Graphic Design Intern

AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is seeking a creative and motivated individual to intern in its Communications department as a Graphic Design Intern for Summer 2024. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while interning at an active, upbeat nonprofit.

The Graphic Design Intern will work directly with the AFC Senior Graphic Designer and larger External Relations department. This internship will focus on various graphic design needs for the organization, including campaign research and development; layout design and print production; web, email and social media graphics; event signage and collateral; posters, flyers, and a variety of other creative tasks as assigned. This is a great opportunity to build your portfolio!

This internship is designed to be both educational and practical— the intern will learn how to take skills acquired in an educational setting and apply them in the workplace. 

The Graphic Design Intern will learn:

• How to interact with clients and ask effective questions to develop marketing materials and campaign aesthetics for a variety of projects and brands.
• How to translate client desires and directives into effective, engaging visuals.
• How to create designs, concepts, and layouts utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud based on creative direction.
• How to effectively receive and incorporate feedback.
• How to create and provide production-ready files for printers and vendors.

Qualifications:

• Current or recent enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program majoring or minoring in Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Adobe subscription available for internship duration if the intern does not currently have one. 
• Basic knowledge of typography, line, composition, color theory, balance, and other graphic design elements and principles. 
• Ability to create designs, concepts, and layouts utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud based on knowledge of design principles.
• Creative self-starter who is enthusiastic about taking initiative, leading artistic direction, and contributing new ideas.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate well with others while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently on projects, often simultaneously, while meeting deadlines.
• Desire to serve and passion for social justice issues, including the fight against HIV/AIDS.

This internship is unpaid (stipend available). AFC can also help interns obtain course credit, if available from your school. Interns will receive necessary training and staff supervision. Internships require a commitment of at least 15 hours/week for a minimum of three months, although longer internships are preferred. The anticipated start date for the Graphic Design internship is May/June 2024.

We expect this internship to be a hybrid experience. Interns must have access to a computer and internet.  

All candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and completed application form, which can be found at: www.aidschicago.org/internapplication 

Please also include a link to a portfolio if available or provide 3 graphic design samples along with application.

Please submit all application materials to:

• Email (preferred):  Interns@aidschicago.org
• Mail:  AFC Intern Program, 200 W Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL  60606