Intern- Designer ( Durban Based)

VML; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 89,000 - 134,000; Part time

Job summary

VML South Africa in Durban is seeking a Design Intern to support branding, packaging and graphic design projects across a range of brands. You will help bring ideas to life, learn how strong visual identities are developed from concept through execution, and contribute to thoughtful design decisions.

A graphic design qualification and a portfolio that demonstrates interest in brand identity and packaging are preferred.

Qualifications

• Studying towards or recently completed a Graphic Design or Visual Communication qualification.
• Portfolio demonstrating interest in brand identity and packaging design.
• Solid understanding of typography, colour, composition and layout.
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of brand identities, packaging and graphic design.
• Develop visual concepts and creative presentations.
• Explore typography, colour and layout to solve design problems.
• Adapt brand identities across packaging and communications.
• Conduct design research and stay informed about trends.
• Refine work based on feedback while maintaining brand consistency.
• Collaborate with designers and strategists throughout the process.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Creativity

Willingness to learn

Curiosity about brands

Education

Graphic Design qualification (degree or diploma)

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brandsthat drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100.VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Intern-Designer

At VML South Africa, we create ideas that connect brands with people in meaningful ways. Our design team brings brands to life through thoughtful visual identities, packaging and communication across a wide range of consumer and commercial touchpoints.

We’re looking for a creative and enthusiastic Design Intern with a genuine passion for brand design — particularly packaging design and visual identity. This is an opportunity to work on real-world brands and learn how strong, strategic design is developed from an initial idea through to finished execution.

About the Role

As a Design Intern, you’ll support the design team across a range of branding, packaging and graphic design projects , gaining hands‑on experience in the thinking and craft behind effective brand communication.

You’ll work alongside experienced designers, helping develop visual concepts, explore design directions, refine layouts and create presentations. We’re looking for someone with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of graphic design and a desire to build on that foundation.

This is less about knowing every piece of software and more about having good design instincts, curiosity, a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in how brands look, feel and behave.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the development of brand identities, packaging and graphic design across a range of projects.
• Support the development of visual concepts, design routes and creative presentations.
• Explore typography, colour, layout, imagery, illustration and other visual elements to solve design problems.
• Adapt and extend brand identities across different packaging and communication applications.
• Conduct design research and stay informed about relevant design, packaging and cultural trends.
• Refine work based on feedback while maintaining brand consistency and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with designers, strategists and other creative disciplines throughout the design process.

What You’ll Need

• Studying towards or recently completed a qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design or a related traditional design discipline.
• A strong interest in brand identity and packaging design , with a portfolio that demonstrates this interest.
• A sound fundamental understanding of graphic design principles, typography, colour, composition and layout.
• Basic working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite , particularly Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
• An understanding of how to develop a visual idea from concept through to a considered design solution.
• Good attention to detail and an appreciation for design craft.
• Strong communication skills, creativity and a willingness to take direction, learn and grow.
• Curiosity about brands, packaging, typography and the world of design around you.

#Creative #Intern #Durban #VMLHiring

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.