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Creative Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Staples, Inc.

Manager, Creative

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

When you partner with Quill, as a customer or as an associate, every workday is more rewarding. What you will be doing: Help shape and execute the creative vision for the Quill brand across digital ...

VML

Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL · On-site

VML is seeking an Associate Creative Director to join our world class creative team: A next-level conceptual thinker and artist who knows all when it comes to creating work that demands attention ...

SALT XC

Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL

$130K/yr

As an Associate Creative Director (Art) at The Kitchen, you'll support the creative director to help lead a team of talented creatives to craft and write culturally resonant campaigns. Working ...

SALT XC

Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K/yr

As an Associate Creative Director (Art) at The Kitchen, you'll support the creative director to help lead a team of talented creatives to craft and write culturally resonant campaigns. Working ...

VML

Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL · On-site

VML is seeking an Associate Creative Director to join our world class creative team: A next-level conceptual thinker and artist who knows all when it comes to creating work that demands attention ...

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Creative Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do creative associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative associate in Illinois is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Creative Associate?

A Creative Associate is a professional who supports creative projects within organizations such as advertising agencies, marketing firms, or media companies. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming ideas, assisting in the development of concepts for campaigns or content, and collaborating with designers, writers, and other creative team members. Creative Associates may also help with project coordination, research, and various administrative tasks related to creative production. This role is ideal for individuals with strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, as well as a passion for creative work.

What do creative associates do?

Creative associates support the development and execution of creative projects, such as marketing campaigns, branding, or content creation. They often collaborate with designers, writers, and other team members, using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and may be involved in brainstorming, research, and producing visual or written materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Associate, you need a strong background in graphic design, copywriting, and multimedia production, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems, and digital marketing tools is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and strong communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills are essential for producing engaging content, meeting client expectations, and contributing effectively to dynamic creative teams.

What jobs are ADHD people good at?

Creative Associates often excel in roles that require high energy, adaptability, and innovative thinking, such as advertising, design, or media production. These jobs benefit from strengths like multitasking, problem-solving, and working in dynamic environments, which align with common ADHD traits.

What jobs can I get with an associate's degree in creative writing?

With an associate's degree in creative writing, you can pursue roles such as content writer, copywriter, editorial assistant, or social media coordinator. These positions often require strong writing, editing skills, and familiarity with digital tools or platforms.

What is a good career for a creative person?

A creative associate often works in fields like advertising, design, or media, where skills in visual communication, storytelling, and problem-solving are valued. Careers in these areas typically require proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and may benefit from a portfolio or relevant certifications. Such roles often offer opportunities for innovation and collaboration in dynamic environments.

How does a Creative Associate typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Creative Associates often work closely with teams such as marketing, product development, and sales to ensure that creative concepts align with overall business objectives. They participate in brainstorming sessions, gather input from stakeholders, and adjust designs or content based on feedback from these departments. This collaborative approach helps to maintain consistency across campaigns and ensures that the final deliverables effectively support the company’s goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Creative jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Associate jobs in Illinois? For Creative Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Associate jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Associate jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Creative Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Creative Associate job openings:
Creative Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Associate job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,047 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Manager, Creative

Manager, Creative

Staples, Inc.

Lincolnshire, IL • On-site

Full-time

Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Staples rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 622 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

426th of 722 rated retailers

Job description

Quill is a valuable part of the Staples family of brands. Since 1956, Quill has held its position as a leader in office supplies.

Acquired by Staples in 1998, Quill delivers the essential services, solutions, and award-winning customer support to help our customers - and our people - thrive. When you partner with Quill, as a customer or as an associate, every workday is more rewarding. 

What you will be doing:

Help shape and execute the creative vision for the Quill brand across digital, print, social, email, packaging, and video

Lead concept development and execution for campaigns, product launches, seasonal initiatives, and brand storytelling

Partner cross-functionally with eCommerce, Merchandising, Promotions, Sales, and Marketing teams

Ensure brand consistency across all customer touchpoints

Present creative concepts to stakeholders and leadership

Mentor designers, copywriters, and freelance partners

Oversee photography, video, and content production

Optimize creative using performance insights and testing

Stay current on design and digital trends

Manage projects to meet deadlines and budgets

What You Bring to the Table:

Strong creative thinker with passion for storytelling and brand building

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

Strong collaboration and organizational skills

High attention to detail and adaptability

What's needed: Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in design or equivalent work experience 

5+ years of experience in a creative, branding, or marketing role

Experience across digital, social, email, print, and brand channels

Strong portfolio of multi-channel work

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and Microsoft Office

Strong project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in retail or eCommerce environments

Photography, video, motion, or AI-assisted creative experience

Experience mentoring junior creatives

We Offer:

Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups

Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)

Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!

The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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