for digital art.
• Engage with artists, galleries, collectors, and the wider art community.
• Contribute to public programming, lectures, and educational initiatives.
• Stay abreast of ethical considerations and best practices in digital art collecting and display.
• Work closely with technical teams to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of digital works.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Digital Media, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a curatorial role, with a demonstrable focus on digital art.
• Proven track record of successful exhibition planning and execution.
• Strong knowledge of digital art forms, technologies, and critical theories.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with digital asset management systems and archival standards.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of art curation.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the landscape of digital art. The position is based in London, England, UK , but operates on a fully remote basis, allowing for unparalleled work-life balance.