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Graphics Design Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$15.75 - $21/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

$16 - $21.50/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

$16 - $21.25/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

$15 - $20/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

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Graphics Design Internship information

What is a graphics design internship?

Graphics Design Internships are short-term positions where students or recent graduates work with professional designers to gain practical experience in the field of graphic design. Interns typically assist with creating visuals for digital and print media, help develop branding materials, and learn how to use design software like Adobe Creative Suite. These internships provide valuable exposure to real-world projects, feedback from experienced designers, and the opportunity to build a professional portfolio. They can also serve as a stepping stone to full-time roles in the design industry.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a graphics design internship?

As a Graphics Design Intern, you'll typically work on a variety of projects such as creating social media graphics, designing marketing materials, assisting with branding assets, and supporting ongoing campaigns. You may also collaborate with senior designers and other team members to brainstorm concepts and refine visual content. This hands-on experience helps you build a diverse portfolio and gain practical skills in design software, while learning to adapt your work to real client needs and feedback.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphics design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphics Design Intern, you need a solid understanding of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in graphic design tools, often supported by coursework or a portfolio. Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and basic knowledge of digital asset management systems are typically required. Strong communication, time management, and openness to feedback help interns stand out in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure interns can contribute effectively to projects, learn quickly, and support the creative team's goals.

What is the difference between Graphics Design Internship vs Graphic Designer?

AspectGraphics Design InternshipGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in design or related fieldFormal degree or certification in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, supervised tasksFull-time or freelance roles, independent project management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies for training and talent developmentEstablished professionals working across industries like advertising, publishing, digital media
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, entry-level opportunities, career explorationProfessional work, career advancement, portfolio building

The main difference between a Graphics Design Internship and a Graphic Designer is experience level and employment status. Internships are designed for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, often under supervision. Graphic Designers are experienced professionals working independently or within teams on various projects. Internships serve as a stepping stone into the industry, while Graphic Designers are established roles focused on delivering design solutions.

How do I get into a graphics design internship with no experience?

To secure a graphics design internship with no experience, build a portfolio of personal or school projects to showcase your skills, learn industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and consider taking online courses or tutorials to improve your knowledge. Applying to internships that offer training or mentorship programs can also increase your chances of entry-level opportunities.

Is a graphics design internship worth it?

A graphics design internship provides practical experience, skill development, and networking opportunities that can enhance a future career in design. It often offers exposure to industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite and can lead to full-time positions or freelance work after completion.

What do you do as a graphics design internship?

A graphics design internship involves assisting with creating visual content such as logos, advertisements, social media graphics, and layouts using design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Interns gain experience in design principles, collaborate with teams, and may contribute to projects under supervision, often gaining practical skills and industry knowledge.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Graphics Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graphics Design Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graphics Design Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Graphics Design Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Graphic Design Intern

Culver City, CA • On-site

Starlight Children's Foundation
11 - 50 employees

$16.50 - $22/hr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Starlight Children's Foundation creates moments of joy and comfort for hospitalized children and their families. For 35 years, Starlight's groundbreaking programs have positively impacted more than 60 million critically, chronically and terminally ill and hospitalized children in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. This is a period of exciting growth for Starlight and we're looking for smart, driven, passionate professionals that will help advance our mission.

Job Description

Starlight Children's Foundation seeks an enthusiastic Graphic Design Intern to support and assist the Communications & PR Department in their graphic design and art direction efforts. The Graphic Design intern will report to the Art Director and will assist with the development and design of core Starlight graphics, logos, collateral, event materials and a variety of other creative tasks as assigned across a variety of channels, including print, digital, web and video.


Responsibilities

  • Assist in updating Starlight's brand guidelines and other related style guides
  • Organize creative assets across Box and Dropbox
  • Help to source and vet local printing vendors
  • Help to organize creative project workflow
  • Assist with creating Starlight branded business material
  • Support team members to ensure the work reflects the high standards of the organization
  • Assist with collateral updates and version control
  • Other creative projects as assigned
Qualifications
  • Solid creative portfolio that demonstrates creative thinking and technical skills
  • Proficiency in both MAC and PC environments
  • Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign
  • Writing and proofing skills
  • Excellent administrative and communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently to complete assigned tasks within identified time frames
  • Organized, dependable and detail-oriented
  • Team player
  • Quick Learner and efficient
  • High sense of urgency
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Bonus skills:
    • Knowledge of video editing software
    • Experience in designing for social media
    • UI/UX experience
Additional Information

Starlight interns are asked to make a 3-6 month commitment (semester or quarter cycle) at 15-20 hours per week. The position is located at Starlight's headquarters in Culver City, CA. The position is unpaid, however, we will sign paperwork / participate in any activities required for interns to receive college credit for their work. Parking and/or public transportation is reimbursed.

To be considered, you must submit through the form below or apply via email to jobs AT starlight DOT org with "YOUR NAME: GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN" in the subject line, and please include a cover letter, resume and salary requirements. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered.

ONLINE OR EMAIL SUBMISSIONS ONLY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.