Graphic Designer Intern Interview Questions

Interviewer: Good morning, thank you for coming in today. Can you tell us a little bit about your education and graphic design experience?

Candidate: Good morning. Sure, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from XYZ University and have completed a few internships in various graphic design firms.

Interviewer: What is your favorite graphic design project that you’ve worked on in the past and why?

Candidate: My favorite project was designing a logo for a charity event. I enjoyed the challenge of incorporating multiple elements into a clean and simple design that conveyed the idea and message of the charity.

Interviewer: How do you stay current with the changing trends in graphic design?

Candidate: I regularly participate in webinars and conferences within the field, as well as follow various design blogs and publications.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or supervisor during a project?

Candidate: Yes, during an internship, a client requested revisions multiple times, causing delays in the project timeline. I learned to communicate effectively and set clear expectations to ensure the project was completed on time.

Interviewer: Can you walk us through your design process from beginning to end?

Candidate: I start by researching the project objectives and audience, then brainstorm and sketch ideas. From there, I create digital drafts and refine them based on feedback from clients or supervisors.

Interviewer: Can you describe your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop and Illustrator?

Candidate: I have extensive experience with both software programs and have utilized them in various projects throughout my education and internships.

Interviewer: What role do you believe a Graphic Designer plays in a company’s branding efforts?

Candidate: A Graphic Designer is integral in creating consistent visual branding materials that convey a company’s messaging and values to its audience.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about a design project where you helped elevate a company’s brand through your design work?

Candidate: Sure. I designed a brochure for a non-profit organization that helped bring their donating services to the attention of a much larger audience, which contributed to a significant increase in donations.

Interviewer: How do you deal with constructive criticism on your design work?

Candidate: I take all criticism constructively and try to understand what my client or supervisor wants before revising my work.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about a time when you went above and beyond for a client or supervisor during a project?

Candidate: Yes, I worked on a design project where the client had a tight deadline. I worked extra hard to make sure we met the deadline while delivering a high-quality product.

Interviewer: How do you approach a design project where the client has limited requirements or direction on what they are looking for?

Candidate: I approach such a project by researching the client’s history, industry competitors and leverage my own creativity to design a unique and user-friendly design that meets their specific objectives.

Interviewer: In your opinion, what sets successful graphic designers apart from the rest?

Candidate: Successful graphic designers have a thorough understanding of design principles, a creative and innovative vision with excellent technical skills and the ability to take and implement feedback effectively.

Interviewer: Can you describe your experience with HTML and CSS?

Candidate: I am proficient in HTML and can use CSS to create simple designs.

Interviewer: How do you handle stress or tight deadlines in a design project?

Candidate: I prioritize my tasks and make sure I know the deadline for each of them. I work smart and use efficient tools to ensure I don't miss a deadline.

Interviewer: Can you walk us through your portfolio and highlight three of your best works, along with the reasons why they are your best?

Candidate: Sure, my first best work is the non-profit brochure I designed, it was a successful project that achieved the set objectives. My second best work is a website I designed for a local restaurant; it had a beautiful UI/UX while being functional and user-friendly. Finally, my third favorite work is a series of illustrations I created that convey a message of environmental conservation, which I am passionate about.

Scenario Questions

1. Scenario: You've been given the task to design a logo for a new organic food company. What initial steps would you take in your design process?

Candidate Answer: First, I would conduct research on the company's mission, target audience, and competitors to get a better understanding of the brand. Then, I would sketch out various design concepts and present them to the client for feedback. From there, I would refine the chosen concept and create a final digital version of the logo.

2. Scenario: You have been provided with numeric data and asked to create an infographic to represent the findings. Can you provide an example of how you would go about creating this?

Candidate Answer: I would first analyze the data and determine the key points that need to be highlighted. Then, I would brainstorm different creative ways to visually represent the findings. Once I have a clear concept, I would create sketches and gather any necessary assets such as icons or illustrations. From there, I would use design software to create the final infographic, ensuring it is easy to read, aesthetically pleasing, and visually compelling.

3. Scenario: You have been asked to design a website for a pet store. What considerations would you need to take into account when designing for this industry and audience?

Candidate Answer: When designing a website for a pet store, it's important to consider the target audience and what they may be looking for. This could include easy navigation to find products, information on pet care and nutrition, and social proof such as customer reviews. Additionally, it's important to incorporate imagery that resonates with pet owners such as cute animal photos or images of healthy pets.

4. Scenario: You have been provided with a brand style guide and asked to create a social media graphic. How would you ensure your design aligns with the brand identity?

Candidate Answer: I would first review the brand style guide to understand the brand's design elements such as colors, typography, and imagery. Then, I would incorporate those elements in my design to ensure consistency across all brand touchpoints. Additionally, I would consider the intended audience and ensure my design appeals to them while still maintaining the brand's overall identity.

5. Scenario: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with other team members on a design project?

Candidate Answer: In my previous internship, I worked on a team to design a promotional flyer for a local event. We started by discussing the objective of the flyer and what key information needed to be included. From there, we divvied up the design tasks and checked in with each other throughout the process to ensure we were on the same page. Once we completed our individual designs, we gathered as a group to critique and provide feedback. We then made any necessary revisions before presenting our final design to the client.