Creature Theory’s Graphic Design Intern Program - Wilmington, N.C.
Step into one of the most awarded small agencies in the Carolinas. Work closely with Creature Theory’s tight-knit design team as we deliver human-centric branding and design that moves products off shelves as fast as they’re stocked. Oh, and our office is just a 20 minute drive from the beach—not a terrible place to spend a little time.
2026 IN-PERSON PAID GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERNSHIPS:
We focus on offering a SUMMER graphic design internship, but if you already graduated and are interested in an in-person Spring internship, please let us know in the subject of your email.
SPRING: February through April or May.
SUMMER: Late May through early August.
Exact start & stop dates are negotiable.
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ABOUT THE POSITIONS
Join our creative team for an immersive experience working on a variety of branding and design projects. You'll receive mentorship from senior designers, contribute to ongoing projects, and in the summer may lead an intern-specific branding & design project. This hands-on program focuses on graphic design, but also offers exposure to brand strategy, industry research, storytelling, copywriting, photography, package design, illustration, hand-lettering, and digital content creation. Upon completion of the intern program, you will have gained experience with real-world creative design projects, produced new work to use in your portfolio, and Creature Theory leadership will complete any school-related forms to ensure you receive credit as needed.
REQUIREMENTS
• This is an in-person internship. Be prepared to live & work in sunny Wilmington, North Carolina. We suggest looking to sublet an apartment—reach out to us if you need help.
• Have at least three years of college-level art & design education or equivalent experience, ranging from conceptual thinking to detail-orientated typography and logo design experience. The internships are generally geared towards undergraduate college rising seniors and recent graduates.
• In-depth knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator) is mandatory. Bonus points for experience with Squarespace, Shopify themes, Figma, Premier, After Effects and studio photography.
LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP & COMPENSATION
The SPRING internship may start as early as February and extend as late as May. The SUMMER internship will begin in mid to late May and complete in early August. Interns are paid $15 per hour. Commitment expectations are 30 to 35 hours per week. Exact start and stop dates, as well as hours, are negotiable.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your resume along with a well curated portfolio of art & design examples for consideration to: hello@creaturetheory.com Please make it clear if you are applying for the Spring or Summer internship.
Portfolio submissions may be submitted via a single PDF file or a link to a website and must include at least one logo/identity project and one example of proficiency with typography.
IMPORTANT DATES
• We are currently accepting emailed applications.
• Zoom interviews may be scheduled for finalists
• Spring interns will be finalized (hired) by January 30th.
• Summer interns will be finalized (hired) by March 20th, or sooner.
• Exact dates/length of internships are negotiable.
HEAR FROM OUR PAST INTERNS
“My internship at Creature Theory was incredibly impactful, giving me hands-on, real-world experience across so many facets of the industry. The entire team was not only talented and knowledgeable, but also truly kind and supportive. The knowledge and mentorship I gained there will stay with me for years to come.”
Brooke, 2025
“It was a pleasure to intern at Creature Theory. Not only did I get to work on meaningful projects and push myself as a designer, but the team was a great support throughout the entire process. From the moment I stepped into their office, the team welcomed me with open arms. Not only were they welcoming, but completely professional. These are skilled designers, which in turn I believe made me develop my skills faster. Being able to witness a group of designers outside of academia was a useful experience, giving me a toolset of new processes that I will take with me beyond the internship.”
Savannah, 2024
Our office is located in the Cargo District ‘EAST’ near downtown Wilmington, NC.
The Cargo District features Mess Hall smash burgers, The Rift, Blue Cup Roastery, Bahn Sai asian cafe, Bean There coffee shop, Queen St. Barber, The Plant Outpost, Coworx, Fermental Bottle Shop, Queen Street Tattoo, EOD Distillery and many more thriving businesses.
