Graphic Design Intern

Graphic Design Internship (Paid) - TrailBlaze Creative

Background

TrailBlaze Creative, an innovative, award-winning marketing and creative capacity firm based in Pittsburgh, PA, offers the strategic insights of a marketing firm, the creative depth of a design studio, and the heart of a capacity-building partner—empowering organizations to grow, connect, and lead with clarity. Our spirited team, driven by a blend of seasoned expertise and fresh curiosity, excels in crafting unique marketing journeys that resonate and inspire. With a portfolio rich in tackling societal challenges, our work predominantly supports nonprofit missions aimed at fostering positive community impact. If you're passionate about rolling up your sleeves and using your design talents to make a difference, we're excited to explore the possibilities with you.

Position Overview

TrailBlaze Creative is seeking a Graphic Design Intern passionate about visual storytelling, brand development, and community impact. This role focuses on the creative and technical execution of modern visual assets across both digital and physical mediums. Working closely with our creative team, you will gain hands-on experience developing everything from scroll-stopping social media graphics, short-form video content, and digital banners to print flyers, event signage, and campaign collateral for our nonprofit clients. It is a perfect fit for a versatile, detail-oriented designer looking to expand their portfolio and work within a supportive, agency-style environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Multi-Format Asset Creation: Design compelling digital graphics (social posts, stories, web banners, motion graphics/short animations) and print collateral (flyers, brochures, large-format event signage, promotional materials).
• Video & Motion Graphics: Assist in editing short-form video content and simple animations tailored for high-engagement social platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok.
• Brand Systems & Identity: Learn to study, embody, and maintain the distinct visual brand guidelines, typography, and color systems of diverse mission-driven organizations.
• Production Prep: Prepare print-ready files (bleed, color modes, crop marks) and web-ready assets (aspect ratios, compression, accessibility considerations).
• Collaborative Design Process: Work alongside copywriters, campaign strategists, and account leaders to translate concepts into high-impact visual stories.
• Asset & File Management: Maintain organized design files, raw media archives, and exported asset libraries for seamless team access.
• Trends & Tool Exploration: Stay up to date on design trends, social media formats, and emerging design tools, bringing fresh creative ideas to team brainstorming sessions.

Skills and Qualifications

• Intermediate Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Hands-on experience with core Adobe Creative Cloud apps (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro/After Effects); candidates are expected to bring active Adobe software access (e.g., through school or personal license).
• Design Platform Versatility: Proficiency in Canva and an eagerness to adopt and learn new design, video, and creative production tools.
• Intermediate to Advanced Understanding of Design Fundamentals: Solid command of typography, color theory, layout, hierarchy, grid structures, and visual composition.
• Digital & Print Knowledge: Strong familiarity with preparing assets for both digital channels (screen resolutions, aspect ratios) and physical print (bleed, CMYK, file setup).
• Adaptability & Curiosity: Proactive attitude toward learning new techniques, adapting to different brand styles, and incorporating feedback into design revisions.
• Time and Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple design deliverables, meet firm deadlines, and maintain high visual quality standards.
• Mission-Driven Mindset: A passion for community impact and an interest in how strategic design drives engagement for cause-based initiatives.
• Portfolio Required: A portfolio demonstrating relevant print, digital, motion, or branding work (class projects welcome) must be provided upon application.

What We Offer

• An immersive learning experience in a firm where innovation meets purpose.
• Exposure to a supportive, collaborative culture that values fresh ideas and diverse perspectives.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Flexible work schedule and remote working opportunities, with a preference for Pittsburgh-based candidates and open to other locations in the Eastern time zone.
• Concentrations in graphic design, social media (see below.)

Social Media Concentration

TrailBlaze Creative’s Social Media concentration offers a dynamic, hands-on opportunity for interns to master the intersection of digital strategy and creative execution. In this role, you will collaborate with our creative team to produce high-impact content—from scroll-stopping graphics to compelling short-form video and Reels—tailored to amplify the missions of our nonprofit clients. You’ll gain experience in monitoring and interpreting emerging digital trends, learning how to develop disruptive graphic and verbal language that cuts through the noise to increase social reach and engagement. This concentration is designed for bold storytellers eager to manage content coordination, analyze platform performance, and leverage innovative digital tactics to drive meaningful community impact.

Location

This internship position supports TrailBlaze's work concentrated in Pittsburgh, PA. While hybrid or remote work is available to support colleagues in Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio, we are also requesting that this candidate is available to join the team in person 1-2 days a week at our coworking location in the Waterfront. 

Join Us

If you're excited about starting your career journey in a role that offers impactful learning opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. TrailBlaze Creative is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications, and relevant work samples and/or portfolios to internships@trailblazecreative.com. To be considered, you must include previous work products, including class work. We look forward to discovering how your skills and passions align with the goals of TrailBlaze Creative.