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Designer Illustrator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

Role Overview RethinkFirst is looking for a Graphic Designer / Illustrator with experience designing materials for teachers and students grades K - 8; Behavioral Health; or the Benefits ...

Role Overview RethinkFirst is looking for a Graphic Designer / Illustrator with experience designing materials for teachers and students grades K - 8; Behavioral Health; or the Benefits ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

Instructional Designer

North Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$62.50K - $84.60K/yr

Graphic Design and illustration experience is a must. I am looking for a very experienced instructional designer / learning strategist who has expertise with illustration, graphic design and all ...

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Designer Illustrator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$85.7K

$113.3K

How much do designer illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for designer illustrator in Chicago, IL is $85,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $112,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Designer Illustrator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of design principles, and proficiency in visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in graphic design, illustration, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and experience with digital drawing tablets are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret briefs and collaborate with clients or creative teams. These skills ensure you can produce compelling, high-quality visuals that meet project objectives and client expectations.

How do Designer Illustrators typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Designer Illustrators often work closely with creative directors, graphic designers, marketing teams, and clients to ensure that their illustrations align with the overall vision and objectives of a project. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, providing concept sketches, incorporating feedback, and revising artwork based on input from stakeholders. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as projects may require quick adjustments to meet changing requirements. This collaborative environment helps ensure that the final visual assets are cohesive and meet both aesthetic and strategic goals.

What are Designer Illustrators?

Designer Illustrators are creative professionals who combine artistic skills with design principles to create visual content for various media, such as books, advertisements, websites, packaging, and more. They use illustration techniques to communicate ideas, concepts, or stories, often working closely with clients, art directors, or marketing teams. Their work involves both traditional drawing and digital tools, and they may specialize in areas like fashion, editorial, technical, or children's book illustration.

What is an Illustrator's salary?

The average salary for an illustrator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $40,000 to $75,000 annually. Entry-level illustrators may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or a strong portfolio can earn higher salaries, especially in freelance or agency settings.

What is the difference between Designer Illustrator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesigner IllustratorGraphic Designer
Primary FocusCreating original illustrations and artworkDesigning visual content for branding, marketing, and print
Skills & ToolsDrawing, painting, digital illustration software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop)Layout, typography, branding, Adobe Creative Suite
Work EnvironmentFreelance, publishing, advertising, entertainmentAdvertising agencies, corporate in-house teams, design studios
CredentialsPortfolio, artistic skills, sometimes art or design degreesDesign degrees, portfolio, proficiency in design software

While both Designer Illustrators and Graphic Designers create visual content, Designer Illustrators focus on original artwork and illustrations, often for books, products, or entertainment. Graphic Designers typically work on branding, marketing materials, and layouts. The roles overlap in skills and tools but differ in primary output and application.

Infographic showing various Designer Illustrator job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 61% Physical, 17% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,655 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

Rethink

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

About Us
At RethinkFirst, we are on a mission to inspire and empower educators, behavioral health, and employers with solutions that address some of the biggest challenges today - employee burnout, student mental health, behavioral issues, and the need for effective interventions.
We are seeking a talented content writer with a passion for education and experience in EdTech, Behavioral Health, or Benefits Administration to help us create engaging and impactful content.
Role Overview
RethinkFirst is looking for a Graphic Designer / Illustrator with experience designing materials for teachers and students grades K - 8; Behavioral Health; or the Benefits Administration sectors.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design and produce graphic materials, including illustrations, unit guides, lesson plan documents, visual representations for lessons and activities.
  • Design new reinforcers, celebrations, student experiences, and playback mock-ups for the development team.
  • Be responsible for projects from conception to completion, working within project budgets and schedules.
  • Manage multiple projects and schedules simultaneously.
  • Work with curriculum writers to create engaging resource materials across all RethinkFirst's lines of business

Knowledge and Expertise:
  • Must have 2-4 years of graphic design experience.
  • Hands-on knowledge of a range of industry-standard software including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Research, design and execute a wide variety of graphics projects as assigned, from inception through completion
  • Excellent conceptual design skills, photo retouching skills, and formal knowledge of color and typography are required.
  • Proficient using Adobe Illustrator
  • Highly motivated
  • Attention to detail
  • Must be a collaborative and responsive team player and capable of handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits:
  • Generous health, dental, & vision benefits package
  • Flexible paid time off
  • 11 paid company holidays
  • 401k + matching
  • Parental leave
  • Access to our award-winning RethinkCare platform supporting neurodiversity in the workplace through parental success, professional resilience, and personal wellbeing

Location: Remote opportunities are available to candidates who reside in the following states: AL, AZ, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Our commitment to an inclusive workplace
RethinkFirst is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.
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