Application deadline: May 1, 2026
We’re looking for a motivated and curious designer to join our creative team for a 9-week summer internship program. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain real agency experience while working on live projects, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and building a portfolio-worthy case study.
You’ll collaborate with designers, writers, project managers, media specialists and strategists while developing your skills in concepting, design execution and presentation. This role is designed for students who are eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced creative environment.
Program details.
- Length: 9 weeks (May 28–July 31)
- Schedule: 24 hours/week (Monday–Thursday)
- Format: In-office, 4 days/week
- Compensation: $15/hour
Minimum experience and requirements.
- Currently enrolled in a design-related program
- Basic working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign; After Effects is a plus)
- Familiarity with Figma and/or Canva is a plus
- Strong interest in design systems, layout, typography and branding
- Ability to follow direction and work within established design standards
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Willingness to learn, ask questions and take constructive feedback
- Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and adapt in a fast-paced environment
Principle accountabilities & job functions.
Design:
- Create designs, layouts and visual assets for various channels including digital, social and presentations
- Support concept development through sketches, mood boards and initial design explorations
- Execute design updates and revisions based on team feedback
- Apply foundational design principles including typography, color, composition and grid systems
Creative collaboration:
- Work alongside designers, writers and strategists to support project deliverables
- Participate in team meetings, creative reviews and critiques
- Observe and contribute to the creative process from brief to final execution
Project ownership:
- Contribute to one primary project over the course of the internship, with support from the creative team
- Take initiative in managing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines
- Deliver polished, thoughtful work suitable for inclusion in your portfolio
Production & execution:
- Prepare files for internal review and final delivery (resizing, formatting, organizing assets)
- Assist with simple motion graphics or light animation tasks when applicable
- Support video and presentation asset development as needed
Learning & development:
- Actively engage in mentorship opportunities and weekly check-ins with the creative director
- Shadow client presentations, internal reviews and team meetings when appropriate
- Apply feedback from creative and internal reviews to improve work
What success looks like:
- Demonstrates growth in conceptual thinking and design execution
- Takes initiative, asks questions and actively participates in feedback
- Produces high-quality, detail-oriented work
- Completes a strong, case-study-ready project by the end of the program
What we have to offer.
At Ervin & Smith, we provide a supportive environment where interns can learn by doing. You’ll gain real-world experience, mentorship from experienced creatives and exposure to how an agency operates day-to-day. We will provide all of the technology and equipment needed to fulfill the role, including a laptop computer, art supplies, design programs, etc.
We prioritize curiosity, collaboration and creative growth — giving you the opportunity to build confidence, sharpen your skills and create work you’re proud of.
How to apply.
Please submit the following to jobs@ervinandsmith.com:
- Resume
- Portfolio (website or PDF)
Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews on May 7–8, with offers extended by May 12.