Programs

Internships

Interns helped build Pattern.

And they still do. Would you believe that over 250 interns have been a part of Pattern’s history? Pattern hosts a handful of current college or college-aged students each semester for a paid opportunity to get their hands dirty in the world of graphic design, digital media, marketing, and writing.

Workforce development is a key building block of the creative economy. It’s the junior designers, newsletter writers, second shooters, and coffee-getters who become the next leading innovators in creative entrepreneurship, the nonprofit directors, and the museum curators.

There’s no hand-holding. We throw our interns into the deep end. By week three, you might be coordinating a photo shoot, editing interviews, and pitching ideas in the staff meeting. But don’t worry, the water’s just fine. We also value mentorship and experiential learning, so we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of each project we ask you to take on, set up one-on-ones with industry professionals, and help you beef up your portfolio before you’re on to the next adventure.

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Intern Project Highlight: MOkAO

Spring ’25 intern Shayla Roy worked with graphic design fellow Jacob Chaves on the branding of MOkAO,  a three-day festival centered on chocolate and coffee, presented by J’adore. From artist tags to menus, infographic posters to t-shirts, Roy and Chaves delivered impressive assets, helping the event make a splash in its first year.

Roy credits Chaves as “an incredible mentor” who helped her think critically, work intentionally, and explore different design solutions.

Intern Project Highlight: Dirty Laundry

Interns and fellows created the zine The Art of Dirty Laundry: How All the Creative Pieces Go Together to Make a Movie from start to finish, pitching design concepts to client Rocky Walls, the director of the locally produced film, as well as designing layouts, copy editing, and hand-drawing illustrations, inspired by the art direction of the movie.

The zines were released during one of Pattern’s Film Lab workshops, which featured a panel of Dirty Laundry crew, speaking on their experience infusing art into every element of the film.

The Art of Dirty Laundry is used by the filmmaking team to share more about the local industry and its creative jobs during career days and future workshops. A great collaboration really makes all the creative pieces go together.

Mentorship

Destiny Taylor was a Pattern intern way back in 2013. In 2025, she helped launch Pattern’s robust Alumni Network. Now, interns meet with these industry mentors for career chats and portfolio reviews.

Photo by Sean Molin
Photo by Sean Molin / seanmolin.com

Pattern interns, in their own words.

Daniel Guevara
Daniel Guevara

“As an intern who is focused primarily on writing and editing for Pattern’s projects such as 11th & Capitol, Volume 26, the online newsletter, and their upcoming Volume 27, my time has been full of exciting experiences getting to know Indiana’s creative avenues and the lessons in being a writer and team player. Working in a professional environment like Pattern has helped elevate my knowledge and style of writing in ways I hadn’t been able to before.”

Fall 2024

Weston Kilgore
Weston Kilgore

“This internship has shown me so many different aspects of the city and introduced me to so many interesting people who truly care about Indy. The best part of working here has been getting to use my skills in real ways that are actually seen by people and not just filed away into an instructor’s USB drive.”

Summer 2024

Isabella Cordell
Isabella Cordell

“A highlight of the summer was whenever the other interns and I got to explore Indy passing out magazines or getting content for Instagram. I leave every day feeling energized and inspired. I can’t wait to see where this experience will take me. Pattern has treated me incredibly well, and I will be lucky to find such a cool workplace in the future.”

Summer 2024

Bianca Maregatti
Bianca Maregatti

“For a long time, I was a part of the group that thought there wasn’t much going on in the creative scene in Indiana. Oh boy, was I wrong. There are so many creative folks here! I’m very grateful to Pattern for being an access point to Indiana’s creative community. I’m proud to be part of the creative scene and to support the creative economy.”

Spring 2025

Jack Williams
Jack Williams

“My editors have pushed me to dedicate the same amount of effort to writing my questions as I do my article, and it’s paid off. I can feel my prose becoming leaner and more impactful. Most importantly, I’ve met so many amazing people through my work for Pattern.”

Summer 2024

Ava Mikola
Ava Mikola

“I’ve amassed plenty of positive experiences, sharpened skills, and made meaningful connections. I’ve had the opportunity to….enhance my marketing, editing, copywriting, and graphic design skills. I sat in on social media strategy meetings, digital cover photoshoots, and interviews with individuals who are paving the way for change in Indiana. I was introduced to organizations like the Harrison Center that are focused on uplifting Hoosier voices. And I’ve enjoyed countless cold brews from Amelia’s while laughing over lunchtime stories with the summer 2024 intern class.”

Summer 2024

FAQs

What internship concentrations does Pattern offer?

Internship concentrations vary slightly each semester based on current organizational needs. They usually include Marketing & Communications, Graphic Design, and Digital Multimedia.

When are applications listed?

Applications open three-four months ahead of the next semester’s start dates, which are mid-January, mid-May, mid-August.

What is the interview process like?

Interns that pass the initial application review are invited in for a group interview. Graphic design candidates are given an additional take home task.

Is the internship paid?

Interns receive a $1000 stipend at the conclusion of their internship.

What are the required hours and location of the internship?

The internship meets in person at Pattern’s HQ at the Stutz every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

HQ at the Stutz
What does a typical day look like for an intern?

Every day is different, but interns can expect a mix of meetings, collaborative projects, solo work, and pitching in on whatever Pattern has going on at the moment. Check out this zine, made by one of our former interns, Bianca Maregatti, for a peek into A Day in the Life of a Pattern Intern.

250+

Interns

…and counting. Pattern hires a fresh crop of paid interns every semester.

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Per Semester

The internship program is highly competitive, and available roles fluctuate based on what Pattern has on deck.

$1k

Stipend

Intern stipends are available thanks to generous grant funding.

Apply now