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Creative Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Footwear Color Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

We are seeking a creative designer who deeply understands sneaker culture, consumer behavior, and the art of crafting a compelling product narrative through color. You will be instrumental in shaping ...

You'll join a team of talented designers, production artists, and creative professionals who love what they do and take pride in creating exceptional work. We're looking for a leader who will ...

You'll join a team of talented designers, production artists, and creative professionals who love what they do and take pride in creating exceptional work. We're looking for a leader who will ...

Creative Director

Portland, OR · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, bringing designers, writers, strategists, technologists, and producers together around a shared creative vision. * Balance multiple projects and creative ...

You'll be a part of a highly creative agency that has been recognized by AdAge, Adweek ... Inspire, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of designers, copywriters, art directors ...

Creative Director, Art

Portland, OR · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

You'll be a part of a highly creative agency that has been recognized by AdAge, Adweek ... Inspire, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of designers, copywriters, art directors ...

Creative Director, Art

Portland, OR · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

You'll be a part of a highly creative agency that has been recognized by AdAge, Adweek ... Inspire, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of designers, copywriters, art directors ...

Graphic Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$59 - $72/hr

Develop creative concepts that align with client objectives, brand standards, and project ... Create polished visual designs for digital products, marketing materials, client communications ...

New

Senior Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

We're a Creative Production Company where creativity meets production. We partner with national ... Senior Designer Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Salary: DOE Reports to: Creative Director ...

Senior Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

We're a Creative Production Company where creativity meets production. We partner with national ... Senior Designer Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Salary: DOE Reports to: Creative Director ...

Graphic Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

If you thrive in the wild, whether that's in the mountains or in the creative process, you might be our next great hire. About the Role As Rumpl's Graphic Designer, you're a trusted partner in our ...

If you thrive in the wild, whether that's in the mountains or in the creative process, you might be our next great hire. About the Role As Rumpl's Graphic Designer, you're a trusted partner in our ...

Graphic Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

If you thrive in the wild, whether that's in the mountains or in the creative process, you might be our next great hire. About the Role As Rumpl's Graphic Designer, you're a trusted partner in our ...

Apparel Color Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$36.60 - $40.67/hr

They foster a highly creative environment where design professionals push boundaries and set new ... Partner closely with apparel designers, product designers, and creative teams throughout the design ...

Production Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

You will ensure creative work meets stringent technical and manufacturing requirements, directly ... Collaborate closely with graphic designers and cross-functional partners to execute designs for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Creative Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$40.8K

$92.4K

$148.5K

How much do creative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative designer in Portland, OR is $92,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,200.00 and $122,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative designer?

A Creative Designer is a professional responsible for developing visual concepts and designs for various media, such as advertisements, branding, websites, and product packaging. They use their artistic skills and knowledge of design software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. Creative Designers often work with marketing teams, clients, or art directors to create visually appealing content that aligns with a brand's identity. Their role may involve brainstorming, sketching, creating digital assets, and ensuring that all visuals meet project objectives. They play a key role in shaping the visual aspects of a company's communications.

What is a creative designer?

A creative designer, also known as a graphic designer, is involved with advertising and marketing. Some creative designers are employed directly by an organization while others work for an advertising agency. Another option is to work as a self-employed freelance creative designer. Your main job duties involve creating advertising materials for a company. As a creative designer, you create a rough layout for design projects and follow them through to completion. You use digital illustration software to create the finished products. It is often essential to collaborate with other designers as well as writers, marketers, advertisers, and vendors on the project.

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

To thrive as a Creative Designer, you need a strong grasp of design principles, proficiency in visual storytelling, and typically a degree in graphic design or a related field. Mastery of tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with digital design platforms are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help set standout designers apart in collaborative environments. These skills ensure the creation of visually impactful, brand-consistent work that meets client needs and drives project success.

How does a creative designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Creative Designers frequently work closely with marketing, product, and development teams to ensure visual concepts align with overall business goals. They participate in brainstorming sessions, gather input from stakeholders, and adjust designs based on feedback from cross-functional colleagues. This collaborative process helps ensure that creative outputs not only look appealing but also support strategic objectives, meet technical requirements, and resonate with the target audience. Maintaining open communication and adaptability is key for success in these collaborative environments.

What is the difference between Creative Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative DesignerGraphic Designer
Primary FocusConcept development, branding, and visual storytellingCreating visual content like logos, posters, and digital graphics
Skills & ToolsDesign software, creativity, branding knowledgeAdobe Photoshop, Illustrator, layout skills
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, branding firms, marketing teamsPrint and digital media companies, design studios
CredentialsDesign degree or portfolio, sometimes certificationsDesign degree or portfolio, certifications optional

While both roles involve visual creation, a Creative Designer focuses on conceptualizing branding and storytelling, whereas a Graphic Designer primarily produces visual content for specific projects. The roles often overlap, but the Creative Designer has a broader scope in the creative process.

How much does a creative designer get paid?

The average salary for a creative designer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 annually. Entry-level designers may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with advanced proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite.

What qualifications do you need to be a creative designer?

A creative designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field. Strong skills in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, a good portfolio, and creativity are essential; some roles may also require experience or certifications in specific tools or techniques.

What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Designer jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Creative Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Creative Designer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Creative Designer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Creative Designer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,379 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Footwear Color Designer

Aquent

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop compelling color stories, palettes, and seasonal concepts for footwear.

  • Create moodboards and visual presentations to communicate color inspiration and strategy.

  • Guide color concepts through the entire product development process from ideation to final execution.


Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$42-46.67 Hourly
up to $46.67/hr
Start Date:
Sep 7, 2026
Aquent is partnering with a global leader in sportswear and lifestyle to find a visionary designer who will profoundly influence product direction through the power of color. This is an incredible opportunity to infuse culture, consumer insights, and compelling storytelling directly into the seasonal footwear portfolio, shaping how products resonate with consumers worldwide.
We are seeking a creative designer who deeply understands sneaker culture, consumer behavior, and the art of crafting a compelling product narrative through color. You will be instrumental in shaping seasonal footwear concepts, developing original color stories rooted in cultural trends, consumer insights, and broader product narratives that captivate and inspire.
What You'll Do
  • Develop compelling color stories, palettes, and seasonal concepts for an exciting footwear portfolio.
  • Create impactful moodboards and visual presentations that clearly communicate the inspiration and strategic rationale behind color direction.
  • Conduct in-depth research into cultural movements, consumer trends, and relevant subcultures to inform innovative design decisions.
  • Translate complex consumer insights and trend data into commercially relevant and aspirational color concepts.
  • Proactively review seasonal footwear lines, identifying and seizing opportunities for fresh, differentiated, and market-leading color stories.
  • Guide color concepts seamlessly through the entire product development journey, from initial ideation and concepting to final execution.
  • Collaborate closely with a diverse range of cross-functional stakeholders, including designers, product teams, developers, and merchandising partners, fostering a cohesive creative process.
  • Present innovative creative concepts and strategic color direction to teammates and key stakeholders, articulating your vision with clarity and passion.
  • Master the balance between creative storytelling, consumer relevance, authentic brand expression, and critical product considerations.

What We're Looking For
  • 5+ years of professional color design experience, specifically within footwear.
  • A strong, dynamic portfolio showcasing exceptional color storytelling, moodboard creation, palette development, and concept ideation.
  • Deep, nuanced knowledge of relevant cultural trends and consumer behaviors within the footwear market.
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage consumer insights, cultural research, and trend data to drive and influence impactful design decisions.
  • Proven experience developing compelling color and product narratives within categories such as sportswear, lifestyle, streetwear, or athletic footwear.
  • A sophisticated understanding of how color profoundly contributes to a product's overall story and its appeal to diverse consumers.
  • Bachelor's degree in design or a related field, or equivalent professional experience that demonstrates a high level of expertise.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex creative ideas to various audiences.

Nice to Have
  • Experience managing color concepts across an entire seasonal product journey, from inception to market launch.
  • Demonstrated experience developing comprehensive color direction for seasonal footwear assortments.
  • A background working with a major brand in the sportswear, footwear, lifestyle, or streetwear sectors.
  • Experience in effective cross-functional partnership across design, development, merchandising, and product teams.
  • Proficiency in presenting creative direction to senior leadership or diverse cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with color & materials (CMF) processes and the intricacies of footwear product development.

Why This Role
This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute your expertise to a highly visible global footwear portfolio, where your creative vision for color, informed by culture and consumer insight, will directly shape product direction. You will collaborate with an experienced design team, empowering you to define how color comes to life across seasonal footwear, leaving an indelible mark on products enjoyed by millions.
To be considered, please submit a resume and a compelling portfolio showcasing your footwear color design work.
About Aquent Talent:
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
Client Description
Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.