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

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Creative Services Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$32

How much do creative services associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative services associate in Chicago, IL is $19.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative services associate?

Creative Services Associates are professionals who support the creative departments within organizations, such as advertising agencies, marketing firms, or in-house creative teams. They typically assist with project coordination, managing schedules, preparing materials, and facilitating communication between clients and creative staff. Their goal is to ensure that creative projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the client's specifications. Creative Services Associates often work with designers, copywriters, and account managers to help bring creative ideas to life.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a creative services associate?

To thrive as a Creative Services Associate, you need a strong background in graphic design, marketing, and project coordination, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with design software like Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with project management tools such as Trello or Asana are typically required. Exceptional communication, time management, and collaboration skills help you excel in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality creative assets on time and ensuring brand consistency across all projects.

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

Creative Services Associates often work closely with marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure branding and messaging are consistent across all materials. They participate in brainstorming sessions, gather feedback, and adjust creative assets based on input from stakeholders. Strong communication and project management skills are essential, as associates frequently juggle multiple projects and coordinate with diverse teams to meet tight deadlines. This collaborative environment helps ensure creative solutions align with broader business goals.

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

AspectCreative Services AssociateGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certification, basic design skillsBachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field, strong portfolio
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, client-facing, support role within marketing or creative teamsDesign-focused, independent or team-based, creative studio or corporate setting
Employer & Industry UsageAdvertising agencies, marketing departments, media companiesDesign firms, advertising agencies, corporate marketing teams
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level or support roles in creative teamsAssessing professional design roles and skills required

The Creative Services Associate typically supports creative projects, assisting with tasks like content coordination and basic design, often requiring an associate's degree. In contrast, a Graphic Designer focuses on creating visual concepts, requiring a strong portfolio and a degree in design. Both roles work within creative environments but differ in responsibilities and skill levels.

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

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

Infographic showing various Creative Services Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 18% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,741 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Quill, Manager Creative

Staples, Inc.

Lincolnshire, IL • On-site

Full-time

Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Staples rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 636 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

428th of 734 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.

What Staples employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Staples logo

About Staples

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Staples is the country's largest operator of office supplies superstores, offering a vast selection of products at low prices, primarily to small business owners. The company has a strong online presence and operates over 994 stores in the U.S. and 40 warehouses/fulfillment centers. The company was founded by Leo Kahn and Thomas G. Stemberg, and opened its first store in Brighton, Massachusetts on May 1, 1986. By 1996, it had reached the Fortune 500, and later acquired the office supplies company Quill Corporation. Staples provides office and school supplies, office furnishings, electronics, software, snack and beauty products, as well as offering printing and technological services. The company has a strong commitment to innovation and customer service.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Framingham, MA, US

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