My internship experience this summer was virtual, and I did not attend any in-person events. However, I did attend an online meeting on a website similar to zoom with other members of the Communication Marketing Department. My direct supervisor and company Chair attended as well. There, they discussed plans for the organization, including expansion into other regions of the world and implementing collaboration projects. It was exciting to hear that the company is expanding globally at a fast rate. Many of their newer design projects will coincide with the expansion. Because some tasks will be more involved, they want interns and other designers to work together. Recently, I was assigned a task with another intern, but after reaching out to her, I did not hear back. I plan to send her another message later today. I am looking forward to working with her, and I hope she replies to my following email.
Because the internship was virtual, I did not meet many other people affiliated with the organization. For the most part, work was executed independently without insight from other designers. However, my direct supervisor is someone I consider a role model. She is a high school student who lives on the other side of the world. She presented herself as professional and caring. She ensured that the tasks assigned to me were joined with excellent written instructions and samples. She was gracious with feedback and always expressed her gratefulness for the time I put into the projects I created. She is the sort of worker I strive to be when I am supervising others. I recognize how her positive and supportive mindset made me feel, and I want others to feel that too. There is nothing better for me than feeling valued at the job and knowing my work is making a difference. That is the kind of supervisor I desire to be in the future.
I entered my internship with complete dedication and a desire to succeed. Although I had many anxieties before I started, I aspired to overcome them and be the best version of myself that I could be. The organization I interned with is a not-for-profit, and they rely on designs for donors to invest in the organization. At first, I wasn’t sure how creative I should be because the branding guideline document I received was limited. It didnāt include enough information or typography options. I assumed I had to stick to the guidelines to a T. My first design was underwhelming and dull. I was afraid to utilize more creative ideas. When I submitted the project, I asked my supervisor if I may use other forms of typography. She agreed that it was fine as long as I maintain professionalism. That was a game-changer and opened the door to more advanced ideas. My supervisor also recommended I play around with shapes and other embellishments to add dimension. After that, I wasnāt fearful to utilize more diversity in my creations, and most were well received.
The feedback I received I took constructively and used it to better my designs. I am a fan of rules and instructions, and I work best when I have an outline. My supervisor gave all the interns good constructive feedback that was specific for each element. I feel grateful that she went out of her way to make sure we understood what was needed. Before submitting the final designs, I mentioned that I was more than happy to make any revisions she felt were necessary.
The most challenging project I had was the Bangladeshi Chapter banners. I was asked to include a lot of company information in a small work area. Additionally, I had to include two photos of members of the organization, their names, and titles, which did not fit in well with the design. It took a lot of trial and error before I found a placement I thought was successful. Because the Bangladesh Flag consists of red and green, I wanted to incorporate those colors onto the banner. However, the organization’s Bangladesh logo shares the same colors, and it clashed with many of my initial ideas. I had to play around with the color tone and contrast to find a good balance. I have included updated designs of the banner below, which came after I received feedback. The project was successful, and my supervisor was happy with the outcome.
The most inspiring project I worked on was for hat designs. I found fun ways to incorporate the company information and tagline into a small space. I researched other successful hat patterns, and I found layout tutorials to learn how to utilize specific techniques in Illustrator and Photoshop. I designed about eight, and I felt each design was more comprehensive than the last. After I submitted the project, I was asked to incorporate the company globe into them. I found inventive ways to add in the embellishment, and my supervisor was highly impressed.
My experience working with the non-profit organization was very positive, and with each assignment, I took in a lot of information and grew with it. The projects grew more challenging, and I became more determined to overcome those challenges. Seven weeks later, I feel I am a stronger designer, and I have more confidence in a professional work setting.
The internship opportunity has been very beneficial for me, and I have decided to stay on longer. All the work I have done so far has been independent and not collaborative. However, the organization said they plan to implement group projects shortly. The only collaborative effort I explored was with my direct supervisor. When she assigns me a task, she lists details she wants to be included, like photos, contact information, and background images. Additionally, when I submit my designs, she gives me further feedback about what I can improve and any revisions. Although we are not technically working together on projects, I feel there is a level of collaboration because she sets up the outline and tone of the project, and I do my best to deliver.
This past week, I was instructed to design five banners for the organization’s Bangladesh Chapter. This project has been the most challenging for me because there was a lot of information and photos to include. In addition to all the required elements, I had to design it with images, logo, and other components, in a somewhat small space. I also wanted to include the Bangladesh Flag colors. Each banner took a long time to complete, but overall, I feel I did a good job. I am awaiting feedback and may have to make some minor revisions, but overall, I am proud of the designs, and I think they came out well. I have posted them below:
I started my current college a year ago. I transferred rom another college after earning an Associate’s Degree. The classes at my present school have been informative in terms of how it relates to a āreal-world environment.ā A class I recently completed helped me understand how to build a concept from the ground up. I learned how to properly research including scholarly articles, official government websites, and visit the field when possible. The internship class has introduced me to topics that I have limited knowledge including contracts and copyright infringement. The Hope poster fiasco stands out as something I should never repeat in any form.
The internship opportunity is giving me confidence in the industry. There have been tasks that were challenging, and I was unsure how to execute the assignment. I conducted research, watched tutorials, and figured out how to use specific settings in Photoshop and Illustrator. That allowed me to perform the assignment with fewer issues, and I learned new skills. I like obstacles when I have the tools and resources to overcome them. All the tasks I have done relate to my major because they are within the graphic design realm. I have worked on similar projects in classes over my college career. However, now no one is holding my hand through the process. I have to envision the creative side and execute it on my own.
My typical day includes checking the Communication Marketing Dept. email for any new emails for me. When there is something, Iāll start to complete the task. Because the internship is virtual, I have not met with anyone one-on-one. All my assignments and other information have been via email or within the company app. Now that I have completed 120 hours, I will email my supervisor the college timesheet and evaluation form. I plan to stay on longer. Iāll talk to them about that this week as well.
My last task was to create a separate company logo for their Lebanese Chapter. They asked about the Lebanese Flag included in the design. I designed about ten versions. Here are a few:
Hello classmates, Iām happy to say things are going well. The culture of the organization includes diversity and inclusion for all. They aim to assist all people living under the poverty line, regardless of citizen status, an opportunity to better themselves through education, legal services, health, and housing, to name a few. This week a few of the interns and I joined a zoom-like call with the Chairperson. He told us some exciting plans the organization is going to start to implement. They plan to expand into other regions of the world and will seek more leadership roles from interns. Additionally, they also want to implement group projects and collaborations among members. He invited our ideas and reminded us we are valuable members of the organization.
The internship is virtual and will continue being for at least another year due to the pandemic. However, the company seems casual, and I envision employees working in casual clothing. My typical workday involves receiving an assignment from my supervisor. I then change the status of the project from new to in progress on the company app. The average due times have been between 3-7 days, depending on the project. Once I have designs ready, I email them to my supervisor. She may complete the project or give me feedback for revisions. She is supportive, makes me feel valued, and is available if I am unclear of what I need to do.
My last project went well, and I received excellent feedback. I was assigned hats to design for the company to sell on their website. They are expanding their merchandise. At first, I was unsure how I would create hats since I never have before. I did a little research to find inspiration. I designed about ten hats and mocked them up. The mock-up designs are below. After I submitted the initial designs, I was told to combine the company globe emblem. I am excited to find out which hat idea they will sell. If they post it to the site before the class ends, I will let you know.
Things at the internship are going well. There is no micromanaging, and I have the freedom to complete tasks on my terms within a timeline. I work in the Communications Marketing Department as a Digital and Design Associate. My supervisor is a Director in Communications and Marketing. She is helpful, provides feedback on my projects, and I excel because of it.
A helpful Prof. at my college helped me find the internship opportunity. I called her a few weeks beforehand, and we spoke about my skills and interests. Other than the internship, I am taking two classes, and I have a job. I wanted to find an internship with work flexibility so I wouldnāt feel overwhelmed this summer. The organization is a perfect fit for me.
I had an unofficial interview for the position. I received a call from the chairman a few hours after I sent him my introduction email. Over the phone, he explained the goals of the organization, and what my tasks will entail. The Chairperson did most of the talking, and I was not asked many questions. I emphasized I have a passion for helping members who reside in underserved communities. That is the primary focus of the organization. He offered me the opportunity on the spot and asked me to start right away. I agreed to begin the following Monday so I could finish the spring semester without any distractions.
This week, I worked on an article layout and design. It was a fun task for me. I enjoy using InDesign and just completed a Publication Design course and learned a lot about page layout. It is a challenge to fit the text, images, and other information on a page in a visually appealing way. I am also a stickler for widows and orphans. (look it up) I have included the designs I did for this project. I try to make two versions of each concept for added variety.
I have been with my internship for two weeks now. Within that time, I have designed 13 different pieces for two tasks. My first task was to create the cover of the digital June Newsletter. The second task was to compose a newsletter article page layout. The organization instructed me to use any photograph or other content website I choose to create designs. I wasn’t given any specific information about copyright infringement or how to credit the photographer/artist. However, I know from experience that credit is mandatory when using a design, regardless of whether or not the sources are free or paid. When I submitted my designs, a photo credit was not required, but I included it anyway for one design. The Communication Marketing department and I never discussed whether or not artists should be credited. However, according to the AIGA design and Business ethics handbook, āthere should be agreement as to whether the photographer will receive ownership credit for the photography that appears in the final design.ā Since I have used āpre-existingā open-source stock images, I am not sure if there are specific license agreements connected to the use of its content. Because the photographs will not be sold and only used as a communication/promotional source, I do not think that is something I need to worry about in this case. According to Upsplash.com, “You do not need to ask permission from or provide credit to the photographer or Unsplash…” However, each photo provides the photographer’s names, and I will credit them going forward.
Upon my start, I received the companies logos and brand guidelines. The guidelines allowed me to understand how the logo should and should not be used. There are two main versions of the logo: full white and golden. The white version is utilized on a dark or busy background. For all my designs thus far, I have employed the white logo version.
I did not have to sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement for my internship opportunity. However, I treat all work with professionalism and dignity. Everything I produce for the organization is to the best of my abilities, and I excel with feedback, which I have been receiving. Other than for class purposes, I will not reveal designs I create unless it is publicly available on their website. What I post on the class ePortfolio site will only include a design intended for external marketing. If I am given an assignment that is internal or confidential, I will not post those designs. Instead, I may speak of my ideas and tactics in written form but will not go into any details on the content. I strive for professionalism and understand the value of confidential agreements, whether or not it is been verbalized. Regardless, I will use my judgment and experience to make wise choices when displaying designs that are not publicly available. If ever I am in doubt, I will email my superiors and/or legal department to ask if I may use the design in my portfolio or other personal circumstances.
Entry 1: B)
In the back of my mind, I always knew that photographs and other elements I use in my designs need to be credited and may be copy-written. Because my work is often for school projects, I never paid close attention to whether or not I might be infringing on any copyright violations. My perspective on this matter has changed a lot after reading the Fairey Copyright Case and the Copyright section of the AIGA handbook. In the past, I assumed if I made edits to an image I found, it’s no longer protected. However, I have learned that is not the case. Although individual stipulations include certain angles and postures that cannot be copyrighted, the work is theirs and should be agreed upon by them if I plan to use it for purposes outside of education.
I recently took a Publication Design Class. At first, I only used open-source images out of caution regarding copyright laws. But then, I was informed by my instructor that as long as I do not plan to make money on my work and it is for school purposes, it is ok to use images that are protected, but I must credit the author. Throughout the class, I designed a 28-page magazine using many images found through image search engines that pertain to the topic of the publication. To accurately credit all the different entities the photographs and artwork were from, I dedicated a Credit Page that listed all the artists and sources the works originated. That was an appropriate way to allow others to obtain their acknowledgment.
For my internship, photo credits are not expected. However, moving forward, I will include them with my final designs so the organization may utilize that information appropriately, should they choose. All the images I use are from open-source websites and not blindly obtained from Google, so even if they do not credit the source, I know the photographs are safe to use without future repercussions.
ļ»æEntry 2: A & B
After reading the Fairway Copyright Case, I have a new appreciation for the complications of copyright restrictions. This case was interesting to read, and its details are overly involved. Garcia did what many other photographers have done in the past. He positioned his camera and settings in such a way to capture a subject, in this case, Barack Obama, in a specific way that made him appear prominent. The photography was then published in newspapers via the AP and soon after was forgotten.
Fairey, a graphic designer, wanted to create a poster for the Obama Presidential Campaign, and Google searched images of him that had a āclassic political postā for inspiration. He found a few but selected the Garcia image because it ābest suited his purposes.ā According to the article, Fairey used photoshop to manipulate the photograph, alter the color, and crop out elements from the background. Because of the changes he made, Fairey did not question whether or not it was ok to use the image due to copyright reasons. However, without any remark of copyright laws, Fairey continued his project for an Obama Campaign poster and designed a successful concept.
I understand that Fairey edited the original photograph to fit his needs by ābrightening areas of his chinā¦, darkening his right ear, moving some of the highlights on his cheek, and darkening his right cheek.ā However, altering an existing image does not remove the copyrights of the original author. I believe that one idea comes from another, and inspiration comes from our environment, including the internet, tv, and magazines. However, a new creation should be designed from the ground up and not a redesign of another work.
To further prove the guilt Fairey felt, he went out of his way to deny claims the photograph came from the AP. He also ādestroyed some documents and fabricated others to buttress his continued claims that the reference work had been the Garcia Clooney photograph.ā That proves to me that Fairway knew he was in the wrong using a photograph that was copyrighted. Instead of taking responsibility for the mistake, he attempted to conceal it until the evidence against him was overwhelming, and only then did he retract his ignorance.
The AP had every right to file a suit against Fairey. Although Fairey did not initially plan to profit from the design, he ended up making a nice sum of money, about a million dollars, and four āfine artā versions. One is located at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. In the hypothetical situation, Fairey made the poster for a school project, and it ended there, I would agree that he would not have violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. However, because he made a profit and used the image for public display, I feel he is.
The outcome of the case was more than fair. Fairey got off easy, considering the amount of publicity the work has gotten and the money he made from it. I further think that both parties sharing the rights is an intelligent decision and allows both parties to profit and claim ownership. The case presented many strong arguments on both sides, but the most significant factor, in my opinion, is the original photograph is owned by the AP, and regardless of the edits, permission should have been sought, or Fairey should have recreated the image from scratch as inspiration and not as a copy.
I am interning with the not-for-profit organization. The organization has eight board members, including the founder, and Chairman. In 2015, the organization was officially started with the hope of providing services, assistance, and resources for immigrants and others who are neglected in underserved communities. The mission āis to work with New Yorkers of all origins to help build economically stable and sustainable communities.ā There are eight board members and over fifty volunteers who help the organization thrive through multiple channels, including Communication Marketing, Finance, and Business Development. The organization is public and accessible through many means that include volunteering, donating, and acquiring services.
The organization needs donations from investors, individuals, and other agencies who wish to partake in social justice throughout New York City and beyond. The primary business is to help all members who reside in underserved communities, regardless of age or immigration status, obtain services that will better their lives. These services include public school admission, assistance with college applications, applying for scholarships, job placement, financial counseling, legal services, immigration services, senior citizen health insurance services, and most other lawful assistance. The organization strives to serve underserved communities.
I am interning in the Communication Marketing Department and responsible for the design that will either be housed on the website, printed, and mailed. Currently, I have designed the cover for the June Newsletter. I made four prime versions and four alternates. I received positive feedback from my direct supervisor and have gotten a better idea of the varieties of designs I can create. My second assignment is to design a page layout for an article with a theme of Spring and Cherry Blossoms. I submitted three ideas, and Iām waiting to hear back with feedback. These first two weeks have been a positive experience, and I look forward to the remainder of my time with them.
Article 1: (Iām commenting on content form the website because there are not any recent articles)
The website of the organization I am interning with this summer lists many options for areas of interest for potential investors and clients. The webpage is nicely organized, with each category accompanied by an appropriate image, icon, and text. There are eight categories: agriculture, education, energy, financial inclusion, health, housing, water & sanitation, and workforce development. These categories are key insights and a beneficial way for an outsider to learn about the services and missions of the organization.
Each category goes into specific information that includes: the amount of money invested, other companies helping to provide the service and the number of individuals impacted by the benefits. In addition to specific information, the organization addresses why the category is essential and their execution plans.
The page layout is arranged excellently. Itās clear and user-friendly. Each category explains the pros and cons and the ways the organization is serving. The housing category: $31,250 invested in breakthrough innovations, 14 housing companies are providing services, and 2,961 individuals are impacted positively by their approach. The information is bold, to the point, and will easily keep the attention of the viewer. It allows me to understand the impact of the services afforded to those in need and the resources invested into the outcome.
The organization I am interning with this summer offers many services to its clients. These include educational, financial, immigration, insurance, and legal guidance. Those core services enable members of underserved communities to obtain prime assistance to services that are not readily available where they reside. In addition to that, language barriers and fear of immigration status often interrupt a person from utilizing beneficial opportunities for themselves and their families. The organization strives to support those who are often overlooked, obtain services safe and professionally.
Educational services included are scholarship opportunities, public school enrollment assistance, college application guidance, and tutoring. A combined approach allows for optimal success for parents, children, and students. Financial assistance options include banking, wealth management, and tax preparation. Those services empower an individual to save, optimize tax returns, and learn other intelligent ways to invest.
Immigration assistance is crucial in our climate. Many undocumented individuals are neglected and do not utilize services due to fear of exposure and retaliation. However, many of the services are for undocumented residents and will help to improve their lives. Services include employment, obtaining skills, utilizing applications including asylum and refugee, marriage, family, temporary work visas, waivers, and other resources for the undocumented community. The list is vast and includes a large assortment of other beneficial services too.
Insurance guidance ranges from auto, business owners, claims, personal liability, disability, employers liability, specialty, individual and homeowners insurance, and workers compensation. These services are crucial for allowing one to protect him or herself, their business, and their homes. Many people in underserved communities may lack these services because of language barriers, the complication of the process and may not know they need it or are entitled to it.
The last category is legal guidance. This category includes a realm of assistance: legal, law services from civil, criminal, entertainment, immigration, labor, real estate, and injury. The organization provides a plethora of services ranging from small to large and minor to extreme. One person at a time, lives are improving because of the organizationās commitment to supporting underserved communities.
My name is David Goldstein, and I am an aspiring graphic designer native to New York City. I grew up in Queens and Brooklyn and currently live in Manhattan. Iām earning my BFA from the New York City College of Technology and will graduate, May 2022. My passions include photo restoration, publication layout, and print design. I highly value diversity and incorporate that into my work. Iām not fearful of challenges and thrive to learn and prosper. When Iām not busy with work and school, I enjoy events and activities that keep me inspired, such as photography, theater, movies, and concerts. Iām also a lover of travel and experiencing new cultures and landscapes
