COMD 4900 Internship Summer 2023 – Fanny Ho’s ePortfolio

Reflection on the Internship Experience

My internship experience has proven to be extremely valuable and rewarding. Throughout this opportunity, I had the privilege of gaining firsthand experience in remote work, fostering meaningful connections with my supervisor, and taking on individual responsibilities. One aspect that truly stood out was the opportunity to create impactful social media campaigns for various holidays and important causes. It was not only a sense of accomplishment, but also deeply meaningful to raise awareness and draw attention to significant issues through my work.

Overall, this internship has been an enlightening journey, providing me with insights into the dynamics of working for a company. Having the chance to contribute to a non-profit organization added an extra layer of fulfillment, knowing that my efforts were dedicated to a greater purpose. Through this experience, I acquired valuable skills, honed my creativity, and gained a better understanding of the professional world.

I consider this internship to be a resounding success, as it allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It provided me with a glimpse into the realities of remote work, taught me the importance of effective communication, and instilled in me a passion for using social media as a tool for raising awareness. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to leveraging the knowledge and skills I have acquired to make a positive impact in my future endeavors.

Resource:

“Free Photo Document Marketing Strategy Business Concept.” Freepik, https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/document-marketing-strategy-business-concept_17107545.htm#query=internship&position=4&from_view=search&track=sph. Accessed 8 July 2023.

Newsletter Order Form

As part of my internship, I have been assigned the responsibility of designing an interactive form for the company. Upon receiving a list of contents from my supervisor, I meticulously curated an order form specifically tailored for the company’s newsletter. To ensure brand consistency, I strategically positioned the company’s logo on the upper left corner of the form, serving as a visual representation of the organization.

To enhance clarity and visual hierarchy, I emphasized the title of the form by utilizing a larger font size and centered alignment. By doing so, I aimed to capture the attention of users and guide them towards completing the form effortlessly. To facilitate the subscription process, I incorporated sections for users to input their email addresses and provided fill-in boxes for additional relevant information.

Understanding the significance of maintaining open lines of communication, I placed the company’s contact information prominently at the bottom of the form. This serves as a convenient reference point for users who may require further assistance or have inquiries regarding the newsletter subscription. In addition, recognizing the significance of social media in modern communication, I included the company’s various social media platform icons, allowing users to easily connect and engage with the company across different channels.

Through careful design considerations and attention to detail, the interactive form I created aims to streamline the newsletter subscription process while ensuring cohesive branding and seamless user experience.

Resource:

“Hand Filling Checklist Form Illustration With Man Signing A Paper Work Document Vector Modern Flat Design Concept For Web Banners Web Sites Printed Materials Infographics.” Pngtree, HaniSuwaryo, https://pngtree.com/freepng/hand-filling-checklist-form-illustration-with-man-signing-a-paper-work-document-vector-modern-flat-design-concept-for-web-banners-web-sites-printed-materials-infographics_5283455.html. Accessed 7 July 2023.

Social Media Campaign for Gender Equality

As part of my internship, one of my key responsibilities was to develop a campaign promoting gender equality. To align with the organization’s branding, I incorporated their color scheme into my design. In the visually striking image, I skillfully merged the male and female sex symbols with an equal sign positioned at the center, symbolizing the fundamental value of gender equality. To complement the design, I included a poignant quote from Nan Sa Aell Daung Paing: “Gender equality is not only a women’s issue, it’s everyone’s issue.”

Nan Sa Aell Daung Paing is a prominent figure in the realm of gender equality in Myanmar. Her significance stems from her tireless efforts to advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. By leveraging her voice and platform, she highlights the fact that gender equality should be a concern shared by individuals across the entire spectrum of society.

During the volunteer in Myanmar, Nan received valuable knowledge and awareness on gender-based violence (GBV), child protection, and human trafficking prevention. Equipped with this newfound understanding, Nan took on the role of an educator, actively disseminating information on GBV-related issues to women and girls in her village and the surrounding areas. Through her efforts, she aimed to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and promote gender equality within her community.

I deliberately chose to incorporate her quote in my campaign to underscore the universal nature of this cause and to emphasize the imperative for collective action. Furthermore, the decision to utilize Nan Sa Aell Daung Paing’s quote is also rooted in the recent and transformative impact she has had in the field of gender equality. Notably, her achievements are particularly noteworthy as she represents a minority, thereby showcasing the diverse perspectives and experiences crucial to achieving a truly inclusive and equitable society.

Gender Equality Social Media Campaign

Resource:

“‘Gender Equality Is Not Only a Women’s Issue – It Is Everyone’s Issue.’” OCHA, 11 Mar. 2019, www.unocha.org/story/%E2%80%9Cgender-equality-not-only-women%E2%80%99s-issue-it-everyone%E2%80%99s-issue%E2%80%9D.

My Role in the Organization

As a Digital Design Associate at Unity for Equality within the Communications & Marketing department, I play a vital role in shaping the organization’s online presence and effectively conveying its message of equality. My primary responsibility revolves around creating engaging and impactful social media content for the organization’s Instagram platform. By leveraging my design skills and creativity, I craft visually appealing and thought-provoking posts that resonate with the audience and inspire them to join the movement for equality. Whether it’s designing eye-catching graphics, selecting captivating imagery, or crafting compelling captions, my work helps drive awareness, foster engagement, and promote Unity for Equality’s mission through the power of social media.

Beyond creating social media posts, my role also encompasses contributing to broader marketing initiatives. I collaborate with the communications team to develop cohesive marketing campaigns and materials that align with Unity for Equality’s values and goals. This may involve designing promotional banners, infographics, or email newsletters that effectively communicate key messages to different target audiences. By blending my artistic flair with a strategic mindset, I play an essential part in elevating Unity for Equality’s brand image and cultivating a strong online community that supports and advocates for equality.

Resources:

“Free Photo Home Decor Design Renovation Style.” Freepik, https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/home-decor-design-renovation-style_18126196.htm#query=digital%20design&position=42&from_view=search&track=ais. Accessed 27 June 2023.
“Home.” Unity for Equality, 24 June 2023, unityforequality.org/.

About the Organization

“Unity for Equality” is a transformative organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Their unwavering commitment to promoting unity and advocating for equal rights drives their impactful work. By actively addressing systemic biases, they strive to dismantle barriers that perpetuate discrimination and foster an environment where every individual is respected and valued.

At the heart of their initiatives is advocacy and awareness. “Unity for Equality” raises public consciousness about the social issues surrounding discrimination and inequality. Through compelling campaigns, educational programs, and community events, they encourage dialogue, challenge biases, and promote empathy. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, they strive to shift societal perspectives and promote understanding.

“Unity for Equality” leverages their influence to drive policy reform. They collaborate with lawmakers and policymakers to champion comprehensive legislation that upholds equal rights and opportunities. By engaging in dialogue, providing expert insights, and mobilizing grassroots support, they work to enact systemic changes that dismantle discriminatory practices. Their efforts extend to local, regional, and national levels, ensuring that no individual is left behind in the pursuit of a more just society.

Additionally, “Unity for Equality” actively fosters community building and empowerment. They create safe spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and find support. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events, they empower individuals to become agents of change within their own communities. By nurturing solidarity and providing resources, “Unity for Equality” enables individuals to challenge discrimination and actively contribute to building a more inclusive society.

Resources:

“About.” Unity for Equality, 24 June 2023, unityforequality.org/about/.
“Areas of Investment.” Unity for Equality, 24 June 2023, unityforequality.org/areas-of-investment/.

Obtaining the Internship

I secured this internship opportunity at Unity for Equality based on the recommendation provided by my esteemed professor. Following the recommendation, I submitted my application through the organization’s official website. Subsequently, I received a call from the Chairman, who graciously arranged an interview via Microsoft Teams, ensuring a seamless and convenient process. The interview itself was conducted as a group session, involving several other candidates. During the interview, the Chairman provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s mission and activities. While the questioning was relatively concise, the Chairman primarily inquired about our departmental preferences. We promptly shared our responses through the chat feature, and the Chairman kindly guided us regarding the essential documents required for onboarding. Additionally, he extended his support by assisting us in setting up personalized email accounts affiliated with the organization, facilitating effective communication channels moving forward.

Resources:

“Free Vector Group Video Concept Illustration.” Freepik, https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/group-video-concept-illustration_12219244.htm#query=microsoft%20teams&position=1&from_view=keyword&track=ais. Accessed 27 June 2023.
“Home.” Unity for Equality, 24 June 2023, unityforequality.org/.

Ethical Design Guidelines: Entry 2

2A) As a designer, I frequently draw inspiration from the works of fellow artists. While I refrain from replicating their creations, I artfully integrate select elements from their oeuvre into my own distinctive style. In order to acknowledge and honor these artists, I conscientiously feature their works within my creative process and diligently provide proper attribution through meticulous sourcing. Particularly in circumstances where the constraints of time and resources prevent me from capturing photographs myself, I rely on the utilization of commercially licensed images that are available under the Creative Commons framework. By leveraging these photographs, I am able to fulfill the requirements of my work while adhering to the legal and ethical considerations associated with intellectual property rights.

2B) The punishment of Shepard Fairey for his unauthorized use of copyrighted work is warranted and essential for upholding the principles of intellectual property rights. Copyright laws exist to protect the creative efforts and investments made by individuals and organizations in producing original works. By infringing upon these rights, Fairey undermined the integrity of the original photograph and the photographer’s ownership of it. This behavior sets a dangerous precedent, potentially discouraging future artists and creators from investing their time, resources, and talents into producing original works if they believe their efforts may be exploited without consequence.

In conclusion, the punishment of Shepard Fairey for his unauthorized use of copyrighted work is crucial in emphasizing the importance of obtaining proper permissions and licenses and respecting the rights of creators. By holding Fairey accountable for his actions, we reinforce the principles that underpin creativity, encourage fair compensation, and promote a thriving and respectful artistic community.

References:

Richard, Grefe. “Use of Illustrations” AIGA. PDF. New York City, 2001
Fisher, William et al. “Reflections on the Hope Poster Case.” Harvard Journal of Law and Technology, vol. 25, 2012, pp. 244.

Image Source:

https://infyom.com/blog/design-ethics-and-responsibility-the-importance-of-making-right-choices-in-design

Ethical Design Guidelines: Entry 1

1A) Designers have multiple choices to ensure ethical practices when it comes to finding images. They can opt for creating their own content, acquiring licensed stock images, or following permissions and copyright laws. It is highly recommended for designers to prioritize the use of unique images, such as custom illustrations, photographs, or project-specific graphics. This approach not only prevents copyright violations but also enhances the project’s distinct visual identity. In cases where creating original images is not feasible, designers can utilize licensed stock images from trustworthy platforms while respecting the associated licensing terms and conditions. Proper attribution should be given if required. Designers should also possess a good understanding of copyright laws, acquire necessary permissions, comprehend usage terms, and appropriately credit the original creators. Fair use principles should be taken into account when relevant.

In regards with my internship, my supervisor does provide a few images to use and those images are the logo of the company. Therefore, I am responsible to find images that I can use when I create social media campaigns for the company. For example, I use copyright free images from reputable sources such as Unsplash, Pixabay, Pexels, etc.

1B) Due to the non-profit nature of the organization, my internship did not entail the signing of a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement. Instead, I was solely required to submit a basic contact information form as part of the internship requirements.

References:

“Non Disclosure Agreement.” Scribd, www.scribd.com/document/91894008/Non-Disclosure-Agreement. Accessed 26 June 2023.
Richard, Grefe. “A Client’s Guide to Design: How to Get the Most Out of the Process” AIGA. PDF. New York City, 2001
Richard, Grefe. “Use of Photography” AIGA. PDF. New York City, 2001

Category: COMD 4900 Internship Summer 2023

Reflection on the Internship Experience

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My Role in the Organization

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About the Organization

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Obtaining the Internship

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Ethical Design Guidelines: Entry 2

Ethical Design Guidelines: Entry 1

The OpenLab at City Tech:A place to learn, work, and share

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The OpenLab at City Tech:A place to learn, work, and share

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Gender Equality Social Media Campaign

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My Final Deliverables:

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