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Digital Artist

Also known as: Digital Illustrator, Concept Artist, Digital Painter, NFT Artist

AI Impact Score

68/100

Digital artists face the most direct AI disruption of any creative role — AI image generation tools now produce output that rivals mid-level digital illustration in seconds. However, artists with a distinctive personal style, deep storytelling ability, client-facing skills, and expertise in animation or concept art for games and film maintain strong demand and premium positioning.

$38k – $95k

Salary Range

growing

Growth Outlook

65,000

Total Jobs (US)

+8%

Growth Rate

Task Breakdown

Tasks at Risk (4)

Generic stock illustration and asset creationReference image generation and compositionBackground and environment illustration for mid-tier projectsVariation and iteration work for client review

AI-Enhanced Tasks (4)

Personal style exploration and concept developmentRapid iteration of ideas for client presentationTexture and detail generation as starting pointsCompositing and mixed-media artwork creation

Human-Safe Tasks (5)

Distinctive personal artistic style and voiceNarrative and character-driven illustrationAnimation and sequential art with consistent charactersClient relationship and art direction collaborationHighly detailed original concept art for film and games

Current Skills

Digital Painting (Photoshop, Procreate)Composition and Colour TheoryCharacter and Environment DesignClient CommunicationPortfolio Management

Future-Proof Skills

AI Image Tool ProficiencyAnimation Basics (After Effects, Spine)3D as Reference Tool (Blender)Style Consistency SystemsPlatform and Licensing Strategy