16 Best Creative Agencies in Chicago • Scottmax.com

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A creative agency is a specialized firm that offers a spectrum of marketing and advertising services to help businesses grow and engage with their target audience.

It is a one-stop solution for developing different strategies and marketing ideas to attract potential customers and improve customer engagement.

Chicago is a hub for plenty of reputed creative agencies that focus on different marketing, advertising, and branding techniques to create a strong online presence and get ahead of the competition.

These agencies have a creative team of thinkers, designers, and developers who use different online strategies and planning for engaging with the target audience.

Find a list of the best creative agencies in Chicago to get a full service of marketing and advertising solutions at cost-effective prices.

A creative agency is a firm that specializes in developing innovative marketing strategies, branding, and visual content. They offer services such as graphic design, web development, and advertising to help businesses effectively communicate their message and enhance their brand identity.

A creative agency offers a wide range of services to help businesses enhance their brand and market their products effectively. These services include:

Branding and Identity:
- Developing logos, color schemes, and brand guidelines to create a cohesive brand image.
Graphic Design:
- Designing promotional materials like brochures, posters, and business cards.
Web Design and Development:
- Creating and maintaining visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
Content Creation:
- Producing engaging content for blogs, social media, videos, and more.
Advertising:
- Developing and executing advertising campaigns across various media channels.
Digital Marketing:
- Implementing strategies for SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns.
Photography and Videography:
- Creating professional photos and videos to enhance marketing efforts.
Creative Consulting:
- Offering strategic advice to improve brand positioning and market presence.

A creative agency integrates these services to craft cohesive, impactful marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences.

Creative agencies focus on a wide range of marketing and design services, including content creation and advertising.
Branding agencies specialize in building and maintaining a brand’s identity and image.

Services	Creative Agencies	Branding Agencies
Brand Identity Development	✔	✔
Logo Design	✔	✔
Graphic Design	✔
Web Design & Development	✔
Content Creation	✔
Advertising Campaigns	✔
Social Media Marketing	✔
Digital Marketing	✔
Market Research		✔
Brand Strategy	✔	✔
Brand Guidelines	✔	✔
Brand Positioning	✔	✔
Visual Identity	✔	✔
Brand Messaging		✔
Rebranding		✔

In summary, while both agencies offer services related to brand identity, creative agencies provide a broader range of marketing and design services, whereas branding agencies focus exclusively on developing and maintaining a brand’s identity and strategic positioning.

When you're looking to hire a creative agency, understanding their pricing structure can help you budget accordingly. Creative agencies charge based on various factors such as the scope of work, project complexity, and the agency’s expertise. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay.

Hourly Rates

Hourly rates for creative agencies can vary widely. On average, a digital marketing agency might charge between $100 to $200 per hour for their services. However, this can fluctuate based on the agency’s location, reputation, and specialization. For example, a smaller agency in a less competitive market may charge around $75 to $150 per hour. In contrast, a larger, more established agency in a major city might have hourly rates ranging from $150 to $300 or more.

Monthly Retainer

Many creative agencies prefer a monthly retainer model, where clients pay a set fee each month for ongoing services. Retainer fees can range significantly depending on the level of service and the agency’s experience. You might find retainer fees starting at around $1,000 per month for basic services, but they can go up to $10,000 or more for comprehensive, high-touch services.

Project-Based Fees

Another common pricing model is project-based fees, where the agency quotes a fixed price for the entire project. This approach can be beneficial for one-time projects or specific campaigns. Smaller projects might cost a few thousand dollars, while larger, more complex initiatives can run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. For instance, a complete brand overhaul or a large-scale marketing campaign could easily hit the upper end of this range.

Performance-Based Pricing

Some agencies offer performance-based pricing models, where their fees are tied to achieving specific goals or metrics. This can be an attractive option if you’re looking for measurable results, such as increased sales or website traffic. Performance fees typically range from 10% to 30% of the campaign’s budget. For example, if a campaign budget is $50,000, the performance fee might be an additional $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the agreed-upon metrics.

Choosing the Right Agency

Ultimately, choosing the right creative agency comes down to understanding your business goals and budget. Look at the agency’s track record, client satisfaction, and expertise in your industry. Ask for case studies or examples of their previous work to see if they align with your expectations. By doing your homework and asking the right questions, you can make an informed decision and find the right agency to help you achieve your goals.

In summary, creative agency pricing can vary widely based on a number of factors. Whether you opt for hourly rates, a monthly retainer, project-based fees, or performance-based pricing, it’s important to align the costs with your business objectives and budget. This way, you can ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

Hiring a creative agency can be a game-changer for your business. Here’s why it’s a smart move.

First off, creative agencies bring a wealth of expertise. They have teams of professionals who specialize in various areas such as graphic design, branding, content creation, and digital marketing. This means you get access to a diverse skill set that can elevate your brand in ways you might not achieve in-house.

Another big plus is the fresh perspective they offer. Sometimes, being too close to your business can make it hard to see things clearly. A creative agency brings an outsider’s viewpoint, offering new ideas and innovative solutions that you might not have considered. They can identify opportunities and areas for improvement that can significantly impact your brand’s success.

Time and efficiency are also major benefits. Managing a comprehensive marketing strategy takes a lot of time and resources. By outsourcing to a creative agency, you free up your schedule to focus on running your business. The agency handles everything from brainstorming and planning to execution and analysis, ensuring your campaigns are delivered on time and within budget.

Consistency in branding and messaging is crucial, and a creative agency ensures this across all your marketing channels. They develop cohesive strategies that maintain your brand’s voice and visual identity, which helps build trust and recognition among your audience.

Lastly, results-driven strategies are a key reason to hire a creative agency. They use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns, making adjustments as needed to ensure you get the best return on your investment. They aim for tangible results like increased brand awareness, higher engagement, and more conversions.

In a nutshell, hiring a creative agency gives you access to expertise, fresh ideas, time savings, consistent branding, and measurable results. It’s an investment that can pay off big time for your business.

Selecting the best creative agency involves several detailed steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice:

Identify Your Goals:
- Determine what you want to achieve with a creative agency, such as branding, advertising, web design, or content creation. Clearly outline your objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Set Your Budget:
- Establish your budget based on your goals and the scope of work. Be realistic about what you can afford while considering the potential return on investment (ROI).
Search for Agencies:
- Look for reputable creative agencies through online directories, industry blogs, and recommendations. Compile a list of potential candidates.
Review Their Portfolio:
- Examine the agency’s portfolio to see their past work. Look for diversity in projects and quality in design, creativity, and execution.
Check Client Testimonials:
- Read reviews and testimonials from past clients. Pay attention to feedback about their reliability, creativity, and results.
Evaluate Industry Experience:
- Ensure the agency has experience in your specific industry. This helps in understanding your target audience and market dynamics.
Assess Their Creativity:
- Look at the originality and innovation in their work. A good creative agency should bring fresh ideas and unique solutions to the table.
Understand Their Process:
- Ask about their creative process from concept to execution. Ensure it aligns with your expectations and business needs.
Meet the Team:
- Get to know the team members who will be working on your project. Assess their expertise, creativity, and how well you communicate with them.
Discuss Strategy:
- Inquire about their strategic approach. How do they plan to achieve your goals? Ensure their strategies are data-driven and results-oriented.
Evaluate Communication:
- Ensure the agency is responsive and transparent in their communication. Good communication is crucial for a successful partnership.
Check Their Digital Presence:
- Evaluate the agency’s own branding and online presence. A strong digital footprint indicates they practice what they preach.
Inquire About Tools:
- Ask about the tools and technologies they use. Ensure they are up-to-date and relevant to your project needs.
Review Case Studies:
- Look for detailed case studies that showcase their success stories. Check for measurable results and how they overcame challenges.
Consider Long-Term Potential:
- Think about the agency’s potential for a long-term relationship. Creative work often requires ongoing collaboration and adjustments.
Evaluate Flexibility:
- Assess their ability to adapt to changes and feedback. A good agency should be flexible and willing to refine their approach.
Check for Awards and Recognition:
- Look for any awards or recognitions they have received. This can be an indicator of their excellence and reputation in the industry.
Discuss Reporting and Analytics:
- Ensure they provide regular updates and reports on project progress and performance metrics.
Understand Their Pricing:
- Get a clear understanding of their pricing structure and what’s included. Make sure there are no hidden costs.
Make Your Decision:
- Based on all evaluations, choose the agency that best aligns with your goals, budget, and values. Trust your instincts and select the one you believe will deliver the best results.

By following these detailed steps, you can confidently choose the best creative agency to help elevate your brand and achieve your marketing goals.

Agency Background and Experience

Do you have experience working in our industry?
Can you provide case studies or examples of your work with similar clients?

Services and Processes

What specific creative services do you offer?
How do you develop creative strategies tailored to our business needs?
Which tools and platforms do you use for design, development, and analytics?
Do you offer related services like digital marketing, branding, and content production?

Project Management

Who will be our main point of contact and who will be working on our project?
What is your process for managing projects and ensuring timely delivery?
How do you handle feedback and revisions during the project?

Creativity and Quality

Can you provide examples of your most creative and successful projects?
How do you ensure the quality and originality of your work?
Do you have a process for staying updated with the latest design trends and technologies?

Budget and Pricing

What is your pricing structure and what services are included?
Are there any additional costs we should be aware of?
Do you offer project-based pricing, hourly rates, or retainer models?

Results and Reporting

How do you measure the success of your creative campaigns?
What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track?
How often will we receive updates and performance reports?

Client Collaboration

How often will we have meetings to discuss progress and strategy?
What are your preferred communication channels (email, phone, video calls)?
How do you ensure that our vision and goals are reflected in your work?

By asking these key questions, you can ensure that you choose a creative agency that aligns with your goals, has a proven track record, and can deliver the creative solutions your business needs.

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Our Rating Guidelines

AAA Rated Agencies only get this rank if we have sent a client previously and the client has given us positive feedback.

An AAA-rated digital marketing agency demonstrates exceptional expertise, innovation, and results in the field of digital marketing. The agency consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations and industry standards. To achieve this top rating, an agency must exhibit:

Strategic Excellence: The agency devises comprehensive and customized digital marketing strategies that align with clients' business goals. Strategies show deep understanding of the target audience, market trends, and competition.
Innovative Approach: The agency consistently adopts and implements cutting-edge digital marketing techniques, leveraging emerging technologies and platforms to stay ahead of the curve.
Proven Results: Demonstrates a track record of delivering tangible and measurable results, such as increased website traffic, engagement, conversions, and ROI for clients.
Clear Communication: Maintains transparent and open communication with clients, providing regular updates, performance reports, and insights into ongoing campaigns.
Multi-Channel Mastery: Exhibits proficiency across various digital marketing channels, including but not limited to SEO, SEM, content marketing, social media, email marketing, and influencer collaborations.
Adaptability: Has the ability to adapt strategies quickly in response to changing market conditions, algorithm updates, and client needs.

An AA-rated digital marketing agency demonstrates excellent capabilities and consistently delivers strong results for clients. The agency excels in multiple areas of digital marketing and exhibits qualities such as:

Strategic Proficiency: The agency develops effective digital marketing strategies that align with clients' objectives and show a good understanding of target audiences.
Effective Implementation: Successfully executes campaigns across various digital channels, showing proficiency in both paid and organic techniques.
Measurable Outcomes: Provides clear evidence of positive outcomes, with data-backed improvements in key performance metrics.
Communication: Maintains proactive communication, sharing progress reports, results, and recommendations on a regular basis.
Diverse Skill Set: Demonstrates expertise in several digital marketing disciplines, adapting to new trends and platforms adequately.

An A-rated digital marketing agency performs well and delivers consistent results for clients. The agency meets the industry standards in various aspects, including:

Strategic Planning: Develops solid digital marketing strategies that address client goals and align with target audience needs.
Execution: Implements campaigns proficiently across multiple channels, driving moderate improvements in online presence and engagement.
Measurable Progress: Presents evidence of positive shifts in relevant performance metrics.
Communication: Maintains regular communication, sharing campaign updates and basic insights with clients.

A B-rated digital marketing agency offers satisfactory services, meeting the basic expectations of clients. The agency demonstrates competence in some areas but may lack consistency or innovation:

Basic Strategy: Creates fundamental digital marketing plans that address client objectives, but may not exhibit exceptional creativity.
Execution Capability: Implements campaigns adequately, resulting in modest improvements in online visibility and engagement.
Limited Results: Presents evidence of incremental changes in performance metrics.
Communication: Communicates periodically, sharing basic progress reports without in-depth analysis.

A C-rated digital marketing agency falls below industry standards in terms of service delivery and results. The agency may struggle with various aspects of digital marketing and might need substantial improvement in:

Strategic Insight: Develops basic strategies that may not effectively align with client goals or target audiences.
Execution Challenges: Struggles with consistent and effective campaign implementation, resulting in limited improvements.
Lackluster Results: Demonstrates minimal positive impact on performance metrics.
Communication Issues: Communicates sporadically, often with limited insights and updates.

Contents hide

Ranked: The Best Creative Agencies In Chicago

1. Next!

2. Plan B

3. Mabbly

4. ArtVersion

5. Davis Harrison Dion

6. Cramer Krasselt

7. Twoxfour

8. Upshot

9. Someoddpilot

10. Walker Sands

11. Encite

12. Sonder

13. Mekanism

14. Periscope

15. Reach Creative

16. Gaz

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a creative agency?

What are the benefits of working with a creative agency?

What are the most common services provided by a creative agency?

How do I choose a creative agency?

When should you hire a creative agency?

Ranked: The Best Creative Agencies In Chicago

We've shortlisted the best ones for you and made it easy to only contact AAA or AA-rated agencies.

However, before you decide to go with anyone I recommend 2 things:

Either use our agency finder above. Use our expertise and let us help you find the ideal agency for you, from our worldwide contact database.

Or, if you are sure you'd like a local agency, set up meetings with the highly-rated agencies on this list, and test them for clear expectations from you/clear customer qualifications, clear onboarding process, clear long-term focused objectives, and clear communication.

And most important, don't fall for short-term hacks some poor quality agencies try to sell you on.

Look for long-term strategy, protecting your brand and clear timelines.

1. Next!

Founded Year: 2011

Website: nextadagency.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Next! is a top creative agency in Chicago offering search engine optimization, web design and development, social media marketing, graphic design, advertising, video production, Google Ads management, and reputation management services.

They have a creative team of experienced professionals who offer innovative solutions to make your business stand out from the competition.

The company can help you build your online presence with a client-focused strategy to attract potential customers from all over the world and grow your business.

Case Studies: Pending submission

2. Plan B

Founded Year: 1999

Website: thisisplanb.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Plan B is a skilled creative agency in Chicago with a passionate team of creative thinkers and strategists who develop the best digital marketing, advertising, and branding services.

The company delivers big ideas to create a strong digital presence and attract potential customers globally. They create high-impact advertising campaigns to drive sales and revenue and develop a competitive advantage.

Case Studies: Pending submission

3. Mabbly

Founded Year: 2013

Website: mabbly.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Mabbly is a leading creative agency in Chicago with a team of creative strategists offering different branding, digital marketing, graphic design, advertising, video production, product design, web design, content writing, web development, mobile app development, and project development services.

They use different strategies to unlock your business's full potential and attract more customers. The company creates customized experiences that resonate with your audience through their creative concepts and innovation.

Case Studies: Pending submission

4. ArtVersion

Founded Year: 1999

Website: artversion.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: As a creative design agency based in Chicago, ArtVersion prides itself on their flexibility and versatility to work with different industries to help take digital and branding presence to new heights. The team specializes in UI/UX design, web design, graphic design, and branding and has helped companies in various industries such as architecture, manufacturing, technology, SaaS, retail, finance, automotive, and so many others. Always open to learning the nuances of every industry, the creative agency intersects data-driven research, design, and technology to achieve scalable and future-forward results. ArtVersion also works with Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and non-profit organizations.

With over two decades in the industry, ArtVersion utilizes methodologies that are user-centric and iterative. This allows the team to truly represent brands with their visions as best as possible while offering innovative and creative insights on how to better enhance their positioning in their respective industries. Their clients entrust ArtVersion to unlock their brand vision with their highly collaborative approach to design and development—keeping all stakeholders involved every step of the way. Notably, the team recently achieved a Webby Nomination and Gold Muse Award for a website build-out and design “Art Is Everywhere”. ArtVersion’s team is interdisciplinary and works together to connect brands with their users by driving engagement and growth with immersive, and unforgettable user experiences.

Case Studies:

And a few narrowed down studies that captures a bit of ArtVersion's diversity:

Toyota artversion.com

5. Davis Harrison Dion

Founded Year: 1979

Website: dhdchicago.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Davis Harrison Dion is a stylish creative agency in Chicago that helps businesses build a great brand identity and reputation among target customers through their advertising, marketing, creative media, and digital services.

The company helps with creative thinking and planning to capture the target audience's attention for small and large businesses.

The company provides different creative services across different industries, including concepts, ideas, art direction, photography, videography, website design, social media, and video production.

Case Studies: Pending submission

6. Cramer Krasselt

Founded Year: 1898

Website: c-k.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Cramer Krasselt is a vibrant creative agency in Chicago that builds creative strategies and concepts for brands to attract potential customers by making lasting impressions.

They research the target audience's demographics and analyze the different strategies to build a strong online presence. The company has a team of creative thinkers who provide different services in digital, media, PR, advertising, social media, branding, and other disciplines.

Case Studies: Pending submission

7. Twoxfour

Founded Year: 1994

Website: twoxfour.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Twoxfour is an innovative creative agency in Chicago, providing a plethora of creative services for small, medium, and large businesses to generate a strong online presence and qualified leads.

The company offers creative concept design, digital design, experience design, packaging design, corporate identity design, website design, motion design, print design, event production, and video and audio editing services.

They have a team of designers, strategists, and thinkers who have great experience helping businesses connect better with their potential customers.

Case Studies: Pending submission

8. Upshot

Founded Year: 1994

Website: upshot.agency

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Upshot is an excellent creative agency in Chicago with a multi-dimensional team of thinkers who use their creativity to develop different strategies and ideas for transforming businesses to create the best first impressions on the target customers.

The company provides brand design, campaign activations, experience design, and content creation services for improving the online presence of small and large businesses.

Case Studies: Pending submission

9. Someoddpilot

Founded Year: 1999

Website: someoddpilot.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Someoddpilot is a credible creative agency in Chicago specializing in branding digital and creative services for businesses of all sizes.

The company has a team of writers, content creators, designers, and thinkers who can effectively transform your brand and products to reach your target customers. They want to turn your audience into loyal customers by impressing them with creative ideas and concepts.

Case Studies: Pending submission

10. Walker Sands

Founded Year: 2001

Website: walkersands.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Walker Sands is an esteemed creative agency in Chicago, inspiring the growth of different brands through their innovative and creative strategies.

The company specializes in developing editorial content, brand expression, web projects, creative campaigns, social media content, video production, motion design, photography, and sales.

They also provide branding, marketing, public relations, and web services for boosting brand identity and attracting more potential customers.

Case Studies: Pending submission

11. Encite

Founded Year: 2006

Website: enciteinternational.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Encite is is a reliable creative agency in Chicago that expresses the brand message through creative services to enhance a positive image for the brand among target customers.

They specialize in different creative services such as creative strategy, conceptualization, art direction, graphic design, marketing collateral, branding, messaging, logo design, content management, copywriting, and branded content.

Case Studies: Pending submission

12. Sonder

Founded Year: 2003

Website: sondercreativeagency.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Sonder is a trusted creative agency in Chicago, offering a plethora of creative services for small, medium, and large businesses at cost-effective prices.

It includes marketing and communication, social media, management, pay-per-click campaigns, video and multimedia development, website development, event strategy and management, community partnerships, graphic design, and fundraising.

Case Studies: Pending submission

13. Mekanism

Founded Year: 2003

Website: mekanism.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Mekanism is a dependable creative agency in Chicago with a specialized expert team who can develop different creative strategies and ideas for businesses to create a strong impression on the target customers.

The company offers strategy creation, research, brand identity, brand activation, brand design, creative campaigns, digital, web, print, media development, digital marketing, content development, influencer marketing, and media services.

Case Studies: Pending submission

14. Periscope

Founded Year: 2013

Website: periscope.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Periscope is a distinguished creative agency in Chicago with a team of creative thinkers and strategies to use their creativity and innovation to develop the best ideas for creating a strong online presence.

The company specializes in print, advertising branding, digital design, and creative services. They can help small and large businesses transform their brand identity and create strong impressions on their potential customers.

Case Studies: Pending submission

15. Reach Creative

Founded Year: 2006

Website: reachcreative.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Reach Creative is a reputed creative agency in Chicago with a team of creative developers who can help in building your brand website or advertisements to create strong impressions on your target customers.

The company has a great reputation for designing different ideas and concepts for successful brands all over the world.

Case Studies: Pending submission

16. Gaz

Founded Year: 2019

Website: gazcreativeagency.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Gaz is a renowned creative agency in Chicago dedicated to building powerful brands through their team of highly talented creative thinkers and strategists.

The company offers branding, graphic design, social media content creation, web design, and business planning services at cost-effective prices.

Case Studies: Pending submission

Conclusion

Hiring a reputed creative agency to get branding, advertising, web design, and digital marketing services at cost-effective prices from one destination is important.

Chicago has plenty of creative agencies with a team of talented thinkers who can design different ideas and strategies to attract your target; therefore, choose a top creative agency from our list to attract potential customers and build a strong online presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a creative agency?

A creative agency specializes in a multitude of services, including advertising, digital marketing, branding, website design, and social media marketing. They can provide different concepts and ideas according to the target customer's interests and behaviors.

What are the benefits of working with a creative agency?

A creative agency can help develop different concepts and ideas by conducting in-depth research about your website visitors and target audience.

They can help in creating different strategies and content to deliver your brand message to the right audience and convert them into potential customers.

What are the most common services provided by a creative agency?

The most common creative services a creative agency provides include developing brand strategies, graphic designs, videos for digital and social media channels, and digital marketing services for boosting organic traffic and customer engagement.

How do I choose a creative agency?

When you are looking to partner with a creative agency, consider their portfolio of expertise in offering a variety of branding, marketing, and advertising services.

Check the repetition, the clients they have previously worked with, and how they have offered different creative concepts and ideas to boost their online presence.

Make sure they have transparent pricing for different services and have the industry knowledge to boost your image among target customers.

When should you hire a creative agency?

If you are starting a new company, it is best to hire a creative agency that can provide all the digital marketing, branding, and advertising solutions at one destination, making saving time and money easy.

Established brands can also hire a creative agency to improve their brand image among their target audience through creative strategies and ideas.