Designer Illustrator

Reports to: Creative Director or Associate Creative Director
Department: Creative
Classification: Non-Exempt

WHO WE ARE:

We are Thesis. Proudly headquartered in Portland, OR, while serving clients globally for over 20 years. Thesis is a creative agency that drives business success through marketing across technology, strategy and operations.  

THE JOB:

The Senior Illustrator is a multidisciplinary visual artist who executes thoughtful, refined illustrative solutions across a variety of channels. They balance conceptual storytelling and technical artistic execution, contributing original artwork and asset systems to major campaigns while beginning to mentor more junior designers and illustrators.

AS A PERSON, YOU HAVE:

• Illustration Excellence: Demonstrated expertise in draftsmanship, color theory, composition, character design, and translating complex ideas into compelling visual metaphors.

• Creative Execution: Capable of independently translating creative briefs into polished, impactful illustration solutions across multiple mediums (digital, social, print).

• Technical Proficiency: Highly skilled in standard industry tools, particularly Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and digital painting software (Procreate); familiarity with vector asset preparation or motion/animation pipelines is a plus.

• Style Adaptability & Brand Alignment: Able to work fluidly across different aesthetic styles while maintaining a client’s established brand guidelines.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Experienced in working closely with creative directors, copywriters, art directors, and production teams to seamlessly integrate artwork into broader design systems.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous eye for detail, linework, and craft, consistently delivering precise, scalable, and thoughtfully executed assets.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Develop brand, editorial, digital, and campaign illustration deliverables with a high level of craft and polish.

• Partner with Creative Directors (CDs) and Associate Creative Directors (ACDs) to translate overarching creative concepts into execution-ready artwork.

• Begin to lead smaller illustration tracks or visual workstreams, sometimes operating solo.

• Provide feedback and informal style mentorship to junior team members to ensure visual consistency across projects.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4-6 years of professional illustration experience, preferably within an agency, studio, or corporate creative department.

• A diverse portfolio showcasing an advanced range of style, depth in visual storytelling, and commercial applications of artwork.

• Comfortable owning illustration tracks independently within broader, fast-paced creative programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the agency are available to address the following requirements.

• Using standard office equipment, computers and related technology

• Certain activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse

• Bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds

• Travel is not anticipated for this role

RELATIONSHIPS:

This role reports to the Creative Director or Associate Creative Director.

VALUES:

• Be Lean: We work efficiently, focus on what matters most, and eliminate friction to deliver exceptional results without unnecessary complexity.

• Say What You Mean: We champion clear communication, radical candor, and honest dialogue. We speak intentionally and listen with a desire to understand.

• Show Up Fully: We bring our authentic selves, our full energy, and our commitment to the team and the work every day.

INCLUSION AND ENCOURAGEMENT:

We know that experience can show up in many ways, and we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications. If you're passionate about strategy, eager to grow, and excited to contribute your perspective, we'd love to hear from you.

At Thesis, we believe the best ideas come from bringing together diverse voices, experiences, and ways of thinking. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not checkboxes—they are essential to how we work, collaborate, and create. We are committed to fostering an environment where all employees can thrive and where every individual is treated with respect and dignity.

Thesis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at HR@Thesis.Agency.