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Visual Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

IDEO

Visual Communication Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Chicago Visual Communication Design Lead In a nutshell: We are looking for a Visual Communication Design Lead who can guide teams and clients through complex design challenges, setting the visual ...

IDEO

Senior Visual Communication Designer

Chicago, IL

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 ...

Hearst

Visual Designer (Temporary)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$48 - $57/hr

A team of UX and Visual Designers, Design Directors, and Content specialists, who create digital experiences that help our clients achieve measurable business outcomes. As a Visual Designer, you'll ...

Hearst Newspapers

Visual Designer (Temporary)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$48 - $57/hr

A team of UX and Visual Designers, Design Directors, and Content specialists, who create digital experiences that help our clients achieve measurable business outcomes. As a Visual Designer, you'll ...

Hearst Television

Visual Designer (Temporary)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$48 - $57/hr

A team of UX and Visual Designers, Design Directors, and Content specialists, who create digital experiences that help our clients achieve measurable business outcomes. As a Visual Designer, you'll ...

Hearst Newspapers

Visual Designer (Temporary)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$48 - $57/hr

A team of UX and Visual Designers, Design Directors, and Content specialists, who create digital experiences that help our clients achieve measurable business outcomes. As a Visual Designer, you'll ...

Hearst

Visual Designer (Temporary)

Chicago, IL

$48 - $57/hr

A team of UX and Visual Designers, Design Directors, and Content specialists, who create digital experiences that help our clients achieve measurable business outcomes. As a Visual Designer, you'll ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and ... They must have a strong grasp of visual language with the ability to understand the intent behind ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and ... They must have a strong grasp of visual language with the ability to understand the intent behind ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and ... They must have a strong grasp of visual language with the ability to understand the intent behind ...

IDEO

Visual Communication Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Chicago Visual Communication Design Lead In a nutshell: We are looking for a Visual Communication Design Lead who can guide teams and clients through complex design challenges, setting the visual ...

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All JobsVisual Design JobsVisual Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Visual Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40

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$84

How much do visual design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual 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 a visual designer?

To thrive as a Visual Designer, you need a strong foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and proficiency with a degree in graphic or visual design. Mastery of tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with digital platforms or prototyping tools like Figma is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills set outstanding visual designers apart. These skills ensure the creation of compelling visuals that effectively communicate ideas, align with brand goals, and engage target audiences.

How do visual designers typically collaborate with other teams during a project?

Visual designers frequently work alongside UX designers, developers, and product managers to ensure that the visual aspects of a product align with the overall user experience and technical requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, providing assets, and iterating on feedback from different stakeholders. Clear communication and openness to feedback are crucial, as visual designers must balance creative vision with practical constraints and user needs. This collaborative environment helps ensure cohesive, visually appealing, and user-friendly final products.

Is visual design a good career?

Visual design is a viable career that involves creating visual content for digital and print media, often requiring skills in graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. It offers opportunities in various industries such as advertising, marketing, and technology, with roles ranging from junior designer to art director. Success typically depends on creativity, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving design trends.

What is the difference between Visual Design vs Graphic Design?

AspectVisual DesignGraphic Design
FocusCreating visual concepts, layouts, and user interfaces for digital productsDesigning visual content for print and digital media, including logos, posters, and branding materials
SkillsUI/UX principles, typography, color theory, digital toolsTypography, layout, branding, print production
Work EnvironmentPrimarily digital, web, app interfacesPrint studios, advertising agencies, digital media
Common UsageWebsites, apps, digital productsPrint media, branding, marketing materials

While both roles involve visual creativity, Visual Design primarily focuses on digital interfaces and user experience, whereas Graphic Design emphasizes visual content for print and branding. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or project focus.

What is visual design?

Visual design is a field focused on the aesthetics and graphical elements of a product, website, or digital interface. It combines principles of graphic design, color theory, typography, and layout to create visually appealing and effective communications. Visual designers work to ensure that interfaces are both attractive and functional, enhancing user experience by guiding attention and conveying brand identity. Their work often overlaps with UI design, but visual design prioritizes the look and feel rather than the structure or usability alone.

Are visual designers in demand?

Yes, visual designers are in demand across various industries such as technology, marketing, and media, as companies prioritize strong visual branding and user experience. The role often requires proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of user-centered design principles, with job growth expected to continue as digital content expands.

What does a visual designer do?

A visual designer creates visual content for digital and print media, including layouts, graphics, and user interfaces. They use tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to develop designs that communicate messages effectively and enhance user experience. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and understanding of design principles are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Visual Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Visual Design jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Visual Design job openings:
Visual Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,099 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Designer, Visual Design

Cengage Learning, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$58K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

We believe in the power and joy of learning
At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping learners around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose - driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
We're seeking a Designer who creates strong visual work across print and digital experiences. In this role, you'll help produce engaging, accessible, and effective educational products.
You'll work with cross-functional partners to turn ideas into clear design solutions. You'll also build skills in AI-enabled design workflows and use these tools to support ideation and efficiency.
This is a hands-on role with growing ownership. You'll manage your work while contributing to team practices and improvements.
What you'll do here:
  • Design visual assets for print and digital formats that meet brand, accessibility, and quality standards.
  • Contribute to brainstorming and concept development.
  • Work with product, content, and other collaborators to understand market goals and audience needs.
  • Manage your assignments and deliver high-quality work on time.
  • Use generative AI tools to support ideation, iteration, and production tasks.
  • Review and refine your work to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Follow and help improve team workflows and design practices.
  • Stay current with design trends, tools, and AI capabilities.

Skills you will need here:
  • 2-5 years of experience in visual or graphic design.
  • A portfolio that shows strong design skills across print or digital work.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Firefly).
  • Familiarity with Figma and collaborative design tools.
  • Experience with or exposure to generative AI tools for design workflows.
  • Understanding of responsible AI use, including human review and quality control.
  • Strong skills in layout, typography, color, and composition.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Clear communication and collaboration skills.

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.
Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com
About Cengage
Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
Compensation
At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.
The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.
$58,300.00 - $93,200.00 USD

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