What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Intern NY position at Sterling Brands?
About Sterling:
Sterling is a brand design consultancy with offices in New York City, San Francisco, and Cincinnati. For over 30 years, we've helped brands come alive across every touchpoint - from superheroes and social causes to organic farmers and digital pioneers, working with established icons and emerging disruptors alike.
We believe great design starts with people. Our human-centered approach means every idea is inspired by real lives, passions, and habits, resulting in beautiful, inclusive, and effective solutions that help brands stand out and thrive.
Our expertise spans consumer brand identity, packaging, retail, and digital spaces. We design the worlds brands live in - and inspire people to step inside.
At Sterling, you'll find a supportive culture where appreciation runs deep and team successes are celebrated. Your ideas and contributions will be valued by partners across client service, strategy, and design.
About the Role:
Our New York office is looking for a Design Intern for Spring 2026 (January - May). The internship is a full time position.
This individual will be a multi-disciplinary thinker with typographic skills and a passion for creativity. You should enjoy working on a wide range of projects including: brand identity and visual language, packaging, digital & social, experiential and brand innovation.
What You’ll Do:
As Design Intern, you will get to:
- Participate in client projects that allow you to learn new skills and apply your design knowledge, including:
- Working with the Design team on branding, packaging, visual language and digital executions
- Supporting the team in all tasks related to assigned projects
- Conducting wide-range creative exploratories as well as design refinements
- Participating in research and brainstorming
- Searching for design and cultural trends to inspire the team and design direction
- Assist in crafting engaging presentations and observe client meetings to see how insights, strategic recommendations, and creative solutions are presented
- Work with team members from Strategy, Design, and Client Services disciplines to understand how the agency operates
Qualifications:
- Must be a rising senior enrolled in a BA/BFA/MFA degree program or graduate program with a concentration in Design
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- An excellent portfolio
- Strong technical knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD), skills in animation and moving image are a plus
- The ability to take direction well and articulate a strong conceptual point of view
- Ability to work independently and think on ones feet
Compensation:
- Base hourly rate: $18/hr-$20/hr
- This range represents the base pay rate an individual in this role may earn as an employee of Sterling Brands in the United States. Pay will vary based on factors including but not limited to: professional and academic experience; training; associated responsibilities; other business and organizational needs; and geographic location (to account for comparative cost of living). Pay decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each hire.
Salary : $18 - $20