At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging illustrations that bring Nairnshire’s heritage to life for a museum.
- Company: Nairn Museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing local history.
- Benefits: Freelance fee of £7500, flexible working hours, and creative freedom.
- Why this job: Make history fun and accessible through your art while engaging with the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in illustration, strong communication skills, and creativity.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with local schools and contribute to educational resources.
The predicted salary is between 7500 - 7500 £ per month.
Nairn Museum is seeking a creative artist/illustrator to help bring Nairnshire’s heritage to life. We are looking for an illustrator who can create engaging, accessible artwork that sparks curiosity.
Freelance Artist Fee: £7500 (set fee, flexible working with no set hours over the period Feb‑July 2026)
Closing Date: 6th January 2026
Brief
- The Artist/Illustrator will create a suite of original illustrations for museum use, including gallery interpretations, learning packs and merchandise.
- Illustrations of museum objects (for example: a colourful rendering of a medieval animal brooch).
- Reimaginings of events relating to Nairnshire (for example: a Roman ship in the Moray Firth).
- Imagery that helps explain complex history in friendly, creative ways (for example, how a quern stone was used).
The museum team will supply a range of objects, buildings and events for illustration, and provide historical descriptions and context. The Artist/Illustrator will take part in 3 community engagement sessions with local schools towards the end of the project. The sessions will be organised and supported by the museum team, which will handle all administrative work and purchase any required supplies. If you are interested in this role but unable to commit to community engagement, please apply as we can try to amend the brief.
Your illustrations will underpin new gallery panels, family activity sheets, and school learning resources exploring natural history, social history, working lives, land use, community traditions, and climate.
What We’re Looking For
- A creative illustrator with experience of drawing objects, buildings or historical scenes.
- Ability to produce artwork that is engaging for children and family audiences.
- Strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate with museum staff, volunteers, and community partners.
How to Apply
Please send to admin@nairnmuseum.co.uk before the closing date of 6th January 2026:
- A short expression of interest.
- Your portfolio or examples of relevant work (either attach as a PDF or provide a link to an online shared drive). We are open to different styles of illustration, and do not have a preferred medium.
- A quote showing your rates/standard pricing structure to give an indication estimating how many illustrations Nairn Museum will get for the agreed £7500 project fee. If required, please include transport and accommodation within this quote.
We are looking to appoint an artist/illustrator to commence February 2026. Please send any questions to Annie MacDonald, Curator, at admin@nairnmuseum.co.uk. The deadline is Tuesday 06 January 2026 at 23:55.
Museum Artist/Illustrator in Inverness employer: Creative Scotland
Contact Detail:
Creative Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Artist/Illustrator in Inverness
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially pieces that align with the museum's theme. We want to see how you can bring history to life through your illustrations!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just send your application and sit back! Follow up with a friendly email to show your enthusiasm. A little nudge can go a long way in making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interviews by thinking about how you’d engage with the community. We love artists who can connect with local schools and families, so have some ideas ready to share!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’re always here to help if you have any questions!
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Artist/Illustrator in Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style: Make sure to include a portfolio that showcases your unique illustration style. We want to see how you can bring Nairnshire’s heritage to life, so pick your best work that reflects your creativity and versatility!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your expression of interest, keep it straightforward. Let us know why you're excited about this project and how your skills align with what we're looking for. A clear message goes a long way!
Quote Smartly: Don’t forget to include a quote that outlines your rates and how many illustrations we can expect for the £7500 fee. Be transparent about any additional costs like transport or accommodation, so we know what to expect.
Ask Questions: If anything in the brief is unclear or if you have specific needs regarding community engagement, just reach out! We're here to help and want to make sure you feel comfortable before applying through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Showcase Your Creative Flair
Make sure to bring your portfolio along, highlighting your best illustrations that resonate with the museum's focus on heritage. Tailor your selection to include pieces that demonstrate your ability to engage family audiences and explain complex historical concepts in a fun way.
✨Know Your Nairnshire History
Familiarise yourself with Nairnshire’s heritage and the specific objects or events you might be illustrating. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your artwork can enhance the museum's storytelling.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with museum staff and community partners, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to community engagement sessions and work with local schools.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the museum's vision. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you understand how your illustrations can fit into their broader goals, making you a more appealing candidate.