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Associate Creative Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Weber

Graphic Designer

Palatine, IL · Hybrid

$68K - $76K/yr

Collaborate with Associate Creative Director to execute digital and print assets including website ... in a Graphic Designer or Art Director role at a shopper/digital marketing agency or in-house ...

BGBx

VP, Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL

$170K - $200K/yr

Maintains a current list of available freelance artists, web designers, art and photography stock ... Liaises with the Creative Director in assigning necessary vendor overtime needed to meet any ...

VSA Partners

Staff Designer

Chicago, IL

$21 - $25.75/hr

... designs, typography, visual concepts, logos, and icons working under the direction of a Creative ... or Associate Creative Director. * Brainstorm creative concepts with the project team (cross ...

VSA Partners

Staff Designer

Chicago, IL

$21 - $25.75/hr

... designs, typography, visual concepts, logos, and icons working under the direction of a Creative ... or Associate Creative Director. * Brainstorm creative concepts with the project team (cross ...

Braze

Senior Creative Operations Lead, Brand

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$116K - $183K/yr

... Associate Creative Directors, and Marketing leadership. Your work brings calm to complexity ... Thinks in systems, not tasks; designs processes that scale * Influences without direct authority ...

VSA Partners

Staff Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... designs, typography, visual concepts, logos, and icons working under the direction of a Creative ... or Associate Creative Director. * Brainstorm creative concepts with the project team (cross ...

VSA Partners

Staff Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... designs, typography, visual concepts, logos, and icons working under the direction of a Creative ... or Associate Creative Director. * Brainstorm creative concepts with the project team (cross ...

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All JobsAssociate Creative Designer JobsAssociate Creative Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Creative Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.1K

$60.3K

$90.1K

How much do associate creative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate creative designer in Chicago, IL is $60,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate creative designer do?

An Associate Creative Designer assists in developing visual concepts and designs for marketing materials, advertisements, digital content, and branding projects. They collaborate with senior designers and creative teams to execute design projects that align with a company's goals and client needs. Their responsibilities often include creating layouts, selecting images, preparing files for production, and ensuring consistency in visual communication. This role is ideal for individuals with a strong eye for design, creativity, and proficiency in graphic design tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate creative designer?

To thrive as an Associate Creative Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in visual storytelling, and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing creative work. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and collaboration skills help you interpret client needs and work effectively within creative teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing compelling designs that meet project objectives and client expectations in a fast-paced environment.

How does an associate creative designer typically collaborate with other departments in a creative agency?

As an Associate Creative Designer, you'll regularly work alongside copywriters, account managers, and digital strategists to develop cohesive visual concepts that align with client goals. Collaboration often involves brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and feedback loops to refine deliverables. You'll also communicate with production teams to ensure designs are executed accurately, and may present ideas to clients with support from senior designers. This cross-functional teamwork not only enhances project outcomes but also helps you build valuable communication and project management skills.

What is the difference between Associate Creative Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectAssociate Creative DesignerGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in design or related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's degree in graphic design or similar
Work EnvironmentCollaborates within creative teams, often in marketing or advertising agenciesWorks on visual content creation for print, digital, or branding projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in advertising, marketing, and media companiesFound across various industries including publishing, advertising, and corporate branding

The main difference between an Associate Creative Designer and a Graphic Designer lies in their roles and scope. An Associate Creative Designer often supports senior designers and works within a broader creative team, focusing on assisting with design projects. A Graphic Designer typically takes on more independent responsibilities, creating visual content from concept to completion. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to visual communication in many industries.

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

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

Associate Creative Designer jobs near you

Associate Creative Director, Pharma

Horizontal Talent

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We’re looking for a Freelance Associate Creative Director, Art to help shape high-impact campaign work across digital, print, and out-of-home channels. This is a fast-moving opportunity for a hands-on visual leader who can bring strong creative thinking, polished design craft, and pharmaceutical advertising experience to an important launch assignment.

Responsibilities
  • Lead concept development and visual direction for integrated campaigns across print, digital, social, experiential, and video
  • Translate strategic insights and scientific content into compelling, audience-focused creative solutions
  • Develop visual systems, campaign identities, and design approaches that support brand goals
  • Direct design execution across layouts, typography, color, imagery, illustration, and overall art direction
  • Partner closely with copy, strategy, account, project management, UX, development, and production teams
  • Present creative concepts clearly and confidently to internal stakeholders and clients
  • Provide hands-on guidance to designers and art directors throughout the creative process
  • Ensure work meets creative standards, brand expectations, and pharmaceutical review requirements
  • Contribute to pitch work and new business development when needed
Skills
  • 8+ years of pharmaceutical agency experience, including work in launch and AOR environments
  • Strong visual design and art direction skills across print, digital, and out-of-home media
  • Ability to create original, sophisticated campaign systems rather than adapting existing layouts across formats
  • Proven experience translating complex science into clear, persuasive creative work
  • Excellent client-facing communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to lead creatively while staying hands-on with design execution
  • Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Experience mentoring junior and mid-level creative talent
Preferred Skills
  • Rare disease experience
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
  • Familiarity with scientific storytelling and pharmaceutical regulatory expectations
  • Strong awareness of current visual trends, production methods, and creative technologies
  • Background supporting omnichannel brand launches
  • Ability to contribute thoughtful creative direction in pitch and new business settings

Horizontal is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued. We believe equitable collaboration and respectful teamwork lead to stronger creative outcomes and better experiences for everyone.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

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