Graphic Designer Jobs in Illinois
Graphic Designer jobs in Illinois are active across a broad range of industries, from corporate marketing and packaging to publishing, retail branding, and digital media, with openings at every level from junior and entry-level through senior art direction. Chicago anchors the market by a wide margin, with strong secondary demand in Naperville and Schaumburg, where major employers like McDonald's, Walgreens, and Tribune Publishing maintain creative teams. The most in-demand specialties in Illinois are brand identity, digital and UI-adjacent design, and packaging for consumer goods companies. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 27+ Graphic Designer jobs
Extra Help - Graphic Designer Associate - Instructional Design & Media Studio
This Position is temporary and limited to 900 hours.
Hiring Department: Instructional Design & Media Studio
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042851
Hours per Week: 37.5
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Salary: The rate of pay for this position is $35.66 per hour.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Position Summary
The Extra Help Graphic Designer Associate (Multimedia Designer) is responsible for creating visually engaging and pedagogically effective design solutions for various educational materials and digital platforms. This role will offer project assistance by generating various visual and multimedia elements, including graphics, illustrations, animations, videos, and audio content. The Graphic Designer Associate incorporates design principles and accessibility standards that enhance the quality of educational experiences.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and produce visuals in support of online, asynchronous, and blended courses, including illustrations, infographics, images, video, animations, 2D assets, 3D assets, games, and simulation elements.
- Seek feedback and revise visual products to meet client requirements.
- Determine the most efficient and economical means of producing artwork to convey or enhance the subject matter.
- Assist collaborators in meeting due dates and producing throughout the creative and project management process
- Design and develop engaging visual content within Learning Management System modules.
- Combine graphics with type for optimal learning opportunities that align with principles of learning with multimedia.
- Collaborate with video specialists, instructional designers, and subject-matter experts to identify and solve teaching and learning challenges using visual multimedia solutions.
- Update and redesign existing course visuals to meet project requirements.
- Remain current with and incorporate the latest industry technology tools and trends in online education and instructional media.
- Proactively engage in professional development to stay up to date on the use of applications and emergent technologies that support the learning process as well as institutional policies and industry standards for ADA / WCAG compliance, UIC marketing/brand management, etc.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below1:
AND
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- 60 semester hours equals 12 months
- 90 semester hours equals 24 months
- 120 semester hours or a Bachelor's Degree equals 36 months
- work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- Twelve (12) months of progressively more responsible work experience and/or training comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Assistant level of this series
1A Master's Degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets all minimum acceptable qualifications for the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise with design and media development tools, including the Adobe Creative Suite, video production tools, and the Google and Microsoft Office Productivity Suites.
- Experience with various design disciplines.
- Experience working in a wide range of media and technologies for a variety of audiences.
A strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition. - Knowledge of advanced drawing, art history, and advanced photographic techniques. Knowledge of ADA/WCAG policies.
- Familiarity with educational theories, curriculum development, and instructional design principles.
- Strong aesthetic and analytical skills, design composition and typographic abilities. Skilled in producing vector graphics and digital illustrations using digital illustration software and tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate.
- Skillful web development skills (e.g., html5, css3, web content management systems). Able to efficiently execute video production and design processes.
- Capable of performing video and audio editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Audition). Can build accessible learning assets in compliance with ADA / WCAG requirements. Competency with Windows OS and Mac OS.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; Listens effectively during collaborative and team discussions about project goals and needs.
- Ability to convey complex information and concepts visually. Can incorporate multimedia elements such as animation, videos, and interactive graphics into educational materials.
- Able to design and prepare final production ready graphics.
- Adept at managing multiple simultaneous projects and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Extra Help - Graphic Designer Associate - Instructional Design & Media Studio
This Position is temporary and limited to 900 hours.
Hiring Department: Instructional Design & Media Studio
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042851
Hours per Week: 37.5
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Salary: The rate of pay for this position is $35.66 per hour.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Position Summary
The Extra Help Graphic Designer Associate (Multimedia Designer) is responsible for creating visually engaging and pedagogically effective design solutions for various educational materials and digital platforms. This role will offer project assistance by generating various visual and multimedia elements, including graphics, illustrations, animations, videos, and audio content. The Graphic Designer Associate incorporates design principles and accessibility standards that enhance the quality of educational experiences.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and produce visuals in support of online, asynchronous, and blended courses, including illustrations, infographics, images, video, animations, 2D assets, 3D assets, games, and simulation elements.
- Seek feedback and revise visual products to meet client requirements.
- Determine the most efficient and economical means of producing artwork to convey or enhance the subject matter.
- Assist collaborators in meeting due dates and producing throughout the creative and project management process
- Design and develop engaging visual content within Learning Management System modules.
- Combine graphics with type for optimal learning opportunities that align with principles of learning with multimedia.
- Collaborate with video specialists, instructional designers, and subject-matter experts to identify and solve teaching and learning challenges using visual multimedia solutions.
- Update and redesign existing course visuals to meet project requirements.
- Remain current with and incorporate the latest industry technology tools and trends in online education and instructional media.
- Proactively engage in professional development to stay up to date on the use of applications and emergent technologies that support the learning process as well as institutional policies and industry standards for ADA / WCAG compliance, UIC marketing/brand management, etc.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below1:
AND
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- 60 semester hours equals 12 months
- 90 semester hours equals 24 months
- 120 semester hours or a Bachelor's Degree equals 36 months
- work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- Twelve (12) months of progressively more responsible work experience and/or training comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Assistant level of this series
1A Master's Degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets all minimum acceptable qualifications for the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise with design and media development tools, including the Adobe Creative Suite, video production tools, and the Google and Microsoft Office Productivity Suites.
- Experience with various design disciplines.
- Experience working in a wide range of media and technologies for a variety of audiences.
A strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition. - Knowledge of advanced drawing, art history, and advanced photographic techniques. Knowledge of ADA/WCAG policies.
- Familiarity with educational theories, curriculum development, and instructional design principles.
- Strong aesthetic and analytical skills, design composition and typographic abilities. Skilled in producing vector graphics and digital illustrations using digital illustration software and tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate.
- Skillful web development skills (e.g., html5, css3, web content management systems). Able to efficiently execute video production and design processes.
- Capable of performing video and audio editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Audition). Can build accessible learning assets in compliance with ADA / WCAG requirements. Competency with Windows OS and Mac OS.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; Listens effectively during collaborative and team discussions about project goals and needs.
- Ability to convey complex information and concepts visually. Can incorporate multimedia elements such as animation, videos, and interactive graphics into educational materials.
- Able to design and prepare final production ready graphics.
- Adept at managing multiple simultaneous projects and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
See All 27 Graphic Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Graphic Designer JobsGraphic Designer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in graphic designer jobs across Illinois.
- Portfolio demonstrating brand, print, and digital design work across multiple Illinois-relevant industries
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field
- Experience translating marketing briefs into visual concepts for print and digital channels
- Familiarity with brand standards and style guide development for corporate or retail clients
- Ability to manage multiple projects under deadline in a fast-paced Illinois agency or in-house environment
Graphic Designer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a graphic designer in Illinois?
Graphic design in Illinois has no state-issued license or registration requirement, so entry is based on education and portfolio strength. Most Illinois employers expect a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a closely related field from an accredited program. Schools like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, and DePaul University are well-regarded locally. A strong portfolio demonstrating brand, digital, and print work consistently outweighs any single credential.
How much do graphic designers make in Illinois?
Graphic designers in Illinois earn a median of about $62,560 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $36,060 for the lowest 10% to over $98,750 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire graphic designers in Illinois?
Employers hiring graphic designers in Illinois right now include University of Illinois, Rural King, and Cannon Design, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of consumer packaged goods headquarters, major retailers, and publishing operations means in-house creative teams tend to post regularly throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most graphic designer jobs?
Chicago, Mattoon, and Aurora have the most graphic designer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it is home to the state's largest concentration of advertising agencies, corporate headquarters, and media companies, while suburban hubs like Naperville and Schaumburg carry demand from major consumer brands and regional corporate campuses headquartered along the I-88 corridor.
Are there remote graphic designer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 36% of graphic designer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting that design work is largely screen-based and deliverable-driven. Brand identity, digital production, and marketing design roles are the most commonly listed as fully remote, while packaging and print roles with physical press checks tend to require some on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a graphic designer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a junior designer or design coordinator role at an Illinois agency or in-house creative team, where on-the-job learning happens quickly. Large Illinois retailers and consumer goods companies regularly bring in design assistants and junior brand associates from local programs at institutions like Columbia College Chicago and SAIC. Building a portfolio through freelance projects, student competitions, or nonprofit pro bono work in Chicago gives candidates something concrete to show. Roles like production artist, marketing coordinator, or social media designer are common lateral entry points that move into full design work within one to two years.
Where can I find and apply to graphic designer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to graphic designer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring. Find roles that match your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 27 Graphic Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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