Design/Illustration Intern

We’re looking for a design and/or illustration intern with a strong portfolio to collaborate on social & environmental communication projects.

We’re seeking a part-time (up to 20 hours per week), US-based intern to start as soon as possible (ideally mid–late May). The internship will span the summer, and is flexible into the fall, depending on Background Stories’ needs and the intern’s availability. 

Hourly stipend is $16.50/hr. 

About Us:

Background Stories (www.backgroundstories.com) is a small design consultancy that helps audiences understand complex ideas, systems & metrics through visualization and visual storytelling. We are experts in communicating social and environmental topics in visual and emotionally engaging ways. We work with change-making clients throughout the U.S. (and a few in Europe and the U.K.).

While the majority of our team is based in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area, we operate as a fully remote team. 

Background Stories is a certified, women-owned business. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, equitable work environment, providing access and opportunity for all. Our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the work that we do—engaging audiences in social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

The Role: Design intern

Tasks may include:

• Support designers on development of infographics and illustrations, for example, implementing client feedback into designs 
• Work with Background Stories designers on the layout of INDD projects
• Contribute to moodboard design ideas for clients
• Develop and ideate icons
• Develop powerpoint slides, and translating existing designs into presentation format
• Select photos for client projects
• Create mockups of finished projects and add projects to the Background Stories website and portfolio
• Attend and assist with note-taking on select client calls
• Contribute to internal brainstorms and strategy sessions
• Other tasks as assigned

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Strong design skills, experience creating infographics is preferred
• Experience in Adobe software (particularly Illustrator and InDesign). Data visualization, WordPress and/or animation skills are a plus
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively, as well independently
• Self-motivated, and able to think creatively to solve problems
• Ability to meet agreed upon project deadlines
• Interest in Background Stories’ work; knowledge of social and environmental sectors preferred

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and 5–10 work samples (or a link to your online portfolio) to info@backgroundstories.com by May 15th.

No calls please.