Graphic Design Intern

OPERA America, Inc.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Intern benefits including professional

Complimentary tickets

Department workshops

Job summary

The Lyric Opera of Chicago is seeking a Graphic Design Intern to join its Marketing & Communications team. This 20-hour-per-week, in-office role is designed for a current student or recent graduate to build a professional portfolio while contributing to real projects.

You'll design print and digital materials, learn the Lyric brand, and collaborate with staff across departments in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment that values creativity and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate, graduate, or postgrad with a degree in marketing, graphic design, or related fields.
• A portfolio that documents work samples and the effectiveness of designs.
• Strong understanding of how typography, layout, photography, and color work together to form clear, captivating, cohesive materials.
• Extensive knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Knowledge of Canva, Adobe Express, AfterEffects, Microsoft Suite, and Google Suite a plus.
• Ability to receive and process criticism on creative work.
• Strong communication, time management, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to undertake multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize work, use good judgment, demonstrate a strong sense of urgency, and promptly carry projects through to completion.
• Ability to work and think independently and work well in a larger team.
• Illustration skills are a plus.
• Web design knowledge is a plus.
• Interest in the performing arts/opera is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design print and web collateral including logos, mailers, posters, and social graphics.
• Adapt existing designs for various sizes and platforms.
• Collaborate with Lyric staff to translate concepts into marketing materials.
• Master Lyric brand style guide and serve as a resource.

Skills

Typography

Layout

Photography

Color theory

Portfolio

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Multi-projects

Independent work

Education

Marketing or Graphic Design degree

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Canva

Adobe Express

After Effects

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

REPORTS TO:Creative Director, Brand and Design

TERM:October 2026-December 2026 (Potential Option to continue)

HOURS:20 hours per week (In-Office)

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings.

Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved — come inside.

The Graphic Design Intern will support Lyric’s Marketing & Communications team by creating and adapting visual materials for both print and digital platforms. This internship is designed for a current student or recent graduate who is eager to build a professional portfolio, strengthen their design skills, and gain hands‑on experience in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment. A curiosity about the performing arts and a desire to grow as a designer while contributing to a mission‑driven organization are highly encouraged.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design clear, engaging design collateral for print and web, including logos, direct mail pieces, promotional items, website, and social media graphics, posters, flyers, branded templates, and other materials as needed.

Alter existing designs to work for many different sizes and platforms.

Work closely with Lyric staff to translate their messaging concepts into marketing materials.

Fully understand and gain command of the Lyric brand style guide and serve as a resource.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Undergraduate, graduate, or post grad students (up to 1 year post grad) with a degree in marketing, graphic design, or related fields.

A portfolio that documents work samples and the effectiveness of designs.

Strong understanding of how typography, layout, photography, and color work together to form clear, captivating, cohesive materials.

Extensive knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

Knowledge of Canva, Adobe Express, AfterEffects, Microsoft Suite, and Google Suite a plus.

Ability to receive and process criticism on creative work.

Strong communication, time management, interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to undertake multiple projects simultaneously.

Ability to prioritize work, use good judgment, demonstrate a strong sense of urgency, and promptly carry projects through to completion.

Ability to work and think independently and work well in a larger team.

Illustration skills are a plus.

Web design knowledge is a plus.

Interest in the performing arts/opera is a plus.

WORK CONDITIONS:

Sitting for extended periods.

Ability to occasionally oversee evening or weekend functions, deployments, or performances.

Fast-paced and demanding environment.

Ability to lift 30 pounds.

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Intern

Hourly Rate: $17.05 + Weekly $30 Travel Stipend

Lyric Opera of Chicago offers intern benefits including professional development and department workshops, complimentary tickets, and other events.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.