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Graphic Design Internship

500 Festival

Job Location:

Indianapolis, IN - USA

Weekly Salary: USD 500 - 500

Posted: 3 September 2026 (2 days ago)

Application Deadline: 1 December 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

500 Festival Graphic Design Internship Spring 2027

January 12 June 3 2027

Supervisor: Katya Halstead Senior Graphic Designer

Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis The 500 Festival is looking for 12 interns to help produce the greatest series of programs and events! As the Graphic Design Intern youll get a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis and play a key role in bringing 500 Festival events and programs to life - while gaining valuable marketing and event experience.

Hours Requirement: Ideally the graphic design internship position is full-time requiring 40 hours per week; however we understand students schedules. From January to March there is some flexibility with scheduling and well work with you and your class schedule on in-office versus work from home days. From April to May in-office five days a week is -office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule which will include weekends evenings and every weekend in May.
Compensation: Intern will earn a full-time weekly stipend of $500. Part-time intern pay will be prorated accordingly. Stipend will be paid at the end of each month. Note: no relocation or housing assistance is provided.

The 500 Festival is a nonprofit organization that brings hundreds of thousands of people to the heart of the state to celebrate the magical Month of May. The 500 Festival has grown to become one of the nations largest and most respected festivals offering a variety of cultural educational and social events that engage more than 500000 participants and spectators annually throughout its 50 events/programs. The events connect our community enhance the quality of life in our city and state and showcase Indianapolis on a world stage.

Responsibilities:

Primary Focus: Graphic Design

Assist with the design of marketing collateral including: event signage posters programs invitations social media visual content banner and digital ads newsletter layouts and visual needs and other various projects
Assist with designing social media graphics to be utilized on Facebook Twitter and Instagram. This includes being a part of the brainstorming process designing and executing; must have knowledge of image sizes for each social platform
Utilize written project descriptions and discussions to create various design iterations
Utilize project critiques and comments from staff to productively refine designs
Assist in the creation and routing of print and digital marketing collateral to support 500 Festival events and programs
Conduct research on design trends to stay current and ensure they are appealing and what our customers desire
Oversee mood-board type project and compile examples of our competitors medals apparel etc. for your position and supervisor to use as inspiration
Assist supervisor with the creation of a graphic design Continuity Book to include information on projects vendors specs etc.

Secondary Focus: Event Operations Production Administration
As a supplementary part of the internship youll support the on-site execution of all 500 Festival events and programs.

Assist with event set up tear-down and operational needs during event days (consisting of early mornings and late nights and every weekend throughout the month of May).
Ability to work outdoors a task which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat cold rain and other conditions and elements.
Attend mobile and study trips throughout the months of March and April.
Provide input on event recaps focusing on areas of success and improvement at internship completion.
Other opportunities and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements:

Possesses a working knowledge of design fundamentals strong intuition of composition and layout skills and experience in art production
Must have strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop Illustrator After Effects and InDesign. Working knowledge of Adobe Premiere and Canva is a plus.
Have knowledge in file preparation and export for both digital and print projects
Has strong written/verbal communication and organizational skills displays creativity
Is self-motivated and takes initiative; can manage and balance multiple projects/tasks at one time
Has strong attention to detail; proofreads projects
Enjoys working in a collaborative team environment
Possess willingness to learn and adjust/adapt to changing deadlines
Has the ability to follow brand standards and guidelines; has knowledge of effective branding practices
Has an interest in event branding
Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule which will include weekends and evenings.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Application Process:

Candidates with directly relevant skills and background are encouraged to apply with a cover letter and resume.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received.
Interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams or in-person. The format will be determined by the supervisor and based on applicants location and availability.
We may also consider your application for other positions as part of our recruitment process.

Benefits:

Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis.
Hands-on industry experience.
500 Festival branded apparel.
Two tickets to the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade.
Two tickets to the 111th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Required Experience:

Intern

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