Graphic Design Intern
Ready to transform classroom theory into real-world impact? Katalyst Culture Creative is seeking a passionate Graphic Design Intern who wants to do more than make things look pretty, you'll help build brands that matter. Working alongside our creative team, you'll gain hands-on experience creating visual identities for businesses, non-profit organizations, and leaders that are changing their communities. This isn't about fetching coffee or filing assets, it's about contributing to meaningful projects, developing strategic design thinking, and building a portfolio that opens doors. If you're ready to bridge the gap between student and professional designer while making a tangible difference, we want to meet you.
Learning Opportunities
Through this internship, you will develop professional skills and industry knowledge including:
- Strategic Brand Development – Learn how to translate business strategy into compelling visual identities that differentiate clients in competitive markets
- Client Collaboration – Shadow client meetings, presentations, and feedback sessions to understand professional communication and project management
- Design Systems Thinking – Understand how logos, typography, color palettes, and visual elements work together as cohesive brand systems
- Cultural Competency in Design – Gain experience creating authentic, culturally relevant designs for diverse audiences and communities
- Production Workflows – Master the complete design process from concept to final delivery for both print and digital media
- Professional Mentorship – Receive regular feedback, portfolio reviews, and career guidance from experienced designers with MBA-level strategic expertise
- Industry Best Practices – Learn professional file organization, asset management, version control, and client presentation standards
Responsibilities
As a valued member of our creative team, you will:
- Assist in creating visual identity elements including logos, color palettes, and typography systems
- Support the design of marketing collateral such as brochures, social media graphics, and promotional materials
- Help develop brand guidelines under the guidance of senior designers
- Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative concepts for client projects
- Assist with preparing and formatting client presentations
- Maintain organized design files and asset libraries using professional naming conventions
- Contribute to internal design projects for Katalyst Culture Creative and The Katalyst Collective
- Research design trends, competitive brands, and cultural references to inform project work
- Collaborate with Digital Media and Experiential Design team members on integrated projects
- This role will report to the Visual Content Designer
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field
- Completed at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework
- Developing proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Basic understanding of design principles, typography, and color theory
- Growing portfolio that demonstrates creativity and technical skills
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to receive and implement constructive feedback with a growth mindset
- Genuine interest in supporting minority-owned businesses and diverse communities
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Academic Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Relevant coursework in graphic design, typography, branding, or visual communications
- Ability to receive academic credit for the internship (preferred but not required)
- Letter of recommendation from a faculty member (preferred)
Portfolio Requirements
- A developing portfolio showcasing 5-8 design projects that demonstrate your skills and creative thinking:
- Examples of logo design, typography work, and layout design
- Class projects or personal work that shows your design process and problem-solving approach
- Any work that demonstrates cultural awareness or community engagement (preferred)
- Links to online portfolio must be included with application