The Ohio State Fair Visual Communications Office is offering a unique Graphic Design & Sign Production Internship that blends creative design with real-world signage and event production. Interns will begin the summer focused on graphic design, building signage templates, layouts, and creative assets, and then transition into hands-on production and installation as the Fair approaches.
This internship is designed to give students and emerging professionals a rare opportunity to see their digital designs come to life at one of the nation’s largest state fairs - gaining experience from concept through installation.
Why this internship is a unique opportunity:
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Full Project Lifecycle: Experience the entire process from design to physical production to on-site installation.
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Creative Meets Practical: Expand your design portfolio while learning large-format print production techniques.
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High-Impact Work: Your designs and production work will be seen by more than half a million visitors at the Ohio State Fair.
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Mentorship & Training: Learn directly from professionals in both graphic design and event operations.
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Career Versatility: Build skills relevant to graphic design, event branding, sign production, and experiential marketing.
Key Responsibilities
Graphic Design (Early Summer)
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Assist in designing signage, layouts, and branding assets for the Ohio State Fair.
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Adapt existing templates and create new visuals for banners, directional signs, vinyl decals, and more.
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Prepare files for large-format printing, ensuring color accuracy and correct dimensions.
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Collaborate with the Visual Communications team to align designs with the Fair’s creative direction.
Sign Production & Installation (Mid to Late Summer)
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Trim, cut, and finish printed signage materials, including banners, vinyl, and rigid substrates.
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Apply grommets, hem tape, and mounting materials for banners and signage.
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Weed, mask, and apply vinyl lettering and decals to a variety of surfaces.
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Organize and stage signage for distribution and installation.
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Install and remove signage across the fairgrounds, including walls, fences, posts, and windows.
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Assist with large-scale branding installations such as window graphics and directional signage.
Schedule & Expectations
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Full-time (40 hours per week) preferred.
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Internship begins in early June and runs through the Ohio State Fair (July 29–August 9, 2026).
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Must be available to work all 12 days of the Fair.
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Expect extended hours (up to 60 hours/week) and some weekend work in the two weeks leading up to the Fair.
Ideal Candidate
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Currently pursuing or recently completed studies in graphic design, visual communication, or related fields.
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Strong attention to detail, with a balance of creativity and practical problem-solving.
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Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
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Comfortable learning hands-on production skills (training provided).
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Physically capable of standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in outdoor conditions.
Apply Now
If you’re looking for an internship that builds both your design portfolio and your sign production skills, while contributing to the visual experience of one of Ohio’s biggest annual events, this is the opportunity for you!