Art Director / Graphic Design Intern

Hiebing • Madison, WI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As an Art Director/Graphic Designer Intern at Hiebing, you’ll join the Create team and collaborate with copywriters, art directors and other creatives to turn insights into ideas that connect brands with people. You’ll contribute to real client work, from early sketches and concept boards through polished designs, while developing your skills and portfolio. The role is suited to someone who explores beyond the first idea, draws inspiration from visual media, and improves work through collaboration and feedback.

The position is hybrid, based in either Madison, Wisconsin, or Austin, Texas. Candidates must live in Wisconsin or Texas and be able to work from the corresponding office. The team collaborates in the office Monday through Wednesday, with remote flexibility Thursday and Friday, in an open-office setting. The internship starts in fall 2026 and continues through May 2027. The Create team prefers interns to work 40 hours per week; applicants should include their academic-year availability. Compensation is $15 per hour. A portfolio is required, and candidates must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.

Requirements

• A portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, design skills and creative potential; class assignments, personal projects and previous client work are welcome.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
• A strong foundation in typography, layout, color and composition, with attention to detail.
• Ability to connect visual choices to an idea, audience and brand.
• Collaborative approach and openness to giving, receiving and applying feedback.
• Initiative and willingness to ask questions when direction is needed.
• Must be based in Wisconsin or Texas and able to work from the corresponding office.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.
• Include availability during the academic year with the application.
• Include a portfolio link and any password needed to access the work.

Nice To Haves

• Curiosity about photography, illustration, motion, culture and emerging creative tools, including AI.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week, which is preferred by the Create team.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative concepts with copywriters, art directors and other team members.
• Translate ideas into visuals using typography, layout, imagery, color and composition.
• Design and refine work across channels, adapting designs to each brand’s identity, audience and objectives.
• Bring multiple ideas and visual directions to the team, using sketches, references and concept boards to communicate thinking.
• Use feedback to strengthen concepts and execution.
• Explore AI tools for brainstorming, visual exploration and creative workflows, using judgment, originality and craft in final work.
• Follow agency guidance for AI use, including protecting confidential information and checking outputs for accuracy, bias, usage rights and brand fit.
• Manage assignments, communicate progress and meet deadlines with support from the team.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed