Midwest Living Design Apprentice

Job Title

Job Description

About the People Inc. Apprentice Program:

The People Inc. Apprentice Program empowers Iowa’s next generation of creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. Rooted in Des Moines and open to students across the state, it bridges classroom learning with real-world impact, offering apprentices the chance to grow with purpose while helping People Inc. shape the future of media, technology, and storytelling.

People Inc. is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and representing the communities that we serve.  We strongly encourage BIPOC and LGBTQIA students to apply. 

This is a paid Apprenticeship, offering $15/hour.

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

• Junior, Senior or recent graduate at an accredited college or university

• Located in the state of Iowa 

• Available to work 15-20 hours per week, September-May 

• Ability to spend at least 1 day per month on site in our DSM office

• Access to your own housing and transportation to/from the DSM office 

About the Team:

For nearly 40 years, Midwest Living has been the definitive voice of the American Midwest region. We curate travel, food, shelter and lifestyle content that you won't find anywhere else. We are smart, witty, bold, diverse and loudly, proudly Midwestern. Through award-winning storytelling and service, we aim to inspire our audience to explore, adventure, learn, cook, create and grow—on the road and at home.

People Inc. Travel Content is an industry leader in custom lifestyle travel content that specifically supports destinations and attractions across the country. 

About the Role: 

As a Design Apprentice at Midwest Living/People Inc. Travel Content, you will help to inspire our readers through trend-forward design, engaging layouts, and dynamic photo selects. In addition, you will assist with photography planning and on studio shoots for a variety of content, including home, garden and food. Working alongside some of the most talented creators and editors in the industry, you will gain real-world experience and valuable insight into the creative process and taking publications from concept to completion.

Apprentice Responsibilities will Include: 

• Collaborating with art directors and editors to design layouts and create graphics for Midwest Living and People Inc. Travel Content guides.

• Sourcing photography for use in Midwest Living and People Inc. Travel Content guides via internal and client libraries, stock websites and additional online resources.

• Curating mood boards and developing organized photo plans.

• Assisting in recurring meeting preparations: layout reviews, ad-makeup, product pitches and monthly visual flow.

• Opportunities to attend studio photo shoots with an assigned art director. Helping to manage products and keep track of shot list inventory.

About You: 

Candidates for this role should have:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop

• Passion for good design, typography, and photography

• Strong interest in publication design; knowledge and experience designing with a grid

• Consistent desire to adapt, grow and learn

• Enthusiasm for purposeful design solutions and efficient workflows

• Excellent communication, time management, troubleshooting, notetaking and organizational skills

• Experience and/or interest in illustration, video editing, and/or motion graphics is a plus

• Experience with Google & Microsoft Suites

It is the policy of People Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests can be made by emailing [email protected].

The Company participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees