Color & Material Design Intern

About the Role We are looking for a passionate and detail-oriented CMF Intern to join our design team. You will assist in researching, developing, and executing color, material, and finish strategies for upcoming product lines. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in trend forecasting, material science application, and production-ready design. What you’ll bring 1. Research & Trends • Conduct primary and secondary research on macro trends (fashion, automotive, architecture, consumer electronics). • Create mood boards, color palettes, and material storyboards for seasonal roadmaps. • Monitor competitor analysis and market shifts regarding surface treatments. 2. Material Exploration • Source and organize physical material samples (plastics, metals, textiles, coatings, bio-based materials). • Support the team in evaluating technical feasibility (durability, cost, supply chain). • Assist in maintaining the internal material library and digital database. 3. Design Execution • Create CMF specification sheets (color codes, gloss levels, texture patterns, grain direction) for engineering teams. • Prepare presentation decks and renderings (Keyshot/Blender/Photoshop) to visualize CMF concepts. • Support the team in creating physical mock-ups and color chips for design reviews. 4. Cross-functional Support • Liaise with Industrial Designers, Engineers, and Suppliers to track sample development. • Participate in on-site factory visits or supplier meetings (as needed) to review color batches. • Document prototyping iterations and production limitations. What you’ll bring 1. Education: • Currently pursuing or recent graduate with a degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Textile/Fashion Design, or Fine Arts. 2. Technical Skills: • Software: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Knowledge of 3D rendering (Keyshot, Blender, or SolidWorks Visualize) is a plus. • Physical Skills: Basic model-making, spray-painting, or hand-finishing techniques. • Standards: Familiarity with Pantone, RAL, or NCS color systems. 3. Soft Skills: • Strong visual communication and storytelling ability. • Highly organized with attention to microscopic detail (color variance, grain alignment). • Ability to work in a fast-paced, iterative environment. • Curiosity about manufacturing processes (injection molding, anodizing, painting, etc.). 4. Portfolio Requirement: • Must include at least 1–2 projects showing color/material exploration (not just final product renders). Process sketches, material boards, and failure analysis are highly valued.