Creative arts & design internships 2025

Creative internships span areas like graphic design, illustration, fashion, set design, animation, photography, art direction, and visual merchandising. You might intern at a design agency, gallery, fashion brand, publisher, theatre, or creative department within a larger business. The roles vary widely but often blend hands-on making with creative support.

Opportunities come up year-round, but peak application periods are usually in spring and early summer. Larger agencies and design studios may have set recruitment windows; smaller or independent organisations often recruit informally. These internships are highly competitive, especially in London and other creative hubs, so apply early and make sure your portfolio reflects the role.

For most roles in design or visual arts, yes—a portfolio is essential. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should show your creativity, technical ability, and process. If you're applying for roles in curation, production, or admin support, experience or interest in the arts may be more important than formal training. Either way, show enthusiasm for the field and a willingness to learn.

You could be assisting on design projects, preparing mood boards, researching trends, editing content, helping with exhibitions, or supporting day-to-day studio tasks. You may also be expected to contribute ideas or help with admin. Smaller teams often give interns greater creative input, while larger ones may assign more structured tasks.

It can be a crucial first step. Many creatives build careers through a mix of internships, freelance work, and personal projects. A good internship gives you experience, contacts, and portfolio pieces—and may even lead to a job offer. Even if it doesn’t, it helps you build confidence and credibility in a competitive industry that values initiative and resilience.