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Freelance Graphics Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Marklund

Senior Graphic Designer

Lafox, IL

$59K - $62K/yr

Marklund in Geneva is hiring a Senior Graphic Designer! Would you like to make a difference in the ... Preferred: 9 years professional experience not including freelance/internships * Must be proficient ...

Marklund

Senior Graphic Designer

Lafox, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Marklund in Geneva is hiring a Senior Graphic Designer! Would you like to make a difference in the ... Preferred: 9 years professional experience not including freelance/internships * Must be proficient ...

Marklund

Senior Graphic Designer

Geneva, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Invite a friend Back to job search Marklund in Geneva is hiring a Senior Graphic Designer. Would ... including freelance/internships Must be proficient in Adobe Suite software including InDesign ...

Marklund

Senior Graphic Designer

Lafox, IL

$62K - $65K/yr

Marklund in Geneva is hiring a Senior Graphic Designer! Would you like to make a difference in the ... Preferred: 9 years professional experience not including freelance/internships * Must be proficient ...

Sköna

Motion Designer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

... graphics, case studies, and agency reels * Proactively identify opportunities for motion within existing brand and campaign platforms * Collaborate with freelance motion designers or external ...

TA Resources LLC

Senior Graphic Designer

Libertyville, IL

$62K - $86K/yr

Manage and mentor freelance designers, photographers, stylists, and associate creatives. * Support ... Bachelor's degree in graphic design, Marketing, Visual Communication, or a related field. * 6-8 ...

EA Collective

Contract Spatial Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55 - $85/hr

SUMMARY The Contract Spatial Designer is a part-time/freelance position in the creative department ... graphic designers, creative strategists and other spatial designers. The Contract Spatial Designer ...

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Freelance Graphics Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20

$35

$49

How much do freelance graphics designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance graphics designer in Chicago, IL is $35.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.70 and $43.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance graphics designer do?

A freelance graphics designer is a self-employed professional who creates visual content for clients on a project-by-project basis. Their work includes designing logos, marketing materials, websites, social media graphics, and other visual assets to communicate a brand's message. Freelance designers often work with multiple clients simultaneously, manage their own schedules, and handle the business aspects of their services, such as contracts and invoicing. They may collaborate remotely or onsite, depending on client needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance graphics designer?

To thrive as a Freelance Graphics Designer, you need a strong grasp of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in graphic design, often supported by a relevant portfolio or degree. Mastery of tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with digital asset management systems are typically required. Outstanding communication, self-motivation, and time management help freelancers succeed in client interactions and project delivery. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality design work, meeting client expectations, and maintaining a steady stream of freelance opportunities.

What are some common challenges freelance graphics designers face when working with clients, and how can they be managed?

Freelance graphic designers often encounter challenges such as unclear project briefs, scope creep, and managing client expectations. To address these, it's important to communicate clearly from the outset, set detailed contracts, and establish milestones for feedback and revisions. Regular check-ins with clients and using project management tools can also help keep projects on track and ensure both parties are aligned throughout the design process.

What is the difference between Freelance Graphics Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectFreelance Graphics DesignerGraphic Designer
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or client-site projectsIn-house or agency settings
CredentialsPortfolio, design skills; certifications optionalDegree in Graphic Design or related field often preferred
Employment StatusSelf-employed or contractorFull-time or part-time employee
Client InteractionDirect with clients, project-basedWithin a team or agency, collaborative

Freelance Graphics Designers work independently, managing their own clients and projects, often without formal employment. In contrast, Graphic Designers typically work within companies or agencies, following organizational workflows. Both roles require strong design skills, but freelancing offers more flexibility and self-direction, while in-house roles provide stability and team collaboration.

How much money do freelance graphics designers make?

Freelance graphics designers typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and project complexity. Annual income varies widely, with many earning from $30,000 to over $100,000, often influenced by their portfolio, client base, and specialization in tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

How to get freelance work as a freelance graphics designer?

Freelance graphics designers can find work by creating a strong online portfolio on platforms like Behance or Dribbble, networking through social media, and applying to freelance job boards such as Upwork or Fiverr. Building a reputation through quality work and client reviews helps attract more clients and secure ongoing projects.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Freelance Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Graphics Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Graphics Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Graphics Designer job openings:

Freelance Graphics Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Graphics Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,296 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Freelance Graphic Designer- Agency

Wheaton, IL

Red Caffeine
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Red Caffeineexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Freelance Graphic Designer - Agency

We're expanding our network of creative talent and are currently looking for Senior Graphic Design freelancers for ongoing client work.

We're seeking someone who brings a rare combination of strategic thinking and design expertise. The ideal candidate has experience across print, social media, digital, and UX/UI design, and knows how to translate business objectives into compelling brand experiences.

This role goes beyond creating assets. We're looking for someone who can:
• Understand the business challenge behind the work
• Develop strong creative and brand concepts
• Build scalable design systems and visual frameworks
• Execute across multiple channels while maintaining consistency and quality

Principals only. Recruiters, please do not contact us regarding this role. 

Due to the high volume of resumes we receive; we will not be able to contact every applicant individually. Should we feel you are qualified, you will be contacted with the next steps in our application process.   

Red Caffeine celebrates differences and embraces diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, and any other protected characteristics. We respect and acknowledge diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences within our team.


Please note that we do not currently provide employment sponsorship or assistance with obtaining work authorization.

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