Design Intern at UW–Madison

Role Description The Design Intern will collaborate with the founder to define and build a cohesive visual identity and design language for Disconnect Madison. The specific scope of the work will be shaped collaboratively based on the intern’s strengths, interests, and the project’s evolving needs. This is not a prescriptive role with a fixed set of tasks. It is a partnership. The material outcome of this partnership is secondary to the goal of providing a meaningful and fruitful experience for the intern. - Potential areas of work include, but are not limited to: - Brand identity: Creating and refining a visual identity system (color palette, typography, logo, print and digital guidelines) - Print design: Creating and iterating on flyers, posters, business cards, and event materials for local distribution - Web design: Proposing UI/UX improvements to the existing website, including layout, visual hierarchy, and page-level design - Social media assets: Designing templates for Instagram posts (static images, carousels) that align with the brand identity - Environmental/event design: Materials for community events such as the Earth Day fair (table signage, handouts, display materials) The intern will have real ownership over design decisions and will see their work used in the community. Their print media will be distributed to local businesses and organizations. Every web improvement will be live on a real site with real visitors. Qualifications - Priority will be given to art students, with a focus on graphic design - Foundational skills in graphic design, including understanding of typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy - Ability to work independently and manage your own time in a remote/flexible environment - Interest in the project’s mission (you don’t have to have quit social media, but our mission should align with your personal values in some way) Requirements - Experience with Figma / willingness to learn (preferred but not required) - Familiarity with web design concepts (responsive layout, UI components) (preferred but not required) - Experience with print production (bleed, trim, file preparation) (preferred but not required) - Comfort with ambiguity and collaborative problem-solving (preferred but not required) - Joy in creativity (preferred but not required) Benefits - This is a paid internship. The intern will receive a stipend of $800 for the full internship period, paid in two installments, at midpoint and upon completion. - Weekly 1-on-1 sessions: Approximately 1-2 hours per week with the founder, covering design feedback, professional development topics, career guidance, and tool walkthroughs. - Ongoing access: The intern will have direct access to the founder via phone, email, or chat for questions, feedback, and collaboration outside of scheduled sessions. - Portfolio support: The founder will help the intern document their work to strengthen their design portfolio and tell the story of their process. - Professional reference: Upon successful completion, the founder will serve as a professional reference for future job and internship applications. Application Instructions Interested students should submit the following materials to zeke@disconnectmadison.org : - Resume: Informal, one page is fine. I don’t need to know about your work history if it’s not relevant to the role. - A short written response (250 words or less) answering: What interests you about this project, and what would you hope to get out of the internship? - Optional: A link to a portfolio or website, or attach 2-3 samples of design work you’re proud of, or that you feel represents your personal style and tastes. This does not need to be polished or professional. Coursework is welcome. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. The process will be informal and conversational. Qualified candidates will be invited to a brief virtual or in-person conversation with the founder to discuss the role, mutual expectations, and fit. Equal Opportunity Disconnect Madison is committed to creating an inclusive environment. This internship is open to all qualified UW-Madison students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or national origin. If you need accommodations during the application process or internship, please let us know and we will work with you.