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Assistant Production Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

NEWSWELL

Designer (editorial)

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Working closely with the Editorial and Digital Design Lead, you will assist with layout and design ... This role is ideal for designers who enjoy fast-paced production environments, have a sharp eye for ...

Asuep

Designer (editorial)

Oak Park, IL

$20/hr

Working closely with the Editorial and Digital Design Lead, you will assist with layout and design ... This role is ideal for designers who enjoy fastpaced production environments, have a sharp eye for ...

1-800-Flowers

Product Designer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

... mass production. This individual is proactive, level-headed, highly organized, can work ... the process. * Assist with preparing products for presentation, photo shoots, trade shows, and ...

AwardSpring

Product Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

If you've used Claude Code, Cursor, or comparable tools to ship real software at production quality ... AI in our hiring We use AI tools to assist in screening applications and assessing fit. Final ...

AwardSpring

Product Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

If you've used Claude Code, Cursor, or comparable tools to ship real software at production quality ... AI in our hiring We use AI tools to assist in screening applications and assessing fit. Final ...

AwardSpring

Product Designer

Chicago, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

If you've used Claude Code, Cursor, or comparable tools to ship real software at production quality ... AI in our hiring We use AI tools to assist in screening applications and assessing fit. Final ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$70K/yr

About the Role BAGGU is looking for a Full-Time Assistant Product Designer to join our Product Design Team in San Francisco. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in growing their ...

Suncast

Assistant Supervisor

Batavia, IL · On-site

... based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality resin products for the home and ... Summary: The Assistant Supervisor is responsible for overseeing material delivery, inventory ...

suncast

Assistant Supervisor

Batavia, IL

... based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality resin products for the home and ... Summary: The Assistant Supervisor is responsible for overseeing material delivery, inventory ...

suncast

Assistant Supervisor

Batavia, IL · On-site

... based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality resin products for the home and ... Summary: The Assistant Supervisor is responsible for overseeing material delivery, inventory ...

The Boyd Group

Production Assistant

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Production Assistant supports the GM by ensuring materials necessary to perform a repair are ... is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or ...

The Boyd Group

Production Assistant

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Production Assistant supports the GM by ensuring materials necessary to perform a repair are ... is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or ...

The Boyd Group

Production Assistant

Buffalo Grove, IL

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Production Assistant supports the GM by ensuring materials necessary to perform a repair are ... is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or ...

Thermon

Mechanical Designer

Franklin Park, IL

Mechanical Designer Department: Engineering Job Type: Full-Time, In Office Location: Franklin Park ... new products or options. * Assist manufacturing by helping to improve process, reduce scrap and ...

Thermon

Mechanical Designer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Mechanical Designer Department: Engineering Job Type: Full-Time, In Office Location: Franklin Park ... new products or options. * Assist manufacturing by helping to improve process, reduce scrap and ...

Thermon

Mechanical Designer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

We are looking for a talented Mechanical Designer to our Mechanical Designer to help us produce ... Assist other departments such as marketing in developing new products or options.Assist ...

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All JobsProduction Designer JobsAssistant Production Designer JobsAssistant Production Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Assistant Production Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$19

$31

How much do assistant production designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant production designer in Chicago, IL is $19.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant production designer do?

An Assistant Production Designer supports the Production Designer in creating the visual concept for film, television, or theater productions. Their responsibilities often include helping with set design, sourcing props, preparing sketches and models, coordinating with other departments, and ensuring the design vision is executed smoothly on set. They play a crucial role in managing logistics, budgets, and schedules, bridging communication between the design team and other crew members. The position requires creativity, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant production designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Production Designer, you need a solid understanding of set design, art direction, and visual storytelling, usually supported by a degree in design or related field. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and CAD systems is highly valued, along with knowledge of budgeting and scheduling tools. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and effective communication help you collaborate with the production team and adapt to evolving project needs. Mastering these skills ensures the efficient realization of creative concepts while meeting production deadlines and maintaining visual consistency.

How does an assistant production designer typically collaborate with other departments during a film or television project?

Assistant Production Designers play a crucial role in bridging communication between the production design team and other departments such as art, set decoration, props, and construction. They often attend cross-departmental meetings to ensure visual consistency and that design requirements align with practical considerations. This collaboration involves sharing sketches, mood boards, and technical drawings, as well as coordinating the acquisition of materials and overseeing set installations. Maintaining open communication is essential to address challenges quickly and keep production timelines on track.

What is the difference between Assistant Production Designer vs Production Designer?

AspectAssistant Production DesignerProduction Designer
ResponsibilitiesSupports the production designer in creating visual concepts, managing set design, and coordinating with departments.Leads the overall visual design of a production, overseeing set design, location choices, and visual style.
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in design, art, or related field; experience in production or set design is common.Requires extensive experience in set and production design, often with a portfolio demonstrating previous work.
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with the production designer, art department, and on-set teams in film, TV, or theater productions.Leads the art department, collaborating with directors, producers, and other creative teams on set and location planning.

The Assistant Production Designer supports the production designer by handling specific tasks and assisting in visual planning, while the Production Designer is responsible for the overall visual concept and execution of the production's design. Both roles require relevant design credentials and experience, but the production designer holds the primary creative and managerial responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Production Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Production Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Assistant Production Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Production Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Production Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant Production Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant Production Designer job openings:

Assistant Production Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Production Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,416 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Designer (editorial)

NEWSWELL

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Designer (editorial)
This part-time designer for editorial will support the visual presentation of NEWSWELL Chicago's journalism across four publications - Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark and Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest. Working closely with the Editorial and Digital Design Lead, you will assist with layout and design for print editorial content and ensure pages are visually appealing, correctly formatted and ready for print production. You also will help ensure ads appear in the proper location and are cleanly integrated with editorial pages. As the "first line of defense" in page layout, you will catch formatting issues, design inconsistencies and production errors before publication, contributing directly to the high-quality appearance of all products.
This role is ideal for designers who enjoy fast-paced production environments, have a sharp eye for detail, and are eager to support a newsroom serving Chicago's communities.
In February 2026, NEWSWELL acquired the assets of Growing Community Media, the longtime publisher of these four storied Chicago-area newspapers, to ensure these vital outlets have the stability, resources and vision they need to thrive for generations.
NEWSWELL helps newsrooms become nonprofit and for-community , providing strategic guidance, innovative solutions and wraparound operations so journalists can focus on what matters most: serving their communities. Through partnerships with Arizona State University - named the nation's most innovative university for 11 years in a row - NEWSWELL brings cutting-edge ideas, research and tools to reinvent local news and strengthen democracy.
This is a hybrid position based in Oak Park, IL, combining remote and in-person work. The hourly pay rate for this role is $20.00.
What you'll do
  • Assist with layout and design of editorial content across all four NEWSWELL Chicago print publications.
  • Ensure stories and advertisements are correctly formatted, visually appealing and placed according to page plans and templates.
  • Serve as the first line of defense for catching layout issues, including misaligned elements, incorrect typography, spacing, missing assets and formatting errors.
  • Support the Editorial and Digital Design Lead in weekly page production, special projects and design workflows.
  • Prepare pages for print production, checking bleeds, color profiles, image resolution and final file integrity.
  • Follow established design templates, style guidelines and brand standards to maintain visual consistency across all products.
  • Update graphics, photos, pull quotes and other design elements as needed to support editorial layout.
  • Collaborate with editorial staff to ensure layouts reflect story hierarchy, news value and readability.
  • Communicate proactively about missing assets, photo needs or scheduling issues that may impact production.
  • Support the workflow for special sections, adjusting layouts and design elements according to editor and advertiser needs.
  • Occasionally assist with digital assets, such as resizing images or preparing simple visuals for digital products.

What you'll need
  • Proficiency in Adobe InDesign; basic working knowledge of Photoshop or Illustrator.
  • Strong attention to visual detail, layout structure, hierarchy and typography.
  • Ability to work efficiently under deadline pressure and handle multiple pages or tasks at once.
  • Good communication and collaboration skills with editors and design leads.
  • Understanding of print production basics (resolution, file setup, PDF export settings).
  • Commitment to accuracy, consistency, brand alignment and high design standards.

Relevant qualifications
  • Coursework or experience in graphic design, journalism, visual communication or related field.
  • Entry-level experience in layout design or print production (professional, internship or student media experience accepted).

Preferred education and experience
  • Experience working in a newsroom or print publication environment.
  • Familiarity with Chicago neighborhoods and community-focused journalism.

Preferred skills and abilities
  • Spanish fluency is a plus.

Benefits
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution
  • 22 days of vacation time
  • 11 holidays, including your birthday
  • Parental leave
  • Significant tuition reductions
  • Professional development is highly valued at ASU Enterprise Partners, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest
  • $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement

NEWSWELL is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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