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Creative Associate Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associate Creative Director (Design) As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant ...

ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Associate Creative Directors must demonstrate strong conceptual thinking and the ability to develop big, breakthrough ideas across all mediums. They must have an in-depth ...

ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Associate Creative Directors must demonstrate strong conceptual thinking and the ability to develop big, breakthrough ideas across all mediums. They must have an in-depth ...

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Experience leading creative teams within an advertising agency environment, including experience at the Associate Creative Director or Creative Director level * A portfolio demonstrating breakthrough ...

Creative Project Associate Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Help bring creative ideas to life across Uline's marketing. As a Creative Project Associate, you'll ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Creative Associate information

See Wheaton, IL salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do creative associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative associate in Wheaton, IL is $19.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative associate?

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.

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.

How do you become a creative associate?

To become a creative associate, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as graphic design, marketing, or communications, along with strong creative skills and proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles and building a strong portfolio are important steps in qualifying for this role.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Creative Associate jobs in Wheaton, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Associate jobs in Wheaton, IL are:

What cities near Wheaton, IL are hiring for Creative Associate jobs?

Cities near Wheaton, IL with the most Creative Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Creative Associate job openings in Wheaton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,943 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Associate Creative Director - Design

MERGE

Chicago, IL • On-site

$129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness-where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant.
This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives.
Emerge to the Top of Your Career
At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.
Associate Creative Director (Design)
As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) account]. You are a digitally forward design lead-equally comfortable setting high-level creative vision, implementing and guiding design systems, and hands-on execution across dynamic digital touchpoints, retail environments, and integrated campaigns.
What You'll Do
  • As a core member of the team, you'll craft visually compelling designs, ensuring a consistent and premium presence across diverse channels
  • Produce high-quality assets across digital and animated menu boards, packaging, in-restaurant signage, mobile apps, and web, ensuring pixel-perfect accuracy and timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Strategically apply design systems across various touchpoints to ensure cohesive and unified execution.
  • Engage in all facets of design, from quick comping and creating design systems to type treatments, consistently delivering polished design solutions
  • Work seamlessly with client-side digital and development teams to create best-in-class UX/UI experiences
  • Articulate the underlying strategy behind design projects, emphasizing the rationale ("why") over the deliverables ("what") to all team members
  • Work seamlessly with the creative team, account managers, developers, studio designers, and most importantly, clients, fostering a collaborative and synergistic environment
  • Guide and inspire other designers by providing valuable direction
  • Has a strong understanding of copy direction and its emotional impact on design
  • Design and/or direct design efforts across multiple mediums and touchpoints, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic goals
  • You are responsible for holistic project lifecycles-from interpreting high-level business objectives into pixel-perfect execution and measurable post-launch success

Qualifications
  • 8+ years of design experience within an ad agency, digital shop, or creative studio, with a portfolio showcasing strong digital, responsive, and cross-channel work
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Design, UI/UX, or equivalent practical experience
  • Proficiency in Figma (auto-layout, components, prototyping) alongside deep mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite
  • Design System Experience: Proven track record of designing digital and physical experiences using component-based design systems. Across both digital platforms and physical/print retail environments
  • Demonstrated ability to manage, inspire, and direct a team of designers while managing multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously
  • Prior experience with QSR, fast-casual, or high-volume retail brands is a major plus

#LI-
#LI-HYBRID
At MERGE, we're committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.
MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we're proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.
The salary range for this role is $88,450 - $129,750, based on the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.
MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.
Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
And here's how we live our values at MERGE
  • Ability. Mastering our craft
  • Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset
  • Humility. Collaborating for shared success

MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer
MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be!