How to Become a Graphic Designer Internship

Yes, design interns can get paid, although many internships are also unpaid or offer only class credit as compensation. Ultimately, it depends on the industry and company.

The average salary for the average design intern is $38,000 yearly. On the lower end of the salary range, they may only earn around $28,000 and, on the higher end, they may make about $51,000.

Other kinds of design interns, like graphic design interns, can earn an average salary of $44,000 yearly. On the lower end, they may earn around $33,000 and, on the higher end, they may make around $59,000.

Overall, one can expect that the salary may not be very high for a beginner-level job like an internship.

No, you don't need an internship to be a graphic designer, but it is highly encouraged.

Graphic designers often gain their initial experience through internships. It allows aspiring graphic designers to work with veteran designers and experience the design process from concept to completion while completing a design program. Also, some employers prefer to hire an employee directly from their internship program.

In general, many programs provide students with the opportunity to build a professional portfolio of their designs. For many artists, having a portfolio--a collection of design ideas that demonstrates their styles and abilities--is essential because employers rely heavily on a designer's portfolio in deciding whether to hire the individual.

To get a graphic design internship with no experience is generally okay as the point of an internship is to help you gain professional experience.

However, what would be helpful is to have postsecondary education and relevant skills and abilities in the field.

Most graphic designer interns are typically college students with either a bachelor's degree in graphic design, fine arts, or design and visual communication. Since this is an entry-level position, interns don't need many years of professional experience.

However, it helps to have a few graphic design projects in their portfolio to make their application stand out. For artists like graphic designers, developing a portfolio--a collection of design ideas that demonstrates their styles and abilities--is essential because employers rely heavily on it to decide whether to hire or not.

Additionally, showing that you have technical skills and knowledge in industry-related tools is helpful. For example, skills in Adobe Creative Suite, photography, and typography.

Graphic designers get college internships by being current college students or being recent college graduates and applying for school-sponsored internship programs that hire graphic designers.

In general, an internship is not required to be a graphic designer, but many companies often hire directly from their internship programs. Additionally, most employers prefer a bachelor's degree in graphic design, fine arts, or design and visual communication and have a strong portfolio.

Overall, college students can build their portfolios and also get internships while earning their degrees. Internships can be year-long or just during the summer, depending on the company. Also, interns can get paid through a salary or compensated through college credits. Some internships may not be paid at all.

A design intern gains real-world experience working in design. This can include graphic design, UX design, interior design, or other related design fields.

Depending on the design field chosen, many of the specific tasks of the internship will vary greatly. Design interns typically shadow professionals in the design field of their choice while being responsible for small tasks and projects, like various aspects of social media management.

All design interns must be creative collaborators and effective communicators with an eye for detail and design. They are usually college or university students in a degree-earning design program or related field.