Graphic Design Summer Intern

Description

Job Summary:

Werkshop Design Group, the design entity within Creative Werks LLC, is seeking a highly motivated Graphic Design Intern (rising junior or senior) to join our team for the summer. This role offers hands-on experience developing packaging concepts for leading brands in the confections and snacks industry, including Hershey, Ferrara, Mars Wrigley, Ghirardelli, General Mills, and others.

This internship is designed for a student who is serious about pursuing packaging design as a career and is eager to contribute in a fast-paced, client-driven environment. The ideal candidate is adaptable, detail-oriented, and capable of working across multiple brand styles while maintaining strong adherence to brand guidelines.

The Graphic Design Intern will report directly to the Senior Graphic Designer and collaborate closely with Industrial Design and Packaging Engineering teams. This role also provides exposure to print production processes and artwork approvals within a fully integrated design and co-pack environment.

We view this internship as a potential pathway to an ongoing freelance partnership following graduation.

Responsibilities of the Position:

· Develop preliminary graphics for early-stage packaging renderings used in client pitch presentations and innovation concepts

· Prepare outbound pitch renderings under the direction of the Senior Graphic Designer

· Translate packaging innovation concepts into compelling, presentation-ready visualizations

· Work efficiently under tight timelines and upload artwork for approval within creative werks’ internal artwork management system (InMotion/Lytho)

· Ensure all creative work aligns with established brand guidelines, client objectives, and quoted structural specifications

· Collaborate cross-functionally with Graphic Design, Industrial Design, and Packaging Engineering to maintain alignment between structural and graphic design intent

· Participate in internal ideation sessions focused on packaging innovation within the snacks and confections industry for both seasonal and everyday occasions

· Research, identify, and present trends and opportunities in seasonal candy and snack packaging to support proactive concept development

· Support social media content creation and marketing asset development

· Assist with artwork preparation, production file review, and gain exposure to print approvals and press checks when applicable

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· Strong organizational and documentation skills with high attention to detail

· Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

· Comfortable working in technical systems, databases, and Excel-based tools

· Ability to follow established processes while identifying opportunities for improvement

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally

· Willingness to learn packaging standards, testing protocols, and internal processes

Education and Experience:

· Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree (B.A. or B.F.A.) in Graphic Design or related field (Junior or Senior preferred)

· Demonstrated interest in packaging design and brand development

· Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)

· Strong typography, layout, and visual communication skills

· Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to varying brand aesthetics

· Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills

· Professional, collaborative, and eager to learn

Food Safety Responsibilities:

· Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)

· Participate in company GMP walks

· Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring

Working Conditions:

· Office setting 

· This position requires you to visit a production floor from time to time, in which you will need to follow GMP guidelines and rules

Physical Requirements:

· Operate standard office equipment

· Reach with hands and arms

· Lift up to 25 pounds