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Creative Design Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

R. Jack Balthazar, Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

About the Role We are seeking a mid-level Design Associate with hands-on experience in experiential ... Collaborate with the creative team to interpret design briefs into tangible visual concepts and ...

R Jack Balthazar Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA

The "Design Associate" Role @ R. Jack Balthazar The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced ... This person should have (at minimum) introductory knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites (in particular ...

R Jack Balthazar Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA

The "Design Associate" Role @ R. Jack Balthazar The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced ... This person should have (at minimum) introductory knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites (in particular ...

Nathan E Demo

Design Associate

San Mateo, CA · On-site

... creative vision * Mentor, guide, and provide support for the Design team * Integrate clients ... business requirements into strategies, marketing, and aesthetic interests * Lead development of new ...

Nathan E Demo

Design Associate

San Mateo, CA · On-site

... creative vision * Mentor, guide, and provide support for the Design team * Integrate clients ... business requirements into strategies, marketing, and aesthetic interests * Lead development of new ...

Room & Board

Design Associate (3-day)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30/hr

At Room & Board, our part-time Design/Retail Sales Associate role (3 days a week, 8-hour shifts ... creative design process. * Confidence in navigating and leveraging technology/tools such as the ...

One Workplace

Creative Specialist III

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $105K/yr

Includes a high degree of customer engagement, creative decision making, non-linear decision ... Education/Experience • Bachelor's degree in Interior or Architectural Design, Associate Art ...

One Workplace

Creative Specialist III

Oakland, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Includes a high degree of customer engagement, creative decision making, non-linear decision ... Education/Experience • Bachelor's degree in Interior or Architectural Design, Associate Art ...

Greens

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA

$65K - $78K/yr

If you're a creative, organized, and technically skilled designer, this could be the opportunity ... Own the execution of design deliverables across all project phases, ensuring quality, timeliness ...

Greens Operations Inc

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

If you're a creative, organized, and technically skilled designer, this could be the opportunity ... Own the execution of design deliverables across all project phases, ensuring quality, timeliness ...

Greens

Interior Design Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

If you're a creative, organized, and technically skilled designer, this could be the opportunity ... Own the execution of design deliverables across all project phases, ensuring quality, timeliness ...

Gallo

Associate Creative Project Manager

Modesto, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $127K/yr

As an Associate Project Manager, you'll support the execution of creative projects spanning ... creative design, hospitality, or media/digital marketing reflecting increasing levels of ...

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Creative Design Associate information

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

AspectCreative Design AssociateGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationBachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, marketing or advertising agenciesDesign studios, corporate marketing departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in marketing, advertising, media companiesCommon across various industries including publishing, advertising
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Creative Design Associate and a Graphic Designer lies in experience level, scope of work, and educational requirements. Creative Design Associates often have an associate's degree and focus on supporting design projects, while Graphic Designers typically hold a bachelor's degree and handle more complex design tasks independently. Both roles are integral to creative teams in marketing and advertising industries.

What is a creative design associate?

Creative Design Associates are professionals who support the design team in developing visual concepts and materials for a variety of media. They assist with tasks such as creating graphics, layouts, and presentations, as well as contributing fresh ideas for branding and marketing campaigns. Their role often involves collaboration with other designers, marketing teams, and clients to ensure cohesive and effective visual communication. Creative Design Associates typically work in advertising agencies, design studios, or in-house creative departments across different industries.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a creative design associate?

To thrive as a Creative Design Associate, you need a strong grasp of visual design principles, creativity, and proficiency with design software, usually supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Expertise in tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with digital asset management systems are typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and time management skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing high-quality, impactful visual content that meets both client expectations and project deadlines.

How does a creative design associate typically collaborate with other departments on projects?

As a Creative Design Associate, collaboration with departments such as marketing, product management, and sales is a core part of the role. You’ll often attend brainstorming sessions, share design drafts for feedback, and adapt visuals based on input from stakeholders to ensure alignment with brand goals and campaign objectives. Effective communication and openness to feedback are essential, as projects frequently require iterative revisions and cross-functional teamwork. This collaborative environment not only enhances creative outcomes but also provides great learning opportunities from different perspectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Creative Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Creative Design Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Creative Design Associate job openings:
Creative Design Associate jobs near you

Design Associate

R. Jack Balthazar, Inc

Vernon, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

About R. Jack Balthazar

R. Jack Balthazar is a full-service event design + build firm serving high-end agencies and independent producers. With in-house floral, carpentry, and fabrication teams, we design and produce inspired décor and immersive environments for over 200 events annually, both nationally and internationally.

About the Role

We are seeking a mid-level Design Associate with hands-on experience in experiential event design and a passion for transforming creative concepts into stunning event environments. This individual will support and collaborate with our senior creative team and production leads on a wide range of projects, playing a key role in design development, sourcing, vendor coordination, and pre-visualization.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable balancing deadlines and deliverables across multiple projects. This role is ideal for someone with 2–4 years of relevant experience who is looking to take the next step in their creative career by deepening their skillset and increasing their impact on high-profile projects.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the creative team to interpret design briefs into tangible visual concepts and presentations (using Google Slides for visual decks, Sketch Up for rendering, Vectorworks for layout design)
  • Attend and contribute to client meetings, vendor visits, site walkthroughs, and design reviews; summarize findings and spatial data in concise recaps.
  • Support design execution by researching and sourcing furniture, finishes, textiles, florals, lighting, and props.
  • Create and maintain design documentation including mood boards, design decks, material palettes, and floor plans.
  • Communicate with our trusted print vendor + internal print dept. on job print needs. (must have working knowledge of Illustrator)
  • Track and manage all sourcing logistics: order status, vendor communication, shipments, and inventory flow.
  • Coordinate with internal departments (fabrication, florals, décor, carpentry) and external vendors to align creative intent with production realities.
  • Stay current with design trends, materials, and innovations relevant to event environments and experiential spaces.

Requirements

  • 2–4 years of experience in event design, production design, or a related creative field.
  • Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and Illustrator), SketchUp, and basic rendering tools (Vray or similar).
  • Familiarity with drafting software like Vectorworks is a plus.
  • Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to translate abstract references into executable design concepts.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly organized with demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and workstreams.
  • Ability to work on-site, attend installs, and travel as needed.
  • Valid California Driver’s License with clean driving record.
  • Must pass background check and drug screening.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Experience:

  • Events Industry: 1 year (Required)
  • SketchUp: 2 years (Required)
  • Vectorworks: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Adobe Creative Suite: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License / Real ID (Required)

Work Location: In person only

Company Description

R. Jack Balthazar is a full-service event design+ build firm primarily working in support of independent event producers and agencies. With our skilled in-house carpentry, fabrication and floral teams, R. Jack Balthazar is able to envision, design, produce, and install all matter of inspired decor and execute complete space transformations for 200+ events annually across the US, and internationally.