500 Festival Graphic Design Internship, 2026 Season
January 13 – May 28, 2026
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, you’ll 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 communication major’s schedules. From January to March, there is some flexibility with scheduling, and we’ll 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 required. In-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 $400. 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 nation’s largest and most respected festivals, offering a variety of cultural, educational, and social events that engage more than 500,000 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
- Assist with the creation of visual assets for 500 Festival.com and/or IndyMini.com websites
- 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 competitor's 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, you’ll support the on-site execution of 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 applicant’s 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 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
