Communication Design Internship

OLIVER Agency
Durban, South Africa
Hybrid

Who this role is best for

Geared toward design students or recent graduates comfortable with translating research into visual concepts and working in a hybrid studio environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with a design degree and a portfolio showcasing creative exploration and communication design skills
    — “A completed degree or National Diploma in Communication Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication or a related field.”
  • Individuals who thrive in collaborative, fast-paced marketing environments with a focus on conceptual thinking
    — “Working alongside experienced designers, creative leads and client services teams.”
  • Candidates who are open to continuous learning and can adapt concepts across platforms and formats
    — “Curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.”

Things to consider

  • Hybrid work arrangement requires 3 days a week in the Durban studio
    — “Hybrid, 3 days a week in Studio”
  • Candidates should be prepared to present creative ideas and explain their decisions
    — “Present ideas and explain the thinking behind creative decisions.”
  • The role is part of a larger group with a focus on AI and sustainability
    — “Leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionise how we create and deliver work.”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize your ability to translate research into visual concepts in your portfolio
    — “Interpret creative briefs, audience insights and key messages.”
  • Highlight experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and motion design tools in your resume
    — “Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.”
  • Showcase your adaptability and openness to feedback in your interview responses
    — “Excellent attention to detail and openness to constructive feedback.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • interpret creative briefs
  • generate original ideas
  • create mood boards
  • develop creative work for campaigns
  • conduct visual research
Typical background
degree or National Diploma in Communication Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication

Skills & requirements

Required

Conceptual ThinkingVisual CommunicationCreative DesignAdobe Creative CloudCommunication DesignGraphic DesignMotion Graphics

Preferred

After EffectsPremiere ProMotion Design

Stack & domain

Adobe Creative CloudPhotoshopIllustratorIndesignAfter EffectsPremiere ProMotion DesignCommunicationTeamworkMentorshipProblem-solvingCritical-thinkingAttention To DetailTime-managementMarketingCommunication DesignGraphic DesignVisual CommunicationMotion Graphics

About the role

Original posting from OLIVER Agency via Greenhouse

Established in 2004, OLIVER is the world’s first and only specialist in designing, building, and running bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems for brands. We partner with over 300 clients in 40+ countries and counting. Our unique model drives creativity and efficiency, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions that resonate deeply with audiences. 

As a part of The Brandtech Group, we're at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionise how we create and deliver work. Our AI solutions enhance efficiency, spark creativity, and drive insightful decision-making, empowering our teams to produce innovative and impactful results. 

Role:  Communication Design Intern

Location:  Durban, South Africa (Hybrid, 3 days a week in Studio)

About the role: 

OLIVER South Africa’s Communication Design Internship Programme is a 12-month opportunity offering practical experience in conceptual thinking, visual communication and creative design within a fast-paced marketing environment.

Working alongside experienced designers, creative leads and client services teams, you will learn how to interpret briefs and turn insights into original, relevant visual ideas. You will gain exposure to communication design, graphic design and motion graphics while developing your creative thinking, technical skills and understanding of the end-to-end design process.

At OLIVER, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are valued.

What you will be doing: 

Interpret creative briefs, audience insights and key messages.

Generate original ideas and translate them into purposeful design concepts.

Create mood boards, sketches, storyboards and concept presentations.

Develop creative work for campaigns, digital content, social media and brand communications.

Apply typography, layout, colour, imagery and visual hierarchy effectively.

Adapt concepts and assets for different audiences, platforms and formats.

Support the creation of motion graphics, simple animations and video content.

Conduct visual, cultural, competitor and design-trend research.

Contribute to brainstorming, concept-development and creative review sessions.

Present ideas and explain the thinking behind creative decisions.

Refine work based on feedback from creative leads, colleagues and clients.

Prepare accurate artwork and design files for review, production and delivery.

Collaborate with designers, copywriters and client services teams.

Participate in structured training, coaching and mentorship sessions. 

What you need to be great in this role: 

A genuine interest in conceptual thinking, communication design and visual storytelling.

A completed degree or National Diploma in Communication Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication or a related field.

A portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, creative exploration and strong design fundamentals.

The ability to develop ideas from initial research and sketches through to final execution.

A good understanding of typography, layout, colour, composition and visual hierarchy.

Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Exposure to After Effects, Premiere Pro or motion design would be advantageous.

Strong creative problem-solving, critical-thinking and communication skills.

Excellent attention to detail and openness to constructive feedback.

Good organisational and time-management skills.

The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.

Req ID: 

Our values shape everything we do: 

Be Ambitious to succeed   

Be Imaginative to push the boundaries of what’s possible   

Be Inspirational to do groundbreaking work   

Be always learning and listening to understand   

Be Results-focused  to exceed expectations   

Be actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist across our community, clients and creations   

Our recruitment process does not employ artificial intelligence for selection. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgement. Candidate evaluation and selection are conducted without AI-supported screening or decision-making. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.

OLIVER, a part of the Brandtech Group, is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All applicants shall be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, neurodivergence, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local laws.   

 OLIVER has set ambitious environmental goals around sustainability, with science-based emissions reduction targets. Collectively, we work towards our mission, embedding sustainability into every department and through every stage of the project lifecycle.

Source: OLIVER Agency careers (Greenhouse)

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