Looking to launch your creative career?
If you’re searching for graphic design internships in Atlanta, GA, you’re in the right place.
These internships are more than resume-fillers—they’re door-openers, skill-sharpeners, and confidence boosters.
They give you a hands-on preview of what it really means to work in design.
Whether you’re diving into branding, digital media, or print design, internships give you a structured opportunity to learn, grow, and stand out in a saturated field.
Why Atlanta?
Atlanta isn’t just Georgia’s capital—it’s a growing hub for design, marketing, and innovation.
From tech startups to global brands, this city is packed with companies looking for fresh creative minds.
As a design intern in Atlanta, you’ll get exposure to real projects that matter.
Unlike remote internships that offer limited interaction, in-person or hybrid experiences here offer collaboration, feedback, and the chance to see design in action.
Whether you’re part of a creative agency, an in-house team, or a boutique studio, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how the industry works—and how you can thrive in it.
What Do You Actually Learn in a Design Internship?
An internship isn’t just about logging hours.
It’s about building skills you can’t get in a classroom.
Here’s what a solid internship in Atlanta typically teaches:
- Client Communication: Learn how to receive and give feedback, present ideas, and understand what a creative brief is really asking for.
- Design Process: You’ll experience how projects move from concept to execution—something textbooks rarely explain well.
- Software Mastery: Expect to sharpen your skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Canva while under real-world pressure.
- Time Management: Juggling multiple projects, deadlines, and feedback cycles is part of the job—and it’s better to learn it now than later.
Internships show you where you shine, where you struggle, and what kind of design work actually excites you.
Who Offers Graphic Design Internships in Atlanta?
Atlanta has options—lots of them.
You’ll find internships at:
- Creative agencies (like MOCK, the agency): Full-service firms that work across branding, web, packaging, social, and more.
- Marketing departments of established brands: Think healthcare, education, or lifestyle brands with in-house teams.
- Small businesses and nonprofits: Great for wearing many hats and learning how to adapt quickly.
If you’re in school, start with your career center.
Many Atlanta-based businesses actively post opportunities through university networks.
You can also use LinkedIn or Indeed, but don’t underestimate reaching out directly to agencies you admire.
A cold email with a great portfolio can go further than you think.
What Makes a Standout Intern in Atlanta?
You don’t need to know everything to start—but you do need to be curious, collaborative, and committed to learning.
Here’s what agencies and companies in Atlanta are looking for:
- Working knowledge of design software: You don’t need to be a wizard, but basic proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is expected. Canva and Figma knowledge are a bonus.
- A clean, organized portfolio: Show your best 3–5 projects. They don’t need to be client work—just well-crafted.
- Strong communication skills: Your ability to take feedback, ask smart questions, and talk through your process matters.
- Good attitude: Willingness to learn and take initiative goes a long way in a fast-paced design environment.
Even if you’re still learning the tools, showing enthusiasm and effort will make you stand out.
Where to Find the Right Internship
Finding the right internship requires more than just clicking “Apply.”
Here’s a smarter approach:
- Start Local: Use career centers, alumni networks, and portfolio reviews in your area.
- Network Online: Follow creative agencies and Atlanta-based companies on LinkedIn and Instagram. Engage with their work before reaching out.
- Tailor Your Outreach: Don’t send mass emails. Research the agency. Reference specific work you admire. Attach your best work.
- Ask Questions: During interviews, ask about what types of projects you’d work on, how mentorship works, and what success looks like in the role.
A little effort upfront makes a big difference in finding an internship that actually supports your growth.
Why Internships Often Lead to Jobs
This isn’t just a trial run—it’s often a foot in the door.
Many design interns in Atlanta go on to land full-time positions at the same company or agency.
Here’s why:
- Trust is already built. You’ve proven you can do the work and fit the culture.
- You’re trained. Hiring a former intern saves time and onboarding cost.
- You add value from Day 1. No learning curve required.
So treat your internship like a job.
Show up on time, be proactive, and communicate clearly.
Relationships you build here will follow you long after the internship ends.
How to Get the Most Out of the Experience
Want to leave your internship with more than a line on your resume?
Here’s how:
- Document everything. Save your best work, note feedback, and screenshot progress. This helps build your portfolio and gives you great material for interviews.
- Ask for feedback. Don’t wait until the end—ask how you’re doing throughout.
- Follow up. Stay in touch with your mentors and colleagues. A simple “thanks again” email a few months later keeps you on their radar.
You’re not just learning design—you’re learning how to operate in a professional setting.
That experience is invaluable.
Timing Your Internship: Summer Internships vs. Year-Round
There’s no bad time to intern—but summer internships offer unique advantages.
You’ll typically have more time to focus on work without the distraction of school.
Many agencies also ramp up during the summer, meaning more projects, more variety, and more ways to prove yourself.
But don’t discount part-time opportunities during the school year.
Consistency matters more than the season.
And if you find an agency you love, it’s worth sticking around as long as you can.
At The End of the Day
Graphic design internships in Atlanta, GA are more than just a checkbox—they’re an investment in your future.
You’ll learn the creative process, build confidence, and meet people who can help open the next door.
Whether you’re freelancing after graduation or aiming for a full-time agency role, internships help you make informed decisions and accelerate your growth.
This city is packed with opportunity.
Bring your curiosity, your portfolio, and your willingness to work—and Atlanta will meet you with mentors, momentum, and career-changing experience.
Ready to Create Something Great?
If you’re looking for an internship, MOCK isn’t currently hiring interns—but we are the team that many creatives look to when they’re ready to turn ideas into actual campaigns.
So whether you’re launching your design career or just want to see what high-level creative execution looks like up close, we’d love to stay connected.
Let’s Connect
- Website: https://mocktheagency.com/
- Phone: 470-225-6814
- Email: hello@mocktheagency.com
- Address: 247 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
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