Graphic Design Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the visually-driven era, the demand for graphic design interns has never been greater.

As creativity shapes our world, the call for innovative minds capable of crafting, enhancing, and protecting our visual communications grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a graphic design intern?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring designer seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the creative process of graphic design,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable graphic design intern job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight in.

Graphic Design Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Graphic Design Interns work under the supervision of senior designers and assist in creating visual elements, such as logos, layouts, and illustrations, for print and digital media.

They are responsible for supporting the design team in the execution of graphics projects and contribute to the conceptualization of design solutions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist in the design and development of layouts for marketing materials, using appealing graphics that are well organized
• Responsible to integrate the latest design trends and technologies into our graphic templates
• Help in selecting appropriate colors, images, text style, and layout for designs
• Review graphics, layouts, and fonts before products are completed
• Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing tasks as needed
• Communicate with clients, if necessary, to understand their design requirements
• Revise the work of previous designers to create a unified aesthetic for our brand materials
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, with an ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Ensure all design elements, templates and finished designs are aligned with brand guidelines

 

Graphic Design Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and motivated Graphic Design Intern to join our team.

The intern will assist our design team in creating graphics for a range of different projects, including social media graphics, website design elements, and print materials.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of design principles, excellent visual design skills, and a portfolio that demonstrates their passion for illustrative design and typography.

This position will help you acquire graphic design skills and provide you with knowledge of various design strategies.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of layouts for marketing materials, using appealing graphics that are well organized
• Work with the design team to develop concepts for company branding, promotional campaigns, and marketing communications
• Contribute to the creation of mock-ups, email campaigns, and social media content
• Perform retouching and manipulation of images
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to share new design perspectives and ideas
• Handle graphic projects from start to finish
• Develop and maintain image library files

 

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a related BS or Masters university/college program
• Familiarity with design software and technologies (such as InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop)
• Strong creative and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A portfolio of previous graphic design work

 

Benefits

• On-the-job training
• Opportunity to apply academic learning to real-world situations
• Mentorship opportunities
• Professional development opportunities
• Potential for full-time employment upon graduation

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Graphic Design Intern
• Work Environment: Office setting with a collaborative team. Some remote work may be possible.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Graphic Design Manager.
• Salary: This is an unpaid internship, but academic credit may be available.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Internship
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio of your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Graphic Design Intern Do?

Graphic Design Interns typically work for advertising or marketing agencies, design firms, or in the marketing department of a corporation.

They can also work in publishing houses or multimedia companies.

They collaborate closely with senior graphic designers and other team members on various design projects.

Their tasks often include creating and editing visual content like logos, brochures, advertisements, website designs, and other marketing materials.

The Graphic Design Intern is often tasked with conducting research to better understand the latest design trends, and then applying these trends to their design tasks.

They are usually responsible for presenting design concepts to the team, incorporating feedback, and making necessary revisions to ensure the designs meet the project’s goals.

Graphic Design Interns may also assist in non-design tasks such as preparing presentations, organizing files, or other administrative tasks within the design team.

Their role provides an opportunity to gain practical experience and to apply the skills they have learned in their academic courses, in a real-world environment.

They learn to work within deadlines, communicate with team members, and adhere to a company’s brand guidelines.

 

Graphic Design Intern Qualifications and Skills

A competent Graphic Design Intern should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of graphic design principles and techniques, including typography, color theory, and layout design.
• Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or other visual design tools.
• Creative thinking abilities to develop new design concepts, graphics, and layouts.
• Attention to detail to ensure the final graphics and layouts are visually appealing and on-brand.
• Good communication skills to understand project requirements and present design ideas.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines, often while juggling multiple projects.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with other team members, such as copywriters, photographers, and other designers.
• Willingness to learn and improve, accepting constructive feedback on designs.
• A portfolio demonstrating visual design skills and creativity.

 

Graphic Design Intern Experience Requirements

Aspiring Graphic Design Interns are usually current students or recent graduates in a graphic design or a related field.

Academic coursework usually offers the practical and theoretical training necessary for this role, with classes focused on digital illustration, web design, typography, and more.

A Graphic Design Internship often requires little to no professional experience, but a strong portfolio demonstrating skills in various design software such as Adobe Creative Suite is typically required.

This portfolio can be built through classwork, freelance projects, or personal initiatives.

Some interns may have already gained some practical experience through part-time roles or voluntary work in design-focused roles.

This experience, while not always necessary, can provide them with a practical understanding of the workflow in a professional design environment.

Interns with more advanced skills or experience may be given more complex tasks or projects.

These could include designing promotional materials, contributing to a company’s brand development, or assisting in website design.

However, the primary goal of an internship is to learn and gain professional experience, so interns will typically be working under the supervision and guidance of senior design staff.

 

Graphic Design Intern Education and Training Requirements

A Graphic Design Intern typically requires a current enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree program in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field.

They should have a good understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and possess skills in software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Familiarity with web design software like Adobe XD or Sketch can also be beneficial.

Prior coursework or experience with graphic design is often required.

This can be demonstrated through a strong portfolio showcasing their creativity and technical skills.

In addition to formal education, the intern should have an excellent eye for detail, the ability to work in a team, and strong communication skills.

While not necessary, completion of a graphic design certification course can provide a competitive edge.

It is important to note that as this is an internship role, the emphasis is often placed on learning, therefore, the willingness to learn and adapt is highly valued.

 

Graphic Design Intern Salary Expectations

A Graphic Design Intern can expect to earn an average salary of $15.00 (USD) per hour.

The exact earnings can vary based on factors such as the duration and type of internship, the size and type of the company, and the location of the internship.

 

Graphic Design Intern Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Graphic Design Intern need?

A Graphic Design Intern should have a good understanding of design principles, a keen eye for aesthetics, and creativity.

Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is crucial.

They should also have good communication skills to present their ideas and receive feedback, and time-management skills to meet deadlines.

 

Do Graphic Design Interns need a degree?

While it is not mandatory, many businesses prefer Graphic Design Interns who are currently pursuing or have completed a degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

This ensures that they have a foundational understanding of design principles and are familiar with the software and tools used in the industry.

 

What should you look for in a Graphic Design Intern’s resume?

A Graphic Design Intern’s resume should demonstrate a strong understanding of design principles.

Look for a solid academic background in a related field, proficiency in relevant software, and a creative portfolio that showcases their work.

Any past internships, work experience, or relevant projects should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Graphic Design Intern?

A good Graphic Design Intern is creative, has a keen eye for detail, and is able to work well as part of a team.

They should be open to feedback and willing to make changes to their designs as needed.

A desire to learn and grow as a designer is also an important quality.

 

What kind of tasks will a Graphic Design Intern typically handle?

A Graphic Design Intern will typically assist in various design tasks such as creating graphics for social media, designing promotional materials, and assisting in the design of company branding.

They may also be asked to help with website design, create presentations, or assist with other design-related projects.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we delved into the intricate world of what it really means to be a graphic design intern.

Surprise!

It’s not just about creating pretty images.

It’s about shaping visual communication and digital aesthetics, one design at a time.

Armed with our foolproof graphic design intern job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Go beyond with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or finessing your portfolio to perfection.

Remember:

Every design element contributes to a broader visual narrative.

Let’s create that narrative. Together.

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