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Creative Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Smartly

Creative Director, Brand & Content

Chicago, IL · On-site

Creative Director, Brand & Content Smartly is looking for a Creative Director to join our Brand & Content team and help shape how our brand comes to life across campaigns, content, events, digital ...

Empire Today

Creative Operations Manager

Northlake, IL · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Creative Operations Manager serves as a senior creative contributor and operational partner to the Creative Director, supporting the planning, coordination, production, and execution of company ...

New

EVERSANA

Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

We provide next-generation creative and media services, enterprise solutions and data analytics services for clients. We get fired up when people talk about getting-and staying-healthy. That's where ...

James Hardie

Creative Project Manager

Chicago, IL

$84K - $114K/yr

Summary The Creative Project Manager supports the Senior Creative Project Manager in executing creative production strategies and managing day-to-day project workflows. This role helps coordinate ...

Define Ventures

Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130 - $210/hr

We provide next-generation creative and media services, enterprise solutions and data analytics services for clients. We get fired up when people talk about getting--and staying--healthy. That ...

Quest Diagnostics

Remote - Creative Manager l

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$125K - $135K/yr

The Creative Manager will work closely with internal teams and stakeholders to transform ideas into compelling creative projects across digital, marketing, branding, social media, and other ...

New

James Hardie

Creative Project Manager

Chicago, IL

$84K - $114K/yr

Summary The Creative Project Manager supports the Senior Creative Project Manager in executing creative production strategies and managing day-to-day project workflows. This role helps coordinate ...

James Hardie

Creative Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

Summary The Creative Project Manager supports the Senior Creative Project Manager in executing creative production strategies and managing day-to-day project workflows. This role helps coordinate ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCreative JobsCreative Jobs in Chicago, IL

Creative information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$107.8K

$162.9K

How much do creative jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative in Chicago, IL is $107,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $151,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are creative jobs?

Creative jobs are jobs that require artistic talent or a creative mindset, and they usually refer to jobs in the advertising, marketing, graphic design, apparel manufacturing, literary, and film industries. The specific qualifications for creative jobs vary by field and position. For example, if you want to work in the art department at an ad agency, you need to have strong visual skills, a talent for graphic or fine art, and excellent drawing and drafting skills. Meanwhile, as a copywriter, you need to have strong written communication skills. Your duties and responsibilities also vary depending on the type of creative work you do.

What is a creative?

Creatives are professionals involved in generating original ideas and producing content across various fields, such as advertising, marketing, design, writing, and the arts. Their main role is to develop visually appealing, engaging, or thought-provoking materials that help communicate messages, promote brands, or entertain audiences. Creatives can include graphic designers, copywriters, art directors, illustrators, and more, often working in teams or agencies to bring concepts to life.

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

Creative professionals often work closely with teams such as marketing, product management, and development to ensure their concepts align with overall business goals. Collaboration usually involves brainstorming sessions, regular feedback meetings, and iterative revisions based on input from key stakeholders. This cross-functional teamwork helps to refine ideas, maintain brand consistency, and deliver effective campaigns or products. Being open to feedback and adaptable to changes are important qualities for success in this collaborative environment.

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

To thrive as a Creative, you need a strong portfolio showcasing artistic ability, innovative thinking, and proficiency in design or content creation, often supported by a degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other digital media platforms is typically required. Standout soft skills include adaptability, collaboration, and effective communication to convey ideas and work with diverse teams or clients. These skills and qualities are essential to producing compelling work that meets project goals and adapts to evolving creative trends.

What is the difference between Creative vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreativeGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsPortfolio, sometimes a degree in arts or related fieldDegree or certification in graphic design or visual arts
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, media companies, marketing teamsDesign studios, marketing departments, freelance
Industry UsageBroader creative roles including advertising, branding, content creationPrimarily visual communication through graphics
Search & ComparisonBroader, encompassing various creative rolesMore specific to visual design tasks

While both Creative and Graphic Designer roles involve visual work, Creative is a broader term that includes various creative functions like branding, advertising, and content creation. Graphic Designers focus specifically on visual communication through graphic elements. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some creative careers?

Creative careers include roles such as graphic designer, writer, photographer, animator, and art director. These jobs often require strong artistic skills, proficiency with design or editing software, and a portfolio to showcase work. They can be found in industries like advertising, media, entertainment, and publishing.
More about Creative jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Creative jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Creative jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Creative jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Creative job openings:

Creative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,831 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Creative Director, Brand & Content

Smartly

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Creative Director, Brand & Content

Smartly is looking for a Creative Director to join our Brand & Content team and help shape how our brand comes to life across campaigns, content, events, digital experiences, and marketing initiatives. Reporting to the SVP of Brand & Content, this role combines creative leadership, people management, and conceptual thinking to create work that is distinctive, effective, and aligned with our business goals.

You'll lead a team of designers, develop strong creative concepts, and partner across the business to bring Smartly's story to life. This role is ideal for someone who began their career in design, has evolved into a conceptual art director, and enjoys helping creative teams produce their best work.

What You Will Do
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of designers, creating an environment where people can do their best work and grow their careers
  • Develop creative concepts and campaigns that strengthen Smartly's brand and connect with target audiences
  • Provide clear creative direction and feedback throughout the creative process, from brief through final execution
  • Partner with Brand, Content, Product Marketing, Communications, and other stakeholders to translate business objectives into compelling creative solutions
  • Elevate the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of Smartly's visual identity across all channels and touchpoints
  • Review and approve creative work, ensuring it meets strategic objectives, brand standards, and quality expectations
  • Help establish and refine creative processes, workflows, and ways of working that enable the team to scale its impact
  • Stay current on design, advertising, and cultural trends, bringing fresh thinking and new approaches to the team's work
What We Are Looking For
  • Experience leading and developing creative teams, including direct people management responsibilities
  • Strong background in graphic design, brand design, visual communication, or a related creative discipline
  • Experience as a conceptual Art Director, with a portfolio that demonstrates strong campaign thinking and creative problem-solving
  • Ability to translate strategy, messaging, and business goals into engaging creative concepts and visual storytelling
  • Strong design craft and a deep understanding of typography, layout, visual systems, and brand identity
  • Experience partnering with cross-functional stakeholders and navigating feedback from multiple audiences
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills
  • Ability to balance creative excellence with practical business outcomes
  • Experience working with consumer-facing brands or B2C marketing is preferred, but not required
  • Experience working in technology, SaaS, or high-growth environments is a plus
What We Offer You

Five weeks paid time off (PTO), 11 company paid holidays, unlimited sick days

Generous healthcare packages & mental health benefits

401K plus matching & equity grants for all new Smartlies

Wellness benefit & learning reimbursement opportunities

Volunteer time off days & company donation matching opportunities

And so much more…

The base pay range for this position is as mentioned below per year, plus an annual performance bonus. We take into consideration an individual's background, expertise, and experience in determining final salary. In addition to annual salary, Smartly's total rewards provide employees with stock options, medical/dental/vision insurances, retirement savings benefits, parental leave, 5 weeks vacation, unlimited sick days, life insurance, and disability benefits. This information is provided in accordance with applicable law. Base pay information is based on market location.

Salary in USD: 120,000-150,000

Curious what it's like to work at Smartly? Visit our Careers page to see how we grow, collaborate, and make impact together.

About Smartly

Smartly is the AI-powered advertising technology company transforming ad experiences for brands and their consumers. Our comprehensive advertising platform seamlessly integrates the capabilities of media, creative, and intelligence to power more than 800 billion impressions and generate more than 300 billion creatives annually, delivering tangible business outcomes for brands and advertisers.

Smartly is the only company in the industry recognized as a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Creative Advertising Technologies with PwC validating the results it delivers for brands. We manage creative and media for 700+ brands worldwide and $6B in ad spend across the largest media platforms, including Facebook, Google, Instagram, Pinterest, Snap, and TikTok. Our end-to-end technology, unmatched access to media platforms and exceptional customer service help Fortune 500 brands to reach and engage consumers and learn what performs best.Smartly is a multinational and diverse team of 750+ Smartlies from 60+ nationalities, working in 13 countries. Together, we want to create and maintain an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and heard. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion approach is at the heart of it.

Visit Smartly to learn more.
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