2026 Design Resident

2026 Creative Residency 

From June to August, you'll walk in stupid at the world's largest independent creative agency. From client briefs to creative concepts, you'll be strategizing with teams to reinvigorate advertising with the meteor showers of your cosmic mind. 

We'll give you the tools to fail harder and dive into the wormhole we call work, and fly with the wings you've had all along but never knew you had, at a place that's going to change you in a way that books can't. 

Brain time means pay time. The residency pays $22 an hour, plus overtime, a housing stipend, and monthly OMNY card. 

General Position Summary

Wieden+Kennedy believes that each team member makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities outlined in a job description. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the employee or the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each team member will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors and to pursue individual career growth.

Our mission at WKNY is to be as diverse as New York City and to ensure every person working here is supported, heard and part of an inclusive work environment. This is important.

The Design Resident works in conjunction with the Creative Manager, Retoucher and Creative department  to produce accurate comps and mechanicals for printed work that adheres to the high quality standards of Wieden+Kennedy.  

Major Responsibilities/Primary Functions 

• Works closely with Art Director to bring creative team’s visual concept to life on comps and  mechanicals using design and typography skills including designing type layout, fitting body copy  and kerning 
• Uses various techniques including performing image searches and scans, digital photography,  image manipulation, hand trimming, mounting, sketching and drawing for comp work, new  business pitches and various other projects 
• Designs and executes brochures, booklets, outdoor, spectaculars, p.o.p’s, direct mail, leave  behinds, ad kits, logos, TV titles and graphics; creates design extensions for campaigns as  requested 
• Builds detailed mechanicals for print, OOH and collateral to W+K quality standards
• Prepares final digital files and proofs to be sent to printer and publications (links hi-res files to  mechanical, outputs kodak proofs, collects files for output, rips mechanical files per publication  specification, quality controls digital files, burns and labels CDs) 
• Organizes and archives files on studio server per studio guidelines 
• Outputs final reprints on Epson proofer per account needs
• Gathers materials for award show competition entries 
• Prioritizes workflow effectively; accurately fills out timesheet by appropriate client job number

Qualifications, Distinguishing Characteristics and Special Requirements

• Knowledge/experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat) 
• Working knowledge of HTML, Flash, After Effects, WebNative, MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel is  desired 
• Must be able to use appropriate terminologies and language to accurately convey changes or direction in concept or design 
• Ability to use experience, resources, and interact and collaborate with other departments within the  agency to solve problems 
• A demonstrated track record of gaining trust and respect by consistently demonstrating sound  creative, strategic, and analytical thinking skills, while maintaining composure in stressful situations
• Exceptional attention to detail, multi-tasking, initiative and follow through skills
• Effectively communicates and works well in a team environment 
• Some evening and weekend work may be required