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Entry Level Visual Communication Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

IDEO

Senior Visual Communication Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Design thoughtful experiences across digital, physical, and hybrid touchpoints with the end user in mind * Produce high-quality visual deliverables that communicate user stories and strategic intent ...

IDEO

Senior Visual Communication Designer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

Design thoughtful experiences across digital, physical, and hybrid touchpoints with the end user in mind * Produce high-quality visual deliverables that communicate user stories and strategic intent ...

IDEO

Senior Visual Communication Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Visual Communication Designers at IDEO make the biggest impact through visual storytelling. They ... The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in graphic design and experience applying practical and ...

IDEO

Senior Visual Communication Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Visual Communication Designers at IDEO make the biggest impact through visual storytelling. They ... The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in graphic design and experience applying practical and ...

Landor

Design Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are looking for students pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Visual Arts, or a related discipline (grad students are also welcome to apply). These paid internships last ...

Landor

Design Intern

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

We are looking for students pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Visual Arts, or a related discipline (grad students are also welcome to apply). These paid internships last ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Smartly

Brand Design Intern

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$20/hr

Current college student pursuing a degree in graphic design, visual communication, marketing, or a related field * Experience creating digital illustrations and visual design work through coursework ...

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Entry Level Visual Communication Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40

$62

$84

How much do entry level visual communication design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level visual communication design in Chicago, IL is $62.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.03 and $74.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Visual Communication Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Visual Communication Designer, you need a strong foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and a relevant degree or coursework in graphic or visual design. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and basic knowledge of digital design tools are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies are essential for producing compelling, effective visual solutions that clearly convey messages and meet client or organizational needs.

What types of projects can an entry-level visual communication designer expect to work on, and how are assignments typically managed within a design team?

As an entry-level visual communication designer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as creating digital graphics, social media assets, marketing materials, and presentations. Assignments are often managed through collaborative project management tools, and you'll frequently receive direction from senior designers or creative leads. You'll likely participate in brainstorming sessions and feedback reviews, which help you develop your skills and understand the team's workflow. This collaborative environment offers valuable opportunities to learn industry standards and gain exposure to different design processes.

What is an entry level visual communication design job?

An entry level visual communication design job involves creating visual content to communicate messages effectively. Designers at this level work under supervision to produce graphics, layouts, and other visual materials for print, digital, and social media platforms. Responsibilities often include assisting with branding, advertising, and marketing projects while learning industry-standard design tools and techniques. Entry level designers collaborate with senior team members and gain experience in applying design principles to real-world projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Visual Communication Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level Visual Communication DesignGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign agencies, corporate marketing teams, freelance projectsAdvertising agencies, in-house marketing, freelance work
Industry UsageCommonly used in marketing, branding, digital mediaPrimarily in branding, advertising, print and digital media

Entry Level Visual Communication Design and Graphic Designer roles often overlap, especially at the start of careers. Both require similar credentials, such as degrees or certifications, and are employed in similar environments like agencies or corporate teams. The main difference lies in scope: visual communication design emphasizes conveying messages visually across various media, while graphic design focuses more on creating visual content primarily for print and digital media. Understanding these nuances helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and interests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Communication Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Visual Communication Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Entry Level Visual Communication Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Visual Communication Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,099 per year, or $62.1 per hour.
Senior Visual Communication Designer

Senior Visual Communication Designer

IDEO

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Senior Visual Communication Designer
In a nutshell:
Visual Communication Designers at IDEO make the biggest impact through visual storytelling. They work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to bring ideas, research, strategy, and stories to life through strong craft execution.
The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in graphic design and experience applying practical and conceptual design principles across brand expression, interaction and digital product experiences, motion, and storytelling. We're looking for designers who bring a distinct visual voice, curiosity, and a commitment to craft excellence.
In this role, you will...
You'll work as a key contributor on project teams, supporting all phases of the design process-from early exploration and prototyping through to polished, client-facing deliverables. Your work may span brand, storytelling, motion, interaction and digital product, information design, packaging, and environmental expression.
Once here you will:
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate research and strategy into compelling visual narratives
  • Contribute to the development and expression of brand identities across mediums
  • Create looks-like/works-like prototypes at varying levels of fidelity to explore and communicate design directions
  • Design thoughtful experiences across digital, physical, and hybrid touchpoints with the end user in mind
  • Produce high-quality visual deliverables that communicate user stories and strategic intent working across a variety of industries (health, financial services, consumer products, etc.)
  • Advocate for exceptional visual craft through making, iteration, and collaboration
Some previous projects to check out:
  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology Brand
  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
  • The Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California Berkeley
  • Cities United Rebrand
Design Craft:
  • Relevant experience and/or educational background required in interactive/graphic design across a variety of applications and media
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating elevated design craft, typography, layout, and visual storytelling
  • Extensive experience with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Figma
  • Familiarity with motion and interaction tools (After Effects, prototyping platforms, etc.)
  • Comfort collaborating in client-facing presentation environments such as Google Slides and FigJam/Figma Slides
  • Curiosity and openness to experimenting with emerging mediums including 3D, motion, and AI-assisted design
Diverse Experience:
  • Experience establishing and expressing brand identity, from understanding strategy through creative interpretation and execution, including: visual identities, brand systems, and guidelines for implementation
  • Experience in concept ideation, design research, and prototyping, with a curiosity for learning and experimenting across visual, digital, and experiential mediums
  • Ability to work across a wide range of design challenges, recognizing patterns, and translating insights into thoughtful visual solutions
  • Comfort moving between exploratory and polished work, helping teams bring ideas to life through strong craft and storytelling
Key Mindsets:
  • Collaborative and adaptable: able to navigate team dynamics,timelines, and client contexts while delivering exceptional design.
  • Growth oriented and resilient: open to feedback, eager to iterate, and comfortable learning through experimentation and critique
  • Curious and proactive: able to generate ideas, take initiative, and contribute wherever needed, from early exploration to final delivery.
What does IDEO offer you?
IDEO is a place where you can solve diverse, complex challenges for our clients and their organizations, alongside thoughtful, intelligent individuals who lead with curiosity, empathy, and humility. We intentionally craft moments that allow our community to pause, create, and connect. We encourage our community to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life balance, and allow for autonomy in the design process and your career.
Payscale & Benefits
IDEO is committed to paying its employees, contractors & vendors equitably, regardless of gender identity or race/ethnicity/cultural identity.
The salary range for this role is $80,000-$100,000 USD. Final offers may vary based on candidate experience, location, and other factors. As a full-time position, this role is eligible for employee benefits.

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