JAK Creative Design is hiring: Creative Visual Designer in Chicago

Junior Visual Designer — Print & Digital

Hybrid | Western Suburbs of Chicago

Full-time | 3 days per week in office

Salary: based on experience and portfolio

About Jak Creative Design
Jak Creative Design is a woman-owned, independent creative agency based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

For nearly three decades, we’ve partnered with startups, nonprofits, and Fortune 100 brands to create thoughtful, design-driven work across print, digital, branding, and campaign systems.

We’re a small, experienced team that values strong relationships, smart thinking, collaboration, and creative that performs in the real world.

Our work often moves quickly and includes a high volume of detailed deliverables, so accuracy, organization, and follow-through matter just as much as creative thinking.

The Role
We’re looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Junior Visual Designer who is early in their career and ready to grow through hands‑on agency experience.

This role is designed for a recent graduate or designer with up to two years of professional experience. We will also consider candidates with less than one year of experience who demonstrate strong design fundamentals, a thoughtful portfolio, and a willingness to learn.

You’ll work closely with senior creative leadership and the broader team to develop and execute marketing materials across print and digital, with a strong emphasis on direct mail, campaign creative, presentations, email, and production-ready design.

You do not need to know everything on day one. You should, however, have strong fundamentals, good judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback and apply it thoughtfully.

This role includes working within:

Established brand guidelines
Campaign and layout systems
Direct mail and print production requirements
Digital design specifications
Multiple timelines and changing priorities

What You’ll Do
Design and update materials across print and digital, including direct mail, email, web, presentations, social media, and display advertising
Translate creative direction into clear, polished, on‑brand work
Develop concepts and layouts with guidance from senior team members
Adapt existing campaign systems across formats, audiences, offers, and versions
Prepare accurate, production-ready files for print and digital use
Build and revise direct mail pieces, including envelopes, letters, inserts, and supporting campaign materials
Make revisions based on internal and client feedback
Collaborate with designers, project managers, account teams, copywriters, and production partners
Manage multiple assignments while staying organized and meeting deadlines
Participate in brainstorms, creative reviews, and internal presentations
Ask thoughtful questions, communicate clearly, and take ownership of assigned work

What You Bring
Zero to two years of professional design experience, including internships, freelance work, or relevant in‑house or agency experience
A portfolio that demonstrates strong typography, layout, visual hierarchy, and attention to detail
Foundational experience designing for both print and digital
Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
An understanding of basic print production and file preparation
The ability to follow brand guidelines while still bringing thoughtful design ideas to the work
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Openness to feedback and a genuine desire to improve
Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset

Bonus Points
Experience in any of the following is helpful, but not required:

Agency or high-volume in‑house creative environments
Direct mail, versioned campaigns, or variable content
Print production and vendor file preparation
HTML email design
Figma
Motion graphics or light animation
Presentation design
Financial services, utilities, healthcare, or other regulated industries

Who You Are
Curious, motivated, and eager to learn
Detail-oriented and proud of producing accurate work
Comfortable receiving direction and constructive feedback
Reliable, accountable, and willing to ask questions
Able to stay organized when priorities shift
Interested in both creative thinking and strong execution
A supportive teammate who values communication and follow-through

Why Jak
At Jak, you won’t disappear into layers of process or hierarchy.

You’ll:

Work directly with experienced creative leaders
Contribute to real client work from the start
Gain experience across a wide variety of print and digital assignments
Develop meaningful experience in direct mail and integrated campaign work
Learn how creative moves from concept through production
Receive guidance, feedback, and opportunities to build your skills
Have visibility into client needs, creative decisions, and agency operations

This is a place for an early‑career designer who wants to learn quickly, contribute meaningfully, and grow into greater creative responsibility over time.

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