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Entry Level Graphic Designer Jobs in Madison, WI

Multimedia Graphic Design Intern

Madison, WI · On-site

$20.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with designers and project managers to bring the best creative work to life. * Be open ... Experience with Premiere Pro or After Effects is a plus. * Entry-level experience or interest in ...

Multimedia Graphic Design Intern

Madison, WI

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with designers and project managers to bring the best creative work to life. * Be open ... Experience with Premiere Pro or After Effects is a plus. * Entry-level experience or interest in ...

Entry Level Graphic Designer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$12

$27

$43

How much do entry level graphic designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level graphic designer in Madison, WI is $27.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level graphic designer?

Entry Level Graphic Designers are creative professionals who use visual elements like images, typography, and color to communicate ideas and messages. Typically, they are recent graduates or individuals new to the field, working under the supervision of senior designers or art directors. Their responsibilities often include creating layouts, assisting with branding projects, designing marketing materials, and preparing files for print or digital use. Entry Level Graphic Designers play a vital role in supporting design teams while gaining experience and building their portfolios.

What does an entry level graphic designer do?

Graphic designers help organizations form their brand and express a particular identity or idea for promotional and advertising material. An entry-level graphic designer is just starting out in their career, and typically assists or shadows veteran graphic designers in their job duties before being assigned their own projects. Their primary goal is to learn how to create visual concepts to communicate a message that informs, inspires, or captivates customers. Entry-level graphic designers train to become skilled in the manipulation of colors, shapes, fonts, images, photography, print design, logos, and animation, and may use computer software or draw by hand. Examples of their work include layout and design for brochures, magazines, advertisements, corporate reports, and billboards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level graphic designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Graphic Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and a relevant degree or coursework in graphic design. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and understand client needs. These skills ensure the production of visually compelling and effective designs that meet project objectives and client expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level graphic designers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level graphic designers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with client expectations, managing tight deadlines, and adapting to feedback from multiple stakeholders. To succeed, it's important to develop strong communication skills, be open to constructive criticism, and proactively seek clarification when project requirements are unclear. Additionally, learning to manage time effectively and staying organized will help you deliver quality work consistently, while collaborating with more experienced team members can provide valuable mentorship and learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Graphic Designer vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level Graphic DesignerJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationSimilar; often the same educational background
Work EnvironmentInternships, freelance, or entry-level positions in design firms or companiesSame; typically in design teams or agencies
Employer UsageEntry-level roles for recent graduates or beginnersOften used interchangeably, but may imply slightly more experience
Search & Comparison IntentYes; common search for beginners entering the fieldYes; often compared with entry level roles for clarity

The terms 'Entry Level Graphic Designer' and 'Junior Graphic Designer' are frequently used interchangeably. Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and are found in similar work environments. The main difference is often in employer preference or regional terminology, but generally, they represent beginner-level positions suitable for recent graduates or those new to the industry.

How do you become an entry level graphic designer with no experience?

To become an entry level graphic designer with no experience, focus on building a strong portfolio by creating personal projects or freelance work, and learn industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Gaining relevant skills through online courses or certifications can also improve your chances of securing an entry-level position.

What are entry-level graphic designer jobs?

Entry-level graphic designer jobs involve creating visual content such as logos, advertisements, and digital media under supervision. These roles typically require proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and may involve tasks like layout design, branding, and image editing. They often serve as a starting point for building a portfolio and gaining industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphic Designer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Graphic Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Graphic Designer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Graphic Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Entry Level Graphic Designer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Graphic Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Graphic Designer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,378 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Multimedia Graphic Design Intern

UW Credit Union

Madison, WI • On-site

$20.50/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview
Ready to turn your creativity into real-world impact? If design energizes you, this is your opportunity to do more than just observe-you'll create, contribute, and see your work come to life.
We're looking for a driven, high-energy college student to join our Marketing & Product team as a Multimedia Graphic Design Intern. With dedicated mentorship and hands-on experience, you'll go beyond typical intern tasks and dive into meaningful creative work that reaches our members and community. From print and digital design to participating in photo shoots and more, you'll play an active role in bringing ideas to life.
This internship is your chance to build a professional portfolio, refine your technical skills, and gain real, tangible experience-all while contributing to an organization focused on making a meaningful difference. If you're ready to grow, create, and make an impact, we'd love to have you on our team.
This is a year-long internship with an anticipated start date ASAP. This position will be approximately 15-20 hours per week during the school semester for one year. 40 hours per week during the summer.
Responsibilities
Creative Production & Brand Stewardship
  • Create visually engaging, on-brand materials-including flyers, posters, signage, digital screens, and brochures-that effectively capture attention and communicate key messages.
  • Create visual design elements for UWCU branch locations and campus spaces that elevate the physical brand experience for members and staff.
  • Assist with photography and video shoots - from lighting setups to hands-on production support alongside our creative team.
  • Assist with in-studio production.
  • Stay on top of design trends, bringing fresh ideas and insights to the team.
  • Experiment with AI-assisted design tools to enhance efficiency and explore exciting new creative frontiers - we love learning new things!
  • Manage time and resources effectively within project timelines.

Collaboration & Administration
  • Collaborate with designers and project managers to bring the best creative work to life.
  • Be open to feedback and eager to grow, viewing this opportunity as a hands-on learning experience where curiosity, adaptability, and continuous improvement are key.
  • Receive feedback and input from stakeholders and implement changes in a way that preserves design integrity and brand consistency.

Administration
  • Assist with administrative tasks including routing content for review, organizing project files, and supporting general team needs.
  • Prepare files for final delivery, maintain organized file structures, and meet project deadlines.
  • Help manage and organize our digital image library so everyone can find what they need when they need it.

Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • 7 months - 1 year experience of graphic design experience through internship, coursework, club/organization projects, or freelance work required.
  • 7 months - 1 year experience working collaboratively on a team (professional, academic, club, or volunteer) required.
  • Working knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator required.
  • Experience with Premiere Pro or After Effects is a plus.
  • Entry-level experience or interest in photography or video editing is a bonus.

Skills
  • Solid foundational understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and graphic elements.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to deliver accurate, polished work.
  • Ability to multitask, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Great interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; a "can-do" team player attitude is a must.
  • A willingness to learn, explore AI-assisted tools, and grow alongside a talented creative team.

Working at UW Credit Union
Why work for UW Credit Union?
Join one of Wisconsin's premier financial institutions, a National Top Workplaces USA and multi-year recipient of Madison Magazine's Best Places to Work, Wisconsin State Journal's Top Workplaces, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Top Workplaces to receive:
  • Interns earn paid time-off (pro-rated based on hours worked)
  • 2 weeks paid Caregiver Leave (pro-rated based on hours worked)
  • 2.5 weeks paid New Child Leave (pro-rated based on hours worked)
  • 8 hours paid volunteer time annually
  • Paid holidays (if normal work schedule falls on a recognized holiday)
  • Personal development and peer connections through Employee Community Groups
  • 401k option with company match of up to 5%, plus approximately 4% discretionary match
  • Annual variable bonus reward
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Free bus pass and bublr membership
  • And more

All employees must possess valid work authorization to work for UWCU on the date of hire. UWCU does not provide immigration sponsorship or support for employment authorization to include, but not limited to, sponsorship or support for H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN, or other visa category.