Blog 10
This week, I had the opportunity to work on a collaborative project with Marla Gotay for one of our clients, Oxford Cafe. The task was to design a special flyer for Thanksgiving, which was both a creative and enjoyable project.
Since we both work remotely, our main form of communication was text messaging. Marla guided me through the process, sharing her ideas and suggestions while allowing me the freedom to make design decisions. Once I finished my first draft of the flyer, I sent it to her for review. She provided feedback and edits, and I made the necessary changes until we finalized the design. By the end of the day, the client loved the final version, which felt very rewarding.
This project was successful because the communication between Marla and me was clear and efficient, and we both worked toward the same creative vision. It also reminded me how important feedback and collaboration are in design — even simple suggestions can make a big difference in the final outcome.
If there was one challenge, it was making sure that all the small design details matched the client’s expectations, especially with holiday themes where color and layout play a big role. Overall, the experience was fun, smooth, and educational, and it showed me how teamwork can bring creative ideas to life.
Virtual Museum Visit
For this assignment, I attended the virtual exhibition “You Won’t Bleed Me: How Blaxploitation Posters Defined Cool & Delivered Profits” hosted by Poster House. Poster House is the first museum in the United States dedicated entirely to poster art and design. It explores how posters serve not only as advertising tools but also as reflections of cultural, social, and political movements.
The exhibition “You Won’t Bleed Me” focused on the Blaxploitation era of the 1970s, highlighting how movie posters shaped public perception of African American identity, style, and resistance. These posters celebrated Black power, independence, and confidence during a time of social change, using bold color, typography, and dramatic imagery to capture attention and define what was considered “cool.”
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
- Designer: Uncredited (promotional artwork for Melvin Van Peebles’s film)
- Medium: Poster (offset print)
- Subject: Representational — a powerful portrait of the film’s hero, Sweetback.
This poster uses vivid reds and deep blacks to convey intensity and rebellion. The typography is bold and aggressive, echoing the film’s unapologetic tone. The composition centers on the protagonist’s face, radiating strength and defiance. I chose this piece because it visually captures the raw, revolutionary spirit of early independent Black cinema. The colors and type create an emotional punch that perfectly mirrors the film’s impact.
Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975)
- Designer: Unknown
- Medium: Poster (offset print)
- Subject: Representational — heroic and action-driven imagery.
This poster features Tamara Dobson as Cleopatra Jones, standing tall and confident, surrounded by scenes of action and glamour. The use of vibrant oranges, yellows, and blues gives it a dramatic, high-energy look. The typography is sleek and angled, emphasizing motion and strength. I was drawn to this poster because of its composition and empowerment—it portrays a Black woman as both glamorous and powerful, breaking stereotypes that existed in cinema at the time.
Mandingo (1975)
- Designer: Unknown
- Medium: Poster (offset print)
- Subject: Representational — a provocative depiction of racial and social tension.
This poster combines illustration and photography to depict a controversial story set in the pre-Civil War South. The textures and colors are gritty, with deep browns and muted tones that convey the film’s serious and disturbing themes. The typography is large and bold, creating a sense of drama. I selected this piece because it reveals how movie marketing in the 1970s used visual exaggeration to attract attention and provoke emotion.
Experiencing the Poster House exhibition virtually was different from visiting in person, but still effective. The online format allowed me to zoom in on details, read background information easily, and explore the historical context behind each design. However, seeing the posters on screen lacked the scale and texture that would make the physical versions more impactful.
Overall, I found the virtual experience educational and inspiring. It deepened my understanding of how poster design communicates culture and identity, and how graphic design can be a form of storytelling and social commentary.
Blog 9 – Learning 4
This week was a bit more challenging than usual because Marla, my supervisor, had to be away for a week. During her absence, I was responsible for handling feedback messages and making sure projects stayed on track. It was a new level of responsibility for me, and it showed me how important clear communication is when managing design work.
Most of my time was spent updating some common boards for a client who kept requesting small changes. At times, the instructions weren’t very clear, which made the process a little frustrating. Still, it taught me to be patient and to ask the right questions to better understand what the client wanted.
On the brighter side, I had the chance to work on something more creative — designing a frame for a coffee shop. For this project, I was given complete freedom to come up with the concept and layout, using photos that the client provided. It was a fun task that allowed me to apply my design style while keeping the client’s brand in mind.
Even though this week came with a few obstacles, it helped me realize how much I’ve grown as a designer. I’m learning not only about design itself but also about communication, patience, and independence, which are all key parts of being a professional in this field.
Blog 8 – Learning 3
This week at Calling All Graphics, Inc. was one of the busiest yet. I worked on several important projects with Marla Gotay, and each one helped me understand more about what it’s like to handle multiple clients and deadlines in a real design environment.
My first project was designing a flyer for a pizzeria, and I really enjoyed it because Marla gave me complete creative freedom. It felt great to apply my own ideas and see them take shape without too many restrictions. The next day, I worked on updating a coffee shop menu. That project came with a lot of client feedback, which made it a bit stressful. Still, it was a good experience because I learned how to make revisions based on what the client wants while keeping the design visually balanced.
While working on my projects, I also listened to Marla’s conversations with her clients. It’s interesting to see how she communicates—especially when clients have specific or difficult requests. One of her clients, who owns a yoga studio, spent the whole day discussing her project with Marla. There was also a technical issue with the yoga logo, where the background color in Photoshop didn’t transfer properly into Illustrator, so Marla had to troubleshoot it. Watching her solve those design and file challenges taught me a lot about problem-solving and patience when working with clients.
Overall, this week taught me the importance of flexibility, communication, and technical skill in graphic design. Each project is different, and being able to adapt quickly is just as valuable as having strong creative ideas.
Blog 7 – Event 2
This week, I attended my second professional development event: Intro to Canva, hosted by the New York Public Library as part of their TechConnect series. The session took place online via Zoom and focused on introducing participants to Canva and its many creative tools.
The event was a presentation and hands-on tutorial where we learned how to create professional designs using Canva’s platform. The instructor guided us through different features and demonstrated how to design materials like posters, flyers, menus, logos, and even websites. It was great to see how flexible and beginner-friendly Canva is for creating visuals without needing advanced design software.
The class was interactive—we were encouraged to design our own posters during the session to explore the tools in real time. There was also a Q&A section, where attendees could ask questions and get direct feedback from the host.
From this event, I learned how to navigate Canva’s interface, use templates effectively, and incorporate new design tools to create clean, professional layouts. Although there wasn’t a follow-up email after the event, the session provided a lot of valuable information for improving my design workflow.
Overall, I found the event interesting and practical, especially because Canva is becoming a popular tool in both personal and professional design projects. I liked how the session covered a range of creative possibilities—from building social media graphics to designing full marketing materials.
This experience also helped me see how libraries like NYPL play a big role in supporting digital literacy and creative education by offering free workshops like this one.
Blog 6 – Learning 2
This week felt like a real step forward. After six weeks at Calling All Graphics, Inc., I’m noticing the smaller professional habits that actually make a big difference — like always reviewing your work to catch typos and small mistakes before anything goes to the client.
I wasn’t able to attend a scheduled meeting this week because I had other commitments. Marla wasn’t happy about that, which reminded me of the importance of reliability when you’re part of a team. Right after, I asked if there was any work I could do that day so I wouldn’t fall behind, and she gave me something to keep moving.
The highlight of the week was finishing my first major project: a broad menu design for a deli. Delivering a larger piece like that felt rewarding and a little nerve-wracking. When I presented it, Marla made several changes and — what I appreciated most — walked me through each edit step by step, explaining the design reasoning behind them. Hearing the “why” behind her choices helped me understand how to think like a designer who’s also solving business and readability problems.
Takeaways from this week:
- Proofread everything — typos undermine even the best design.
- Showing initiative (asking for work when you miss something) matters.
- Constructive feedback is a teaching moment: understanding the rationale behind edits speeds up learning.
Finishing the deli menu and getting a clear breakdown of the edits gave me more confidence. I’m excited to apply what I learned to the next project and keep improving my design process.
Blog 5 – Learning 1
By my fifth week at Calling All Graphics, Inc., I’ve started to see what the life of a freelance designer is really like. It’s not just about creating designs—it’s also about understanding how to work with clients, how to negotiate, and how to present your services in a convincing way.
One of the most valuable parts of this internship has been listening in on my supervisor, Marla Gotay, during her conversations with clients. Observing how she communicates has taught me a lot about professionalism, persuasion, and the importance of building trust with clients. These skills are just as important as the design work itself. This week, I was assigned to work on a sign design for a pet grooming store. What I enjoy about projects like this is the level of creative freedom Marla encourages. She pushes us to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to every project. Having that freedom makes the work both challenging and exciting, since we’re not just following templates but really using our creativity.
Overall, this week helped me realize that being a graphic designer—especially in a freelance setting—is a mix of art, communication, and strategy. It’s inspiring to see how design skills combine with business skills to create meaningful results for clients.
Blog 4 – Event 1
This week, I had the chance to attend Uniqlo Friday Night, an event hosted in collaboration with MoMA. It was designed as a networking experience, giving attendees a chance to explore the museum in a creative way. Instead of a panel or lecture, the event was more interactive. We got to draw in the garden, which made the night feel both casual and inspiring. I also learned a bit about modern art exhibits through conversations with people at the event, which gave me new insights into how others experience art.
What stood out the most was the atmosphere—being around so many creative people made the evening fun and motivating. I also found it interesting that MoMA partners with Uniqlo to host these Friday night events, making art more accessible to the public. Overall, it was a great experience that reminded me how valuable it is to step outside of work and connect with the wider creative community.
Blog 3 – Workplace
Now that I’ve completed three weeks at Calling All Graphics, Inc., I can finally describe what my day-to-day work is like. Working closely with Marla Gotay, the President of the company, has given me a clearer picture of how a small but experienced design business operates on a daily basis. One thing I enjoy about this internship is that the dress code isn’t strict—in fact, it’s casual since the company operates online. When I meet with Marla, she doesn’t require formal attire, which makes the work environment feel relaxed and comfortable.
My workday usually begins at 10:30 a.m., although the start time can sometimes shift depending on Marla’s schedule or any last-minute changes she communicates. My end time varies as well—on some days I finish at 1:00 p.m., while on others I work until around 3:30 p.m.. Because of this, my lunch schedule is flexible; I usually eat once I’ve finished my tasks for the day.
For communication, Marla and I primarily use text messages when something urgent comes up, which makes it quick and efficient to stay updated. She also added me to a group chat with her employees, which helps me stay connected with the rest of the team. For meetings, we use Zoom, and for managing and sharing projects, we rely on Dropbox. On the design side, I’ve been working with industry-standard tools like Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator, which allows me to apply the skills I’ve learned in school while gaining more real-world experience. Overall, this week helped me get a better sense of the rhythm of the job—from flexible scheduling to the tools and platforms we use to collaborate effectively. It’s been a great learning experience to see how a professional graphic design company structures its workflow while still maintaining a supportive and approachable environment.
Blog 2 – Role
After completing my first week at Calling All Graphics, Inc., I’m starting to settle into my role as a graphic design intern. My supervisor, Marla Gotay, is the President of the company and the person who gave me this amazing opportunity.
I actually chose this position because I had been hoping to land a graphic design internship through OpenLab. When this opportunity came up, it felt like the perfect fit. The application process was surprisingly simple — Marla only requested a resume and a portfolio link. Based on those materials, she reviewed my work and made her decision. There wasn’t a formal interview; instead, after about a week, I received an email letting me know I had been accepted. Later, I joined a Zoom meeting where Marla explained more about the company, my role, and the work schedule.
This week, I had the chance to work directly with Marla on a couple of design projects. Over the course of two days, I contributed to designing a restaurant menu and a flyer. It was exciting to apply my graphic design skills to real-world projects that clients will actually use. I also got a better understanding of the company’s design style and how to create visuals that align with client expectations. So far, I’m enjoying the hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from someone with so many years of industry knowledge. Each project helps me improve not only my technical skills but also my ability to communicate design ideas effectively.
Blog 1 Internship
This Fall 2025, I officially began my internship as part of my college course, and I’m excited to share my journey! I was fortunate enough to receive an opportunity from Marla Gotay, the owner of Calling All Graphics, Inc., to join her team as a graphic design intern. Calling All Graphics, Inc. is a public company with over 25 years of experience in the graphic design and printing industry. What’s unique about the company is that, although it has a long history, its operations are entirely online—a perfect setup for today’s digital-first world.
The company offers a wide range of creative services, including:
- Menu and menu board design
- Direct mailers and flyers
- Posters and signage
- Logos and branding materials
- Brochures and other print-ready designs
Their client base is quite broad, working with general clients from various industries, which means I’ll get the chance to work on diverse projects and sharpen different aspects of my design skills. For this internship, I’m working closely with a classmate from my college, which makes the experience even better—we get to collaborate, share ideas, and learn together while supporting each other’s growth.
My first week has been all about getting familiar with the company’s workflow and understanding how design projects move from concept to completion. I’ve been learning about client preferences, design specifications, and the importance of maintaining visual consistency across various marketing materials. Even though it’s just the beginning, I already feel like I’m stepping into the real-world side of graphic design—something I’ve been preparing for through my studies.
I’m looking forward to the upcoming weeks, where I’ll have the chance to work on actual client projects, contribute creative ideas, and develop my professional portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to grow as a designer and gain valuable experience that I know will help shape my career.
