The Democrats ~ Biden Administration
Graphic Design • Political Campaign
In the summer of 2023, I interned with the Democratic National Committee’s Design Team, contributing to the Biden-Harris administration’s digital design strategy.
I developed social media graphics, email inlines, and merchandise advertisements that played a key role in amplifying voter engagement and campaign visibility for the Biden-Harris administration.
My Role
Mobilization Team: Design Intern
Product Type
Social Media Graphics, Email Inlines, Merchandise, Merchandise Advertisements, Visual Templates
Time
3 months
Tools Used
Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Monday, Canva
What I did
Designed social media graphics, collaborated with various departments, researched current news, analyzed user engagement metrics
Outcome
During my time at the DNC, my designs were featured on the DNC's Instagram page, reaching a wide audience and promoting the Democratic platform on issues ranging from the environment to education, as well as President Biden's campaign.
Designing for Democracy
Designing for the Democratic National Committee and President Biden's campaign was a transformative experience.
I created graphics that highlighted key issues like gun control and healthcare while showcasing the accomplishments of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during their administration. Given the significance of these topics, this work required a thoughtful approach—incorporating diverse faces and stories to connect with a wide audience while ensuring the language was clear and easy to understand.
On a less serious note, I also had the opportunity to contribute to merchandise design, including the iconic Dark Brandon merch line!
Feel free to check it out below!
Reflection
What I learned
The Design Process at the DNC
At the DNC, I got first-hand exposure to the planning, design, and review processes for all kinds of media within the Design Team. It was such a valuable learning experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me pick up new skills along the way!
One of my favorite aspects of the internship was the collaborative nature of the role. Every design went through a real-time review with the team, where we’d share feedback, suggestions, and even celebrate each other’s work. We had discussions about accessibility, visual hierarchy, cognitive load, and how to make content more digestible. Even though I’m not a fan of being in the spotlight, I really enjoyed the process because it brought us closer as a team and made every design even better.
With all the feedback, I was able to refine my design style and get better at simplifying complex language while improving content flow.
My Impact
My Strength ~ Interdisciplinary Background
I wasn’t your typical designer on the team. While my professional background is rooted in design, my academic background is in Psychology and Latino Studies. It was so interesting to see how my interdisciplinary perspective naturally blended into team discussions and design tasks. For example, I was able to provide input on the diverse linguistic and cultural nuances within the U.S. Latino population or discuss how our designs might impact the audience’s cognitive load.
There were moments when I felt unsure of my design abilities since I didn’t have a formal degree in the field. But this internship truly solidified my belief that my interdisciplinary background is a strength. It not only enhances the work I create but also lets me bring unique insights to the table that help elevate the team’s designs overall.
Next Steps
Contributing to the Democratic National Committee and President Biden’s Administration, right in the heart of Washington, D.C., was an incredible experience.
This internship deepened my appreciation for the impact of design in creating meaningful, user-centered experiences and driving positive change within the political landscape.
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