Best Illinois Boutique PR Firms

10 Companies - Rankings updated: March 31, 2026

All agencies on DesignRush undergo evaluation based on professional expertise and verified client reviews. Please note that certain placements are paid partnerships.

United States × Illinois ×
  • Capturing Excellence.

    Indigo Productions: Mastering Corporate Video ProductionWe are a diverse and innovative full-service creative video production company based in NYC. We handle various projects, including commercials, corporate videos, and virtual events, offering an extensive suite of services from scriptwriting to visual  [... see all Indigo Productions reviews ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Portfolios Count
    6 Projects Listed

    Indigo Productions Services

    • Video Production
    • Audio Production
    • Public Relations
    • Creative Services
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Formula E Racing: Championship
      Commercial Video Production Project for Sports Company Formula E Racing: Championship
    • Steve Martin - Book Promotion Excerpt
      Video Production Project for Entertainment Company Steve Martin - Book Promotion Excerpt
    • Sleeper: What's Your Fantasy?
      Commercial Video Production Project for Gaming Company Sleeper: What's Your Fantasy?
    • Markit Collaboration Services
      Commercial Video Production Project for Finance Company Markit Collaboration Services
    • Petmeds: Lulu's Diary
      Commercial Video Production Project for Pets Company Petmeds: Lulu's Diary
    • UNice: Be Yourself
      Video Production Project for Beauty Company UNice: Be Yourself
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.

    Indigo Productions Reviews & Testimonials

    • Sonith Sunku
      Sonith Sunku Ceo at Yesterday Podcast
      5.0
      Video Production Review from Sonith Sunku

      The crew was amazing! Despite rain, they showed up right on time and had a seamless set up. The guest I was shooting with was very happy with their work as well.All around, this was very seamless and efficient. Thank you to indigo and their team.

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    • Melissa Lachman
      Melissa Lachman Director of Marketing at Achievement First
      5.0
      Video Production Review from Melissa Lachman

      Indigo Productions is a phenomenal partner! We worked with them to create a video commemorating Achievement First's 25th anniversary, and the final product far exceeded our expectations. From the start, the team was professional, creative, and incredibly attentive to our vision. They took the time to understand our organization's mission and values, and it showed in every frame of the video.Their ability to capture authentic stories and deliver a polished, inspiring final piece was nothing short of amazing. The entire process was seamlessfrom concept development to filming and post-production. They were collaborative, responsive, and committed to excellence every step of the way.Our community was thrilled with the video, and it perfectly captured the impact of our work over the past 25 years. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and we highly recommend Indigo Productions to anyone looking for high-quality video production services.Thank you, Indigo Productions, for bringing our story to life in such a powerful way!

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    • Michelle Casazza
      Michelle Casazza Founder at Matria
      4.8
      Video Production Review from Michelle Casazza

      Indigo, and Valerie in particular, masterfully captured the essence of my brand through their exceptional storytelling. They wove together a narrative that perfectly conveys Matria's transformational mission, while staying within a budget that worked for me. Their workflow was seamless, and the final product is exactly what I wanted. True professionals who understand how to balance authenticity with polished production.

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    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • Sony Pictures
    • Salesforce
    • Viacom
    • Hulu
    • Disney
    • BBC Arts
    • Citibank
    • Anheuser-Busch
    • Amazon Ads
    • Bloomberg
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Make Things Happen with Stevens & Tate!

    Stevens & Tate Marketing is a full-service creative, marketing, and advertising firm based in Chicago that serves clients nationwide. We are experts in website design, martech, search engine optimization, social media, interactive advertising, package design, media buying, and broadcast advertising.  [... view Stevens & Tate Marketing profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $120/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    11 Projects Listed

    Stevens & Tate Marketing Services

    • Digital Marketing
    • Branding
    • Print Design
    • Package Design
    • Email Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Creative Services
    • Public Relations
    • Web Design
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Gonesh incense: Social Media Branding and Messaging
      Package Design Project Gonesh incense: Social Media Branding and Messaging
    • Centex Real Estate Communication Program
      Print Design Project Centex Real Estate Communication Program
    • Cinch
      Branding Project Cinch
    • Village of Streamwood
      Branding Project Village of Streamwood
    • Chicago Huddle
      Branding Project Chicago Huddle
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.
    • Walgreens
    • Gonnella Baking Company
    • St. Catherine's Village
    • Graymills Corp
    • Gonesh Incense
    • Kovler Diabetes Center
    • K. Hovnanian Homes
    • Carstens Medical Equipment
    • Wheaton College
    • DSI Spaceframes
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • You Need PR That Delivers. We Deliver.

    We are Bear Icebox Communications, a full-service agency dedicated to helping you build, protect, and elevate your brand through strategic PR, branding, content, and digital expertise.  [... view Bear Icebox Communications profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Bear Icebox Communications Services

    • Public Relations
    • Content Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Digital Strategy
    • Market Research
    • Reputation Management
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Bear Icebox Communications Reviews & Testimonials

    • Matt Enos
      Matt Enos Review from Google
      5.0

      Matt Enos's Review Sourced from Google

      Amazing team of knowledgeable experts in B2B PR. The team brings a diverse set of experience to solve challenges for their clients.

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    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • Graceada Partners
    • Cherry Bekaert
    • Rajant Corporation
    • ProGlove
    • CADDi
    • HouseMaster
    • Sensofusion
    • Vainu
    • Image One
    • Configura
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • We build whole brands for modern consumers.

    Barkley, an AdTech company and a nominee for the 2022 AdWeek Agency of the Year, is a full-service, independent creative idea business that aids in the development of entire brands and their greatest potential. With the firm conviction that all brands, including ours, can be a force for good in the world, we  [... view Barkley profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
    Average Hourly Rate
    $152/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed

    Barkley Services

    • Branding
    • Digital Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Public Relations
    • Creative Services
    • Market Research
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Dairy Queen Case Study
      Branding Project Dairy Queen Case Study
    • Hershey Take5 Case Study
      Branding Project Hershey Take5 Case Study
    • Russell Athletic: Settle Your Score Case Study
      Branding Project Russell Athletic: Settle Your Score Case Study
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.

    Barkley Reviews & Testimonials

    • Mike Heitmann
      Mike Heitmann Review from Google
      5.0

      Mike Heitmann's Review Sourced from Google

      Leading ad agency in Kansas City. They produce tremendous work and they are a great ambassador of KC.

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    • Sam Vogel
      Sam Vogel Review from Google
      4.0

      Sam Vogel's Review Sourced from Google

      4th floor has nice workspace, but third floor is crowded. Can get loud but there was also construction while I was there.

      Show more
    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • Dairy Queen
    • Cargill
    • At Home
    • Spirit Airlines
    • Payless
    • Russell Athletic
    • Dairy Farmers of America
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield
    • Wingstop
    • AMC Theaters
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Talk to the right people in the right places

    As a full-service competitive alternative to an agency, Pietryla PR & Marketing is agile, employing the right consultants to achieve the exact goals of our clients. That’s how we’re able to remain fully accountable for results and offer transparent pricing and policies that focus everyone’s attention on  [... view Pietryla PR & Marketing profile ]
    Location
    Deerfield, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $175/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    2 Projects Listed

    Pietryla PR & Marketing Services

    • Public Relations
    • Content Marketing
    • SEO
    • PPC
    • Digital Marketing
    • Logo Design
    • Package Design
    • Creative Services
    • Branding
    • WordPress Website Design
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Cask & Kettle B2C Media & Influencer Relations
      Public Relations Project Cask & Kettle B2C Media & Influencer Relations
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.
    • Cask & Kettle Hot Cocktails
    • Footprint Packaging
    • Novalent Antimicrobial
    • Oval Fire Products
    • Secure Applications Packaging
    • Safeology Lighting and Safety
    • United Federal Credit Union
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Crafting Smiles, Building Reputations.

    SHERMAN has a proud track record in public affairs and dental PR, having spearheaded the marketing and PR for prominent oral and cosmetic surgery practices. Our clients in the dental sector trust us for our adeptness in conveying complex messages, our genuine understanding of the dental landscape, and our  [... view SHERMAN profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $220/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed

    SHERMAN Services

    • Public Relations
    • Digital Marketing
    • Business Consulting
    • Market Research
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Web Design
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • American Solar Energy Society
      Public Relations Project American Solar Energy Society
    • Billion-dollar, global healthcare company
      Public Relations Project Billion-dollar, global healthcare company
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.

    SHERMAN Reviews & Testimonials

    • Simon Marke Gran
      Simon Marke Gran Review from Google
      5.0

      Simon Marke Gran's Review Sourced from Google

      SHERMAN Communications & Marketing, inc. was our, Humanum Metal, PR partner during our launch activities in the U.S.A. With a tight deadline and an agile launch, SHERMAN delivered a high-quality full-scale service with excellent results.With a personal but extremely professional approach, SHERMAN developed and implemented strategy and media processing that resulted in publications that exceeded our goals (AP News, US News, USA Today).SHERMAN's communicative and creative approach to us as a customer, made us feel safe and involved throughout the process with the knowledge that nothing was left to chance. SHERMAN is an agency that is systematic, analytical, caring, but also implementing and extremely loyal to its mission.

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    • Nancy Beesley
      Nancy Beesley Review from Google
      5.0

      Nancy Beesley's Review Sourced from Google

      I have been working with Jason and his team for over a year and a half and I would highly recommend them. They give highly personalized attention and provide tangible results which is something we haven't really found in any other PR agency over the years. They are great listeners and idea agents - but also very effective at getting things done.

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    • Dorothy
      Dorothy Review from Google
      5.0

      Dorothy's Review Sourced from Google

      Jason is a very talented marketing and communications professional. He provides clients with advice and recommendations that will get their businesses noticed. He's a tireless worker who consistently comes up with fresh, innovative approaches.

      Show more
    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • E.ON Climate and Renewables North America
    • Horizon Realty Group
    • Indraloka Animal Sanctuary
    • HCB Health
    • Cercacor
    • American Academy of Art
    • Tech One Biomedical
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Integrated Marketing & PR Agency for Startups and Growing Small Businesses

    Veteran story tellers and marketers in a digital world. We get the value of brand stories told across all platforms to propel growth. More than public relations, through our Cascade360 approach, were an acclaimed integrated marketing & PR agency for startups and small businesses across channels.  [... view Cascade Communications profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Cascade Communications Services

    • Logo Design
    • Branding
    • Graphic Design
    • Public Relations
    • Digital Marketing
    • Content Marketing
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Kara Mac Shoes
    • Watch Our Own App for Family Caregivers
    • DrawNames
    • Xcoobee
    • The Heel Sling
    • Noopl
    • LIVV Headphones
    • PenguinIN
    • Sure Biometrics
    • Almendra
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • We Hold The Key To Optimal Publicity

    Led by Michelle Mekky, a revered industry leader in media and PR, specialists at Mekky Media Relations are big guns from topnotch agencies from all over the country. We have joined together with former journalists that all work ceaselessly to magnify any client's brand. We're always going for gold and as an  [... view Mekky Media Relations profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Mekky Media Relations Services

    • Social Media Marketing
    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • Public Relations
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Mekky Media Relations Reviews & Testimonials

    • Nicole Ettenhofer
      Nicole Ettenhofer Review from Google
      5.0

      Nicole Ettenhofer's Review Sourced from Google

      Mekky Media is more than just a PR firm—they are dedicated partners committed to our success. Their deep understanding of our business needs and objectives, along with their collaborative approach, resulted in over 2 million media impressions within eight months. With placements in top industry publications and national media, they exceeded expectations. The team was hands-on from the strategic planning phase through the execution of each pitch, bringing expertise and enthusiasm to every step. I would recommend Michelle, Rachel, and the entire Mekky Media team to any organization looking for an effective and engaging PR partnership.

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    • Austin Taylor
      Austin Taylor Review from Google
      5.0

      Austin Taylor's Review Sourced from Google

      We could not have asked for a better partner in helping lead the charge on all things PR when it came to our company expanding to a brand new market (our first time doing so, at that).From start to finish, the Mekky Media team was on top of it. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail made the entire process and launch incredibly smooth. In addition to a talented team, they have deep roots in and connections across the industry, which only enhanced the impressive level of awareness they were already generating for us.I highly recommend Michelle and her team, as do my colleagues at Workbox. We can't wait to work with them again!

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    • Lynzee Krohne
      Lynzee Krohne Review from Google
      5.0

      Lynzee Krohne's Review Sourced from Google

      My agency, LEO + LAINE, has partnered with Mekky Media to help transform their client's brand photography & social media content for years. Michelle and her team have been amazing partners and advocates for supporting all types of unique businesses. Their proven skills on the PR side make a massive difference in brand awareness, positive publicity and media relations overall. They recognize the need to not only build strong agency partners, but media partners as well, and put a major emphasis on building connections. Definitely one of the best in the biz!

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    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • Abt
    • Red Bull
    • Fresh wave
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Cutting Through the Noise, Creating Unmatched Media Impact.

    is a strategic integrated communications firm supercharged with exclusive AI technology Interviewed and PR, social media and influencer marketing professionals providing innovative, highly effective campaigns across platforms and specialized industries.  [... view Interdependence Public Relations profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    50 - 99
    Average Hourly Rate
    $150/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Interdependence Public Relations Reviews & Testimonials

    • Hello Vene
      Hello Vene Review from Google
      1.0

      Hello Vene's Review Sourced from Google

      WARNING this company will overpromise and underdeliver. DON’T sign a retainer unless you want to piss your money away. Very bad experience. Better to have ChatGPT write a PR release for you and use a distribution service.

      Show more
    • Shayne Michael
      Shayne Michael Review from Google
      1.0

      Shayne Michael's Review Sourced from Google

      Beware of Graham Schlickenmeyer, I have had the unfortunate displeasure of meeting him in person and now I am $8000 poorer-don't believe the nice guy image, don't give him your money! run while you can

      Show more
    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • abc News
    • DailyMail.com
    • Business Insider
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Empowering Brands, Engaging Communities

    Chicago Star Media is a dynamic branding agency that creates meaningful content to foster community engagement. Chicago Star Media leverages creativity and audience engagement to drive brand recognition and revenue. The agency's unique approach emphasizes community connection and emotional resonance to  [... view Chicago Star Media profile ]
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Number of Employees
    Under 49

    Chicago Star Media Services

    • Branding
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Marketing Industry
    • Design Industry
    • Media Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

About The Author and Expert Reviewer

Jelena Relić has hundreds of top-ranking articles and a lifestyle & culture magazine she calls The MAN. She gained valuable content and SEO experience working at Digital Circle and Neil Sahota, which she now uses to deliver top-quality B2B content at DesignRush, particularly in the creative industry.

Mariana Delgado is the Head of Marketing at DesignRush, with more than ten years of experience across digital marketing, sales management, search, and video advertising. Since joining DesignRush, she has delivered 3× site-traffic growth and 2× growth in monthly revenue by building scalable, performance-led programs that connect acquisition, content, and brand across channels. Her campaigns have achieved a 5:1 ROAS.