Art Director / Graphic Design Intern

Hiebing; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Hiebing is seeking an Art Director/Graphic Designer Intern to join the Create team. You will pair 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 to polished designs, building your portfolio along the way. You’ll think beyond the first idea, seek inspiration across media, and improve work through collaboration and feedback.

Qualifications

• A portfolio that shows conceptual thinking, design skills and potential.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Strong foundation in typography, layout, color and composition.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative concepts with copywriters and team members.
• Translate ideas into visuals focusing on typography, layout, imagery and color.
• Design and refine work across channels to fit each brand identity.
• Bring multiple ideas and directions to the table using sketches and boards.
• Use feedback to strengthen concepts and execution.
• Explore AI tools to support brainstorming while applying own judgment and craft.
• Manage assignments, communicate progress and meet deadlines with the team.

Skills

Portfolio

Adobe CC

Typography

Layout

Color theory

Collaboration

AI curiosity

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Job description

Great creative starts with curiosity. A “what if.” An unexpected connection. A visual that makes someone stop, look and feel something.

As an Art Director/Graphic Designer Intern at Hiebing, you’ll be part of our Create team, partnering 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 to polished designs—and build your skills and portfolio along the way.

We’re looking for someone who thinks beyond the first idea, finds inspiration across visual media and enjoys making the work better through collaboration and feedback. You bring fresh perspectives, a willingness to share unfinished ideas and the curiosity to keep exploring.

What You’ll Do

• Develop creative concepts alongside copywriters, art directors and other team members.
• Translate ideas into compelling visuals, exploring typography, layout, imagery, color and composition.
• Design and refine work across channels, adapting your approach to each brand’s identity, audience and objectives.
• Bring multiple ideas and visual directions to the table, using sketches, references and concept boards to communicate your thinking.
• Use feedback to strengthen your concepts and execution.
• Explore AI tools to support brainstorming, visual exploration and creative workflows, applying your own judgment, originality and craft to the final work.
• Follow agency guidance on AI use, 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 You’ll Bring

• A portfolio that shows your 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.
• The ability to connect visual choices to an idea, audience and brand.
• Curiosity about photography, illustration, motion, culture and emerging creative tools, including AI.
• A collaborative approach and openness to giving, receiving and applying feedback.
• Initiative and a willingness to ask questions when you need direction.

Stuff You Should Know

• Location: Madison, WI or Austin, TX. Candidates must be based in Wisconsin or Texas and able to work from the corresponding office.
• Work environment: Hybrid, with in-office collaboration Monday through Wednesday and remote flexibility Thursday and Friday, in an open-office setting.
• Timing: Starting fall 2026 and continuing through May 2027.
• Compensation: $15 per hour.
• Schedule: The Create team prefers interns to work 40 hours per week. Please include your availability during the academic year with your application.
• Application requirement: A portfolio is required. Please include a link and any password needed to access your work.
• Work authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.

Bring your curiosity, your point of view and the ideas you can’t wait to try. We’d love to see what you’re creating.