Graphic Designer Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Intern

Company: Markham LLC

Location: Remote / Washington, DC

Job Type: Internship

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote work and occasional in-person events)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Graphic Design Team in developing comprehensive event branding and visual experiences for a leading creative events agency.

• Contribute to the creation of diverse design assets, including digital collateral, print materials, merchandise, and environmental graphics for high-impact events.

• Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring creative concepts to life.

• Develop essential design skills through practical application, research, and project support, focusing on visual consistency and detail.

• This role offers a year-long internship program designed for meaningful, hands-on experience throughout the academic year.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an internship role, so the experience level is set to 0-2 years. The role is described as Hybrid, with a strong emphasis on remote work but requiring occasional in-person attendance for events and onsite work, particularly for those on the East Coast. The company's focus on political and nonprofit organizations suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment with potentially sensitive and time-critical projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough research on design trends, materials, inspiration, and creative assets to inform project direction and inform visual strategies.

• Assist in the conceptualization and development of logos, branding guidelines, and other visual elements for a variety of events and client accounts.

• Create mock-ups and visual representations for merchandise, signage, environmental graphics, and event displays, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics.

• Support the execution of digital and print design projects, contributing to a wide range of collateral for multiple events and client portfolios.

• Prepare, organize, and maintain design files and assets, ensuring efficient workflow and easy retrieval for team members.

• Track and manage project timelines, deadlines, and deliverables, proactively communicating any potential roadblocks or delays.

• Collaborate effectively with the Graphic Design Team and other Markham departments to ensure creative concepts are realized with precision and impact.

• Provide onsite design support and visual execution during events, as required, adapting to real-time needs and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are fleshed out to emphasize the practical application of design skills within an event production context, highlighting research, development, execution, and collaboration. The inclusion of "onsite design support" and "event support" underscores the hands-on nature of this internship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing or holding a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related creative field.

Experience: Prior internship or project experience in graphic design, event production, or related creative disciplines. Familiarity with the political or nonprofit sectors is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, for graphic creation and manipulation.

• Strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities efficiently.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as an integral part of a collaborative team environment.

• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining visual consistency across all design outputs.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets) for general office tasks and project documentation.

• Willingness and availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly during event periods and peak business cycles. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Adobe InDesign for layout and print production.

• Exposure to motion graphics software like Adobe After Effects or video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Experience with Canva for quick design iterations and asset creation.

• Familiarity with presentation software such as Keynote.

• Interest in event branding, environmental graphics, and merchandise design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are detailed to reflect the specific software requirements and the soft skills essential for a collaborative, fast-paced agency environment. Emphasis is placed on Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, with specific tools highlighted. The "preferred skills" section offers opportunities for candidates to showcase additional relevant software knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects showcasing a range of skills, including branding, digital assets, and print collateral.

• Clear demonstration of proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator through project examples.

• Visual examples of how design has been applied to specific event elements such as signage, merchandise, or digital invitations.

• Documentation of the design process for at least one project, illustrating research, conceptualization, iteration, and final execution.

• Evidence of ability to maintain visual consistency and adhere to brand guidelines. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design workflows, from initial brief to final asset delivery.

• Understanding of file organization and management best practices for design assets.

• Examples of how design tasks were integrated into broader project timelines and managed against deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the portfolio requirements focus on demonstrating foundational skills and understanding of the design process rather than extensive project management or ROI analysis. The emphasis is on showcasing creativity, technical proficiency, and the ability to follow direction and contribute to team projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Paid internship at $20.00 per hour.

• Flexible scheduling designed to accommodate academic commitments, approximately 20-25 hours per week.

• Opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience throughout a year-long program (September through August).

• Potential for additional hours during evenings and weekends based on business needs and event schedules.

• Opportunity to extend the internship or transition into future opportunities based on performance and business needs.

• Exposure to a dynamic and mission-driven work environment within the event production industry.

Working Hours: Approximately 20-25 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate academic schedules. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required to support events and peak business periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated as $20.00 per hour. The benefits are detailed to highlight the paid nature of the internship, the flexible hours, the year-long program structure, and potential for future opportunities. The requirement for occasional evening/weekend work is also noted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Creative Events Agency, Marketing & Communications, Political Campaigns, Nonprofit Support. Markham operates at the intersection of event production, brand strategy, and mission-driven initiatives, partnering with a diverse clientele.

Company Size: Markham has offices in Washington, DC, New York, Los Angeles, and Bentonville, suggesting a mid-sized agency with a national reach. This size fosters a collaborative environment where interns can interact with various teams and leadership.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, the company's established presence and multi-office structure indicate a mature organization with a proven track record in event production.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design Team likely consists of several designers, potentially including senior designers and a design lead, who will mentor the intern.

• Interns will collaborate with various departments, including event production, client management, and potentially strategy or digital teams, providing broad exposure.

• The reporting structure is clear, with the intern reporting to the Graphic Design Team for day-to-day tasks and project guidance. Methodology:

• Markham emphasizes a "mission-driven, fast-moving team of thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers." This suggests an agile approach to project management and creative problem-solving.

• The company culture values "continuous improvement, meaningful impact, and creating experiences that bring ideas to life."

• Collaboration is key, with a culture that is "collaborative and curious, fueled by diverse perspectives, sharp instincts, and a shared belief that great work happens when people feel trusted and inspired."

Company Website: www.markham.co

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a focus on impact and continuous improvement. The industry context highlights Markham's work with leading brands, nonprofits, and political organizations, suggesting a dynamic and potentially high-pressure environment where creativity and efficiency are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role designed for individuals early in their creative careers, specifically within graphic design and event production. It provides foundational experience in a professional agency setting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Design Intern will report to the Graphic Design Team, likely a Senior Designer or Design Manager, ensuring direct mentorship and guidance on tasks and projects.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense (like RevOps or SalesOps), this internship contributes to the operational success of events by ensuring visual consistency, brand integrity, and compelling design elements that support event objectives and client satisfaction. The quality of design directly impacts the perception and effectiveness of events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and learn practical applications in event branding, digital, and print design.

• Industry Exposure: Gain hands-on experience in the events industry, working with diverse clients and projects, and understanding the lifecycle of event production.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with designers, project managers, and other industry professionals within Markham.

• Future Opportunities: Potential to extend the internship or be considered for future roles within Markham based on performance and business needs, offering a pathway into the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the developmental aspects of an internship, highlighting skill acquisition, industry exposure, networking, and potential for future employment. The "Operations Impact" section reframes the role's contribution to the broader operational success of events through design excellence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is predominantly remote, Markham has physical offices in Washington, DC, New York, Los Angeles, and Bentonville. This hybrid model allows for remote flexibility while offering opportunities for in-person collaboration and onsite event support.

Office Location(s): Washington, DC is listed as a primary location, with remote work also an option. Applicants must be based on the East Coast or able to consistently work East Coast hours. Occasional in-person events and onsite work may be required.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace will be remote, requiring a dedicated and functional home office setup.

• Collaboration will occur through digital tools, video conferencing, and potentially occasional in-person meetings or onsite event support.

• Access to necessary design software and a reliable internet connection is crucial for remote productivity.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced," "collaborative," and "curious," indicating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Approximately 20-25 hours per week, with a flexible schedule designed to accommodate academic commitments. Occasional evenings and weekends are required, especially during event periods. East Coast hours are preferred for remote work consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by its hybrid nature, balancing remote flexibility with the need for in-person event support and collaboration. The emphasis on East Coast hours for remote workers is a key detail for location-based remote roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a cover letter (including hours of availability), resume, work samples, and two references via the online portal.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

• Interview(s): Likely to involve discussions about design experience, creative process, collaboration skills, and cultural fit. This may include a portfolio review session.

• Potential Case Study/Challenge: While not explicitly stated, some internships may involve a small design challenge to assess practical skills and problem-solving abilities under pressure.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall suitability for the role, including technical skills, creative potential, and alignment with Markham's values and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in graphic design, branding, and digital/print collateral.

• Highlight Relevance: Include projects that align with event design, marketing materials, or similar visual communication tasks. If you have experience with political or nonprofit clients, feature those.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly outline your design process: the brief, your research, conceptualization, iterations, and final outcome.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your work demonstrates strong command of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If you have InDesign, After Effects, or Premiere Pro skills, include examples.

• Clarity & Presentation: Present your portfolio digitally (PDF or website) in a clean, easy-to-navigate format. Ensure high-quality images and clear descriptions.

• Address Availability: Clearly state your availability for the internship, as requested in the cover letter.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize clear communication of your design choices and rationale.

• Manage your time effectively to deliver a polished, though potentially conceptual, solution.

• Demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to incorporate feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process details are specific, including the required documents and rolling review. The portfolio tips are tailored to an intern level, focusing on showcasing foundational skills and understanding of the design process relevant to event production.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Essential for raster image editing, digital mock-ups, and asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, and scalable design elements.
  • Adobe InDesign: Preferred for layout and print design projects (familiarity is a plus).
  • Adobe After Effects / Adobe Premiere Pro: Beneficial for motion graphics and video editing (familiarity is a plus).

• Canva: Useful for rapid design iterations, social media graphics, and simpler collateral.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics may be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics platforms could be a plus but is not explicitly required.

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

Productivity & Collaboration:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint for general business tasks, documentation, and presentations.

• Google Workspace: Docs, Slides, Sheets for collaborative document creation and sharing.

• Keynote: Presentation software (familiarity is a plus).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards the Adobe Creative Suite, with specific emphasis on Photoshop and Illustrator. Other tools like Canva, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Keynote are also mentioned, indicating a broad range of software proficiency that is valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on creating "meaningful impact" through events that "inspire action and drive connection."

• Continuous Improvement: Obsessed with enhancing processes, outcomes, and experiences.

• Collaboration: Fostering a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, and great work is achieved through teamwork.

• Creativity & Bold Ideas: Encouraging innovative thinking and the execution of "bold ideas."

• Excellence: Commitment to producing "flawlessly executed" events.

• Trust & Inspiration: Creating an environment where team members feel trusted and inspired to do their best work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with event producers, client managers, and other teams to ensure visual elements align with event objectives.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to diverse perspectives suggests a culture where feedback is shared constructively to improve designs and outcomes.

• Agile & Responsive: The "fast-moving team" and "problem-solver" mentality implies a dynamic collaboration style, adapting quickly to project needs and client feedback.

• Shared Ownership: The belief that "great work happens when people feel trusted and inspired" points to a collaborative approach where team members feel empowered and invested in project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are derived from the company description, emphasizing a mission-driven, collaborative, and results-oriented environment. The values directly inform how team members are expected to work and contribute, particularly in cross-functional settings.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Balancing multiple projects, tight deadlines, and evolving client needs in a dynamic agency setting.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Translating abstract client objectives into compelling visual designs that meet specific event goals.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating on design projects with a distributed team.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, especially during critical event periods or election cycles, requiring strong personal time management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Proficiency: Opportunity to hone advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially other Adobe Creative Suite applications.

• Industry Insight: Gain practical understanding of event production, branding strategies, and client management within the political and nonprofit sectors.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a robust portfolio with real-world projects that can be showcased for future career opportunities.

• Professional Networking: Build connections with experienced professionals in a creative agency environment.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance and feedback from experienced designers, fostering personal and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight areas where an intern can develop resilience and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are specifically aligned with skill enhancement and career development within the design and event production fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Assesses time management and organizational skills).

• "Describe your process for developing a new logo or brand identity. What steps do you take from initial concept to final delivery?" (Evaluates creative process and understanding of branding principles).

• "How do you incorporate feedback into your designs, especially if it differs from your initial vision?" (Tests adaptability, collaboration, and receptiveness to critique).

• "What interests you about working for Markham, specifically with our focus on events for political and nonprofit organizations?" (Gauges motivation and alignment with the company's mission and client base). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Markham LLC and the type of work we do?" (Assesses research and genuine interest).

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative culture?" (Evaluates cultural fit and teamwork ability).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new creative tools?" (Shows initiative and passion for the field). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, briefly explain the client's objective, your role, the problem you solved, and the impact of your design.

• Showcase Process: Walk through your design thinking, demonstrating research, concept development, and iterations.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Point out specific techniques used in Photoshop and Illustrator that showcase your proficiency.

• Be Concise: Focus on the most relevant projects and keep your presentation engaging and to the point. Be prepared to answer questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation section includes specific question types relevant to a design internship, focusing on process, collaboration, and motivation. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes storytelling and demonstrating practical skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer Internship position:

• Submit your online application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Customize Your Cover Letter: Clearly state your availability for the internship (hours per week and semester duration), express your interest in Markham's mission, and highlight why you are a good fit for a creative events agency working with political and nonprofit clients.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly lists your design software proficiencies (especially Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator), any relevant project experience, and soft skills like time management and collaboration.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best design work, focusing on projects demonstrating branding, digital assets, and print collateral. Ensure it's easily accessible (PDF or online link) and showcases your creative process and technical skills.

• Research Markham: Understand the company's mission, client base (brands, nonprofits, political organizations), and the types of events they produce. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

• Gather References: Have two professional references ready to provide contact information, as requested in the application instructions.

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