Assistant•e Graphic designer (H/F)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Graphic Designer (H/F)

Company: OVAL

Location: Paris, Île-de-France, France

Job Type: Stagiaire/Étudiant(e) (Internship)

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-26T13:44:19

Experience Level: Entry-Level / Internship

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on supporting the creative team in designing and executing visual assets for various client projects, including events, brand activations, and digital campaigns.

• The role involves hands-on creation of visual universes, graphic identities, and preparing files for production, requiring a strong understanding of design principles and software proficiency.

• Candidates will engage in visual research, mood board creation, and collaborate with external service providers to bring creative concepts to life.

• A key aspect includes contributing to the agency's internal communication and proactively proposing creative ideas to attract new clients and foster existing relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is graphic design, the mention of preparing files for production, participating in vendor selection, and contributing to agency communication suggests an opportunity to understand the operational aspects of creative project delivery, which is valuable for those interested in creative operations or project management within a creative agency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct visual research, including gathering examples of campaigns, exploring graphic universes, and creating mood boards to inform creative direction.

• Design visual identities and graphic universes for events, campaigns, and brand activations, ensuring consistency across various media such as print, event materials, digital platforms, and social media.

• Prepare production-ready files for external service providers and printers, ensuring all specifications and technical requirements are met.

• Participate in the selection of service providers (production, illustration, photography, scenography, etc.) and write clear briefs to guide their work.

• Contribute to the agency's communication efforts by creating content such as project videos, social media posts, and seasonal greetings.

• Proactively generate creative ideas for new client acquisition and existing client retention.

• Maintain a strong awareness of graphic design and creative trends through continuous research and analysis to inspire team projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational support, including vendor management and production file preparation. This suggests the role is not just about design output but also about understanding the workflow and execution phases of creative projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a degree in Graphic Arts or Visual Communication, with a minimum of 4th-year studies.

Experience: Internship experience preferred, but all backgrounds (academic, personal projects, volunteer work) are welcomed if they demonstrate relevant skills and passion.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.

• Familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or equivalent for ideation and content support.

• Functional English communication skills for informal discussions.

• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles: typography, composition, color theory, and production workflows.

• Demonstrated ability in visual research and mood board creation.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects and Premiere for motion graphics and video editing.

• Basic knowledge of AI tools for video and audio editing.

• Experience with AI-driven creative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, alongside traditional design software, indicates a forward-thinking agency embracing new technologies. Candidates who can showcase how they've integrated these tools into their creative process will stand out.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating versatility across print, digital, social media, and event design.

• Include examples of visual identity development and graphic universe creation.

• Present projects that highlight an understanding of production readiness and file preparation for print and digital.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal creative workflow, from initial brief interpretation to final file delivery.

• Demonstrate how you approach visual research and mood board development.

• Explain your process for preparing files for production and collaborating with external vendors.

• Articulate how you integrate feedback and iterate on designs to meet project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio is less about extensive client work and more about demonstrating potential, understanding of design principles, and the ability to learn and execute. Focus on showcasing your thought process and how you approach design challenges, especially how you've used the required tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As an internship, compensation will be based on legal minimums for internships in France. Based on current French regulations for internships (gratification), this typically ranges from approximately €4.00 to €4.35 per hour, depending on the total number of hours worked per week. For a standard 35-hour week, this would equate to roughly €600 - €650 per month. (This is an estimation based on legal requirements and industry standards for internships in France. The exact amount will be confirmed by the employer.)

Benefits:

• Legal internship allowance (gratification) as per French minimums.

• Hybrid work arrangement: Up to 2 days of remote work per week after initial onboarding.

• Meal vouchers: €10 per day via a dedicated card and app.

• Lifestyle benefits: Subscription to a platform offering discounts on leisure, sports, culture, and travel.

• Sustainable mobility package: Support for commuting via bicycle or shared mobility services.

• On-site amenities: Pleasant offices with a gym, a nap room, and regular inspiring guest speakers.

• Supportive team environment: Access to a caring and committed team.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with the possibility of hybrid work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is quite comprehensive for an internship, particularly the hybrid work option and on-site amenities like the gym and nap room, suggesting a focus on employee well-being and productivity. The sustainable mobility package aligns with modern corporate social responsibility initiatives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Marketing & Communications. OVAL designs impactful experiences for employees, consumers, and citizens across Europe.

Company Size: Over 120 employees across multiple European agencies (Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany).

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but has established operations across multiple countries.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Director of Creation within the French agency.

• The creative team is described as engaged, demanding, and benevolent.

Methodology:

• Focus on creating experiences that leave a lasting impression and add value.

• Emphasis on listening, understanding, and empathy in developing solutions.

• Data-driven and human-centered approach to design and strategy.

• Commitment to making a sustainable difference, evidenced by B Corp certification.

Company Website: https://oval.co.jp/ (Note: The provided LinkedIn domain is oval.co.jp, which might be a regional site or an error. The primary domain appears to be oval.co.jp based on the data.)

📝 Enhancement Note: OVAL's B Corp certification is a significant indicator of its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which likely permeates its internal culture and operational practices. This is a strong selling point for candidates who value purpose-driven work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed to provide foundational experience in graphic design and creative project execution within an agency setting.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Director of Creation, offering close mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: While the role is primarily creative, the responsibilities related to preparing production files, collaborating with vendors, and contributing to agency communication provide exposure to the operational side of delivering creative services, impacting project timelines and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Direct mentorship from a Director of Creation, offering valuable industry insights and skill development.

• Exposure to a wide range of creative projects (events, brand activations, digital, social media), allowing for broad skill acquisition.

• Opportunity to learn about production workflows and vendor management, crucial operational skills in the creative industry.

• Potential for developing skills in motion design and video editing with preferred qualifications.

• Experience in a B Corp certified company, which can be a differentiator for future career prospects in purpose-driven organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, growth is measured by learning and exposure. This role offers significant opportunities to learn the practical, operational aspects of creative project delivery, which can be a stepping stone to roles in creative project management, production, or specialized design fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The office is described as pleasant and well-equipped, featuring a gym and a nap room, indicating a focus on employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): Avenue de Saint-Ouen 28, 75018 Paris, France. This location is in a dynamic area of Paris.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment: The team is described as benevolent and engaged, valuing teamwork.

• Well-equipped facilities: Access to a gym and nap room suggests a modern and supportive workspace.

• Hybrid flexibility: The option for remote work 2 days a week allows for a balanced work-life integration.

• Exposure to inspiring speakers and regular events within the office.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) with hybrid flexibility. The initial integration period will require on-site presence before remote days are permitted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on well-being (gym, nap room) and collaboration, combined with hybrid flexibility, points to a modern work environment that balances productivity with employee welfare. This is an attractive aspect for candidates seeking a positive and supportive workplace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial application review, likely focusing on portfolio and CV.

• First interview: Potentially with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess general fit, motivation, and basic qualifications. This stage might involve discussing your understanding of OVAL's work and values.

• Second interview: Likely with the Director of Creation and possibly other team members to evaluate design skills, creative thinking, and portfolio. Expect to walk through your portfolio and discuss your process, problem-solving skills, and how you've used design tools.

• Practical exercise: A small design task or case study related to the internship's responsibilities might be assigned to assess your practical skills and approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase the required skills (visual research, identity design, multi-platform application, production file preparation).

• Show your process: For each project, include initial sketches, mood boards, research, iterative designs, and the final output. Explain your thought process, challenges, and solutions.

• Highlight tool usage: Clearly indicate which software you used for each project. If you've used AI tools, explain how they assisted your creative process.

• Tailor to OVAL: Research OVAL's work and clients. If possible, include a project that aligns with their industry or style, or explain how your existing work demonstrates an understanding of their approach to experiential design.

• File preparation examples: If you have examples of how you've prepared files for print or digital, include them to demonstrate your understanding of production requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach specific design tasks (e.g., creating a mood board for an event, designing social media assets for a campaign).

• Practice articulating your design choices and creative rationale clearly and concisely.

• Prepare questions about the team, projects, and OVAL's creative process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative talent and operational understanding. Be prepared to discuss not just the "what" but the "how" and "why" behind your design decisions, including the practical steps involved in bringing a design to fruition.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (essential).

• AI Tools: ChatGPT, Gemini, or equivalent (for ideation, research, and content assistance).

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly specified for this role, but understanding how design impacts engagement on digital platforms would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this graphic design internship role.

Preferred Tools:

• Adobe After Effects, Premiere (for motion graphics and video editing).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the core Adobe suite is non-negotiable. Demonstrating familiarity and a willingness to learn AI tools is a significant advantage, reflecting the agency's modern approach to creative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empathy: A core value driving their approach to understanding people and developing impactful solutions.

• Impactful Experiences: Focus on creating work that makes a lasting impression and adds tangible value.

• Collaboration & Benevolence: A team environment that is engaged, supportive, and values teamwork.

• Rigour & Excellence: High standards for execution and attention to detail in creative output.

• Curiosity & Innovation: Encouragement of continuous learning, trend awareness, and proactive idea generation.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: A strong commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all backgrounds are welcome and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-oriented: Emphasis on collaborative work and a positive team spirit.

• Open to Feedback: Candidates are expected to receive feedback openly to foster progress and project advancement.

• Proactive & Autonomous: While collaborative, team members are also expected to be autonomous and propose ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration, coupled with a commitment to high-quality execution, defines OVAL's culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate these values in their interactions and work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Realities: Learning to design within practical constraints of time, budget, and vendor capabilities.

• Adapting to Diverse Project Needs: Quickly understanding and responding to briefs for various formats and industries.

• Integrating AI Tools Effectively: Learning to leverage AI as a supportive tool without compromising originality or quality.

• Fast-Paced Agency Environment: Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and gain practical experience in preparing files for production.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about client briefs, creative strategy, and the agency workflow from concept to execution in experiential marketing.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced creative professionals.

• Broad Skill Development: Gain exposure to various design disciplines, including print, digital, social media, and potentially motion graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is an excellent opportunity to face and overcome common challenges in the creative agency world, developing resilience and practical problem-solving skills that are highly valued in operations and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a mood board for a project. What was your process, and how did it influence the final design?" (Assesses research and ideation process)

• "How would you approach designing visual assets for an event activation campaign across print and social media?" (Tests understanding of multi-platform design and campaign thinking)

• "Imagine you're given a brief for a new brand identity. What are the first steps you would take, and what tools would you use?" (Evaluates foundational design strategy and tool awareness)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in an internship at OVAL specifically, and what do you know about our work?" (Assesses research and genuine interest)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Evaluates receptiveness to feedback and growth mindset)

• "What does 'empathy' mean to you in the context of design?" (Tests understanding of OVAL's core values)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with your best: Begin with a project that strongly aligns with OVAL's work or demonstrates exceptional skill.

• Tell a story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcome.

• Showcase versatility: Ensure your selection covers the range of skills required (print, digital, identity, etc.).

• Be ready for technical questions: Discuss your software choices, file preparation, and any production considerations.

• Enthusiasm is key: Convey your passion for design and your eagerness to learn and contribute.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your process, demonstrate your understanding of design principles and tools, and show how you can contribute to OVAL's mission and values. Highlighting any experience with AI tools integration into your workflow will be a significant plus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design internship position:

• Submit your application, including your CV and a portfolio, through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating versatility across print, digital, social media, and event design. Include examples of visual identity creation and production file preparation. Showcase your research and mood board process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your current year of study, your field of study (Graphic Arts/Visual Communication), and lists your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and AI tools. Quantify achievements where possible, even for academic projects.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative rationale, and how you handle feedback. Prepare questions for the interviewer about the role, team, and OVAL's projects.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research OVAL's website, their B Corp status, and recent projects. Understand their approach to experiential design and their core values of empathy and inclusivity.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions about role expectations and company culture. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.