Brand & Experiential Designer (Chicago)
Location: Chicago, IL. Hybrid, onsite three days a week. Type: Full-time. Reports to: VP Creative Strategy & Operations Quartermaster is seeking a full-time Brand & Experiential Designer to take brands from identity to the live moment: the visual systems, and the immersive environments where audiences meet them. You'll support brand creation, brand transition, marketing, and experiential work across client accounts and our internal brands. Key Responsibilities Experiential Design and Production Concept and design immersive brand experiences, including activations, pop-ups, installations, event environments, and branded spaces, from first sketch through install Develop spatial concepts and guest journeys: moodboards, and floor plans that show scale, flow, and materials Translate 2D brand systems into physical environments (environmental graphics, signage, large-format print) and prepare production-ready artwork for fabricators and printers Partner with 3D designers, producers, fabricators, and vendors on materials, budgets, and feasibility, and support on-site installs and load-ins Build scalable toolkits that carry an experience across venues and markets Use AI tools for concept development, spatial visualization, and faster iteration Brand Design Design culturally attuned visual identities for new and existing brands across digital, physical, and experiential touchpoints Produce high-quality design from concept to completion, including identity, websites, social media, promotional materials, presentations, and packaging Develop, own, and adhere to brand standards for our Food, Beverage & CPG, Music & Culture, and Financial Services & Technology clients, and act as brand advocate across every application Coordinate with creative, marketing, strategy, and production teams while managing multiple projects and owning delivery Stay current on brand, experiential, and design trends, and maintain a library of brand assets, templates, guidelines, and experiential references Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications 5–7 years of design experience, including 3 years for brand or agency clients and at least 2 years in events, activations, retail, exhibit, or other physical environments A portfolio showing a variety of relevant projects, including built or produced experiential work Visual storytelling skills with a clear command of typography, color theory, layout, and branding, plus spatial design sense: scale, guest flow, and how graphics translate into physical space Working knowledge of materials, fabrication, and large-format print production; able to read and mark up drawings Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite and Google Workspace, particularly Google Slides; familiarity with Figma for web and UX Demonstrated ability to use AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, Gemini, Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, Claude, Claude Cowork) for concept development and faster workflows Thrives in a fast-paced agency setting: multitasks, stays detail-oriented, and holds high design standards Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, adapt to feedback, and manage client expectations Understanding of how consumer goals and business goals align Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, and travel for events Preferred Bachelor's degree in a design field, or equivalent experience Proficiency in at least one 3D or spatial tool (SketchUp, Vectorworks, Rhino, Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar) Light animation and video editing, including LED and projection content Vectorworks and lighting design familiarity; entertainment, music, or CPG activation experience A note on applying: Please submit a portfolio with your resume. Your resume should reflect your visual design savvy; applicants who submit stock, templated, or very rudimentary resume designs will not be considered. About Quartermaster Quartermaster is an agency dedicated to the art and science of Brandcraft, which involves the skillful gathering of market insights and strategic manipulation of creative touchpoints to achieve quantifiable results. Our expertise lies in creative marketing, experiential activations, graphic design, and branding solutions for companies in Food, Beverage & CPG, Music & Culture, and Financial Services & Technology. From branding and producing campaigns for some of the most influential companies in the world, to leading some of the most iconic live events and immersive brand activations, we've been at the forefront of brand experience for over 25 years.
