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Entry Level Creative Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · Remote

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... Reports to Creative Director, Senior Director, or lead designer * Support various projects under ...

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · Hybrid

$19.50 - $26/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... Reports to Creative Director, Senior Director, or lead designer * Support various projects under ...

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · On-site +1

$19.50 - $26/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... Reports to Creative Director, Senior Director, or lead designer * Support various projects under ...

CROSSMARK1

Retail Merchandiser

La Grange, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

CROSSMARK is looking for creative, social team members that want the opportunity to work with major ... Company-provided training (Ideal for entry-level or those looking to obtain new skills.

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All JobsCreative JobsEntry Level Creative Director JobsEntry Level Creative Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Creative Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.3K

$133.3K

$223.2K

How much do entry level creative director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level creative director in Chicago, IL is $133,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $156,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level creative director?

To thrive as an Entry Level Creative Director, you need a solid foundation in design principles, creative strategy, and project management, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, advertising, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite and experience using project management tools are commonly expected. Strong communication, leadership potential, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams make candidates stand out. These skills are essential to drive creative vision while managing multiple projects and aligning with client and company objectives.

What is an entry level creative director?

An Entry Level Creative Director is a junior role that involves assisting in the development of creative concepts, campaigns, and branding strategies. They typically work under senior creative leaders, contributing fresh ideas, overseeing small projects, and collaborating with designers, writers, and marketers. While they may not have full leadership responsibilities, they help execute creative visions and gain experience in directing visual and messaging strategies. This role serves as a stepping stone to more senior creative leadership positions.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level creative directors in their first year?

Entry level Creative Directors often face challenges such as balancing creative ideas with client or stakeholder expectations, managing tight deadlines, and learning to lead teams while still developing their own creative voice. Adapting to fast-paced changes in project scope and receiving constructive feedback on creative concepts are also common early hurdles. However, these challenges provide valuable learning experiences that help you refine your leadership skills, strengthen your portfolio, and advance within the creative industry. Many companies offer mentorship and ongoing training to support new directors as they navigate these obstacles and grow in their roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Entry Level Creative jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Entry Level Creative jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Creative Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Creative Director job openings:
Entry Level Creative Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Creative Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,334 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Junior Graphic Designer

Glantz

Evanston, IL • Remote

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the Role:

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well as local and regional businesses. You'll engage in both production and hands-on design, working with established brand standards and developing new ones for print and digital mediums.

As a Junior Designer, you'll lead smaller projects within larger accounts and assist the design team. You'll learn studio operations, handle production work, and gradually begin presenting to clients alongside the Creative Director. Over your first year, you'll expand your skills to include PowerPoint, user experience, interface design, motion graphics, and branding.

About Glantz:

Our working environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with multiple projects in process simultaneously. You must know the difference between good and great work and strive for the best within scope.

Check out our benefits such as 15 days of PTO plus holiday break, casual work environment, multiple insurance options, professional development, and flexible work hours outside client meetings. Apply and send your portfolio along with why you want to join the team.

Your Responsibilities:
  • Reports to Creative Director, Senior Director, or lead designer
  • Support various projects under senior team guidance
  • Assist with designs using Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and Figma
  • Execute production design tasks efficiently and accurately
  • Develop skills in web design and digital strategy
  • Contribute to logo and brand identity concepts
  • Prioritize purposeful, strategic design over trendy visual aesthetics
As you grow, we'll expect that you:
  • Self-start when faced with ambiguity or choice-paralysis
  • Gain understanding of project needs based on user insights and analytics
  • Collaborate across teams to meet client objectives
  • Observe and assist with UX/web design, including prototype creation in Figma
  • Learn marketing best practices for digital campaigns
  • Develop skills in presenting design decisions aligned with business goals
  • Contribute to team process improvement initiatives
Accountability:
  • Stays within budgets and timelines
  • Balances multiple projects at a time
  • Maintains daily timesheets
  • Maintains approximately 40 hours/week of working time (8:30-5:30ish) with some flexibility for early or late meetings or emergency work
  • Embodies our values

Requirements

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in design or related field
  • 1-3 years of experience (internships, freelance, or recent graduate portfolio)
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • Figma and PowerPoint skills
  • Strong design portfolio demonstrating:
    • Gestalt principles
    • Typography
    • Color theory
    • Layout principles
    • Print and digital design
    • Branding projects
Desired Skills:
  • Attention to detail
  • Comfortable self-starting with good time management
  • Collaborative mindset
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Effective communication
  • Creativity and curiosity
  • Ability to work independently
Bonus Skills:
    • Experience with video and motion graphics
    • Up-to-date on design trends
    • Mac / PC proficiency

Benefits

Check out our benefits such as:

  • Fully remote with local teamwork opportunities in the Chicago area
  • 15 days of PTO plus the week of Christmas to New Year (that's a month total in PTO!)
  • Casual work environment (favorite band t-shirt a must)
  • Multiple insurance options (adulting at its finest)
  • 401K (future you thanks you)
  • Short-term disability (cause you never know)
  • Professional development (two extra PTO days a year for upping skills)
  • A true 40-hour work week, with rare evening or weekend work (hooray!)

Apply and send your resume and cover letter, along with why you want to join the team.