Author Archives: Dayna

Let the creativity flow. Or not?

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I’ve come to realize that my internship is part creativity and part administrative. While, I am creating and working on the companies logo and business cards, a lot of my job is office work. Of course, I am very happy to have an internship in the first place. I can’t complain. I am learning a lot about office behavior, dealing with co workers, and just the overall environment of being in an office. It is very helpful considering, that I plan to work in an office in the future. It is a real estate office so I have to remember, K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. I forgot who told me that or where I heard it from. I guess I’ll take credit for it.

I had spoken to Michael all he said was to:

1. Keep it simple. “We want something clean looking.”

2. “Use our burgundy red color.”

3. “Something that looks up to date and can withstand time.

trademark-logo

These are my first sketches. I skipped the drawing pad this time. I like the way it is looking so far. Today, the company has the bottom right “kw” as their logo. Not the exact font but it is very similar. I need to come up with more ideas before I meet with Michael about how the designs are going. We dedicate at least once a week to talk about how my designs are going. I am very happy that I am getting all of my hours in. So far it does not look like I will be missing hours. I was really concerned with that. I am coming AT LEAST 2 days a week. But, I am mostly here 3 full days. Plus any extra time I may have. I have spoken to the manager at my regular part time job and, I asked her about a month ago to only put me to work on the weekends. It has SERIOUSLY helped in terms of balancing everything.

Apple iPhone Photography Workshop

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On October 3rd, I attended the Apple iPhone Photography Workshop at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island. I don’t live far from that store location and it seemed like a workshop I can actually apply to my everyday life. The only social media platform I am part of is Instagram. So, I took take random pictures on a daily basis. I am NO photographer. But, I was hoping to learn some tips to learn more about taking photos with my iPhone. img_2542

When I walked into the store, it was extremely busy. I was surprised for a Sunday afternoon. I checked in with a specialist and headed to the back of the store like he mentioned. The workshop was not set up as I hoped it would be. It was set up on one of the tables with 4 seats. I was expecting a closed off area with seats.There was the instructor, Nick, and he was showing us everything on a monitor he had set up. It was only me, my boyfriend and one other woman taking the workshop.

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I actually learned a couple of really helpful tips. Nick showed us how to properly capture a shot, the different types of photo settings to choose from, and how to edit with the photos app. The number one tip that was given was to keep photos simple. It’s all about keeping a harmonious composition. Empty space is a good thing! We were shown the, obvious to me, photo ideas. For example, aligning your subject diagonally, and to using symmetry, He also gave us a couple of cool photo concepts to try out.  He mentioned shooting from a low angle, or shooting from the level of your subject. I definitely want to try to use it when I take photos of my little sister. He also mentioned “breaking the barriers.” Instead of trying to hide shadows in photos, try taking the photo with them front and center. After, we went into editing.

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After I registered for the workshop, Apple mentioned brining our phones so we could learn hands on. It was great to actually do it ourselves so we could follow along. I had no idea the Photos App had these many edit options.

Overall, it was a helpful workshop. There were plenty of things I learned today. I learned how to shoot photos more creatively and various techniques. I also learned creative ways to adjust and edit my photos. It was a great way to improve my skills.

The ball is rolling.

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Journal Entry #4. I can happily say that I believe I have a system to my weekly schedules. And more than happy that I am keeping up. (YAY!) My supervisor and I have spoken about what it is that I will get done. I also realized that timelines are ideal. I mean, Iv’e known that timelines are extremely helpful, and important. But to help break things down for other people, they are even better. I took my own leisure to make one for Michael. So, when we met and he asked me for one, I already had it. I asked him if I could help with the magazine cover and he agreed that I could help edit a photo or two. Which is great, since I DID NOT want to take creative control either. The days are going great so far. It’s also great to see my hours filling up on my time sheet. It’s a pretty smooth day most of the time. I come in around 8:30a.m, stick to my little cubicle/office and just work away. I do also do some leisurely tasks. Coffee run, prints, basic Microsoft typing, etc. When I do finish my designs I have meetings with Michael and see what he thinks. So far it’s only been rough sketches. Approval first before computer work. But I am finally making them digital soon. I become so focused on my work when I am there. But the number one thing I am learning is that not everyone is going to love your ideas. There have been times where I say an idea that pops in my head, and it is not always approved. So, I need to completely switch it. The main thing I noticed is that the main request is to make the designs simple. Super simple. When 1p.m or 2p.m rolls around, everyone is talking about and running out to lunch. There have been sometimes when we’ve ordered and he actually covered my meal! Then, when 5p.m comes, I get ready to leave. Below is an example of their last magazine cover.

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Organizing, Scheduling and Arrangements.

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Journal Entry #3. My agenda is my life in a book right now. I really like the culture of my internship. It is very professional but everyone is nice to each other. They talk casually, and talk about other things besides work. I have met a lot of the team. Everyone is in work appropriate attire. When I go to my internship I have on black work slacks, black flats, and a work blouse. It is very similar to what I wear at my job. The only difference is, I can wear some sort of color here. At work the dress code is all black.The office is split between a bunch of cubicles, they look more like small offices to me, and it also has some seperate offices. There are conference/meeting rooms as well. Michael had mentioned that he might want me to introduce the designs to some other parties of the office near the end of my internship. I work in a cubicle. Typically, everyone comes in around 8:30am, and leave around 5 or 6. Michael expects the same from me as well. My main concern is reaching the 120 hours. I do my internship twice a week. So, hopefully I will. Whenever I am available 3 times a week (day off from school or work), I plan to do my internship instead.
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One of the views from the office.

Not dying… yet.

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Journal Entry #2. I met with Michael today in the office. The last time I was here was for my offer acceptance. It felt good to be back and walking throughout the office. He showed me around, introduced me to some of the team members, and showed me specifically where I will be working. I like my space, a lot. It’s in a office setting, I have my own small desk, and I’m kind of in my own space. I like working alone. But of course I know with my future jobs, that will mostly not be the case. Once he showed me the office, I then understood why a laptop was REQUIRED. Luckily I decided to buy my MacBook. I bought it just incase and for the heck of it to be honest. I thought my iMac at home would be more than enough. But now, I use my MacBook more than anything.
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My job is as the design intern. Michael Duran, or Mike, is my direct supervisor. I go to him with any problem, concerns or questions. It was an in person interview with Michael. He did mention that he and one other person looked at my resume when considering me for the position. But I can not remember her name for the life of me. I will ask him the next time I see him. I showed him my work and my resume. He asked me what my schedule is like, and what I have going on. THANKFULLY, he only required two days of the week. I went to a ton of interviews and as I got closer into the interview process, I was always stopped when it came time to talk of my availability. So many people required three days of the week. I am more than lucky to have an internship that only requires two.
I submitted my resume and application, waited 8 days to hear a response. I had the interview, 3 days later I got the call to come back to the office. There I was given the intern position. I was asked about my current schedule, what I have going on, what I plan to do after college, where do I see myself working, and a couple of other things.

And so it begins…

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Journal Entry #1. This is going to be an extremely stressful next couple of months. I have work, internship and my final classes. But I know at the end, the reward will be great. I have to remember it will be all worth it. My schedule is packed, but I made it so I can separate time for all it.

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I met with my supervisor Michael/Mike. Whichever according to him. The company I am interning in is called Keller Williams Trademark 2. It is a fairly large company that networks in many parts of the U.S. The companies primary business is real estate. They also have a magazine called OutFront Magazine. it is a magazine dedicated to the success strategies among the associates throughout the world, and leading-edge strategies to help associates succeed in their market and grow market share. While I communicate with many members of the team, Michael is the one I work with directly. The company has won many many awards this year and in the past. My  responsibilities will be to redesign the logo, create brochures for some upcoming events and to work in part with the magazine. Michael will speak with me more about it in our upcoming meeting. Luckily the office is in Queens. It’s closer to home.

James Levin visit

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Today, a professional life coach James Levin came to speak to the class. In 1980 Levin made his own photography/art studio. He worked with many large companies including, AT&T. He has also had many books published. He has also won creative awards. He produced and directed shoots. All until he got a surgery that completely changed his career path. He began helping creative professionals prepare for jobs. From there came, Job Search Therapy.

There were many important points that Levin brought up including, “do what you love for a living,” There is close to nothing more important in the working world than to do so. Another important point that he brought up, which he defined as the “key ingredient” was, to move forward. After everything that may occur.

Levin also gave a lot of great tips when going to an interview. He said, “be heard when given the opportunity.” Getting the interview is the huge step so make sure to make an impression. Even if you were to be going into an interview that you don’t truly care to receive the job for, going through interviews is practice. The more you of it, the more comfortable you will become. Always, always, always ask questions in an interview! Show them your interest. Always be sure to let them know, you will be adding value into the company by them hiring you.

Today, James Levin visits 7 universities while also helping others prepare their resumes and look for jobs. The main thing I learned, besides the many helpful tips, was to prepare for your interviews. To know what I’m going to ask when I am in my interview. Prepare my resume to fit the position. I learned to overall, make my voice be heard.