Turn Your Talent Into Momentum
Intern With Imaginary Friends design studios.
If you are creative, ambitious, and ready to learn how a real design and marketing studio turns ideas into impact, you are in the right place. This internship helps you think like a designer, collaborate with purpose, and build a portfolio that actually opens doors. You bring the curiosity and drive. We bring the map, the tools, and a steady team that has your back.
Three Paths to Choose From.
1. Volunteer Internship
A flexible, self paced learning track. You set the goal. We shape the path. You work through projects that strengthen your skills in design or marketing.
2. Arizona at Work Compensated Internship
The same growth focused experience as the volunteer track, coordinated and supported through Arizona at Work. Compensation is determined by their system.
3. Higher Education Collaboration
If a college or university wants to partner for academic credit, we are open to building a structured pathway that fits their program and your goals.
What You Will Learn.
Every intern receives a personalized learning plan built around eight core goals. Those goals guide your experience and help you build confidence in real world creative problem solving.
During your internship, you will learn how to:
- Collaborate with a professional design team
- Communicate effectively inside a working creative studio
- Track time and tasks like someone who gets paid for it
- Use Adobe software with purpose, not guesswork
- Make design choices that serve strategy and message
- Understand how an Addy award winning studio operates behind the scenes
- Approach problems with curiosity, independence, and critical thinking
- Build a portfolio that reflects your skills and your growth
Your learning is hands-on, guided, and grounded in practical experience.
Internship Structure.
A full internship is about 600 hours. Interns typically work a minimum of four hours a day, four days a week, Monday through Friday. Start dates are flexible so you can begin when you are ready.
Week One
You get oriented with our tools, communication systems, and workflow. We finalize your personalized goals and lock in your direction.
The Remaining Weeks
You learn by doing. You observe how the team works, and you take on internal and practice projects that let you push your creative limits without the pressure of client deadlines. You receive guidance, feedback, and space to grow.
We accept up to two interns at a time so you receive real mentorship, not hallway hellos.
Requirements.
To qualify for an internship, you must:
- Be 18 or older, with 21 preferred
- Have a high school diploma
- Type at least 40 words per minute
- Understand basic computer operation
- Have a portfolio that shows your creative interests
- Bring motivation, independence, and a willingness to learn
We do not expect perfection. We expect effort.
The Imaginary Friends Culture.
Our studio has energy. Humor. Sharp minds. Faster thinking. Louder brainstorming. We work hard, we create intentionally, and we have fun doing it.
The fridge has energy drinks.
The cabinet has whiskey.
The walls have pop art.
The team has opinions.
The conversations have momentum.
You will not be babysat. You will be supported.
You will not be spoon fed. You will be guided.
You will not be treated like a student. You will be welcomed as a rising creative.
This is a safe place to learn and a very real place to grow.
Opportunities After Completion.
Some interns earn paid positions with us.
Others walk away with recommendation letters, confidence in their craft, and portfolio pieces strong enough to open the next door. Whether you pursue freelancing, full time work, or college, your growth is our priority.
How to Apply.
Schedule an interview and be ready to talk about who you are, what drives you, and why you want to be here. You will complete a couple of practical exercises, and the full visit may take up to an hour and a half.
Reach out through:
Once we meet you and assess your goals, we will match you with the internship path that fits your direction.
You are supported.
Let’s build your momentum.