Author: Andrew Chen

After working on several projects with Exhibitista Creative, we needed to update our social media with reels. That’s when I was introduced to CapCut, and I’ve been really impressed with it. It’s a simple yet powerful video editing tool that has made creating content a lot easier. It offers a wide range of features, like text animations, smooth transitions, and cool effects that make videos look professional. The interface is easy to navigate, so I was able to pick it up quickly. One of my favorite features is the AI caption tool, which automatically generates captions and saves so much time. Overall, CapCut has made my editing process faster and more efficient, and it’s definitely become a go-to tool for social media content.

I’ve noticed that juggling multiple projects has slowed me down, and I’ve pinpointed a few reasons why. When switching between tasks, I often get caught up in minor details—like adjusting kerning, tracking, and spacing—right at the start, which eats up time that should be spent on bigger, more critical components. As deadlines approach, I find myself rushing through those larger tasks to catch up, which affects the overall quality and leaves less room for thoughtful revision.

Another issue I’ve faced is not dedicating enough time to the initial research phase. Instead of carefully exploring the right color schemes and typography for the mood board, I sometimes dive straight into the design process, which leads to having to make corrections later on. Constantly shifting my focus between different projects also makes it harder to keep track of each one’s specific needs, which can create delays and affect my workflow overall.

To improve my workflow, I need to prioritize proper planning and research at the beginning of each project, ensuring I have a solid foundation before diving into design work. By focusing on the larger tasks first and saving the finer details like kerning and spacing for the final stages, I can better manage my time and avoid rushing as deadlines approach. Moving forward, I’ll also aim to create clearer boundaries between projects, allowing me to stay organized and more efficiently juggle multiple tasks without sacrificing quality or creating delays. This balance will help me deliver stronger results across all my work.

Time flew by as I was thoroughly enjoying my first project with the Greenwich Historical Society. Then, my boss shared some exciting news – we’ve secured new clients and will be starting their projects as we wrap up the first one. One of these new clients is the Forward, a Jewish newspaper originally published in English, which still exists today in digital form (https://forward.com/).

The Forward had a column called “Seeking Relatives” that played a crucial role in reuniting families during World War II. They’re now working on a proposal to turn this column into an exhibition and have asked us to create visuals for how a typical exhibit panel might look. Each panel will tell the story of a specific family. We’ll be working with the Erika Mandl Word document and images provided to develop ideas for designing a panel, approximately 36×48 inches, though the size is flexible, that captures each family’s narrative.

We’re also handling some additional tasks, like making minor adjustments to a logo and creating a clean, well-organized layout for proposal letters. It feels very exciting working on multiple projects, and I’m looking forward to diving deeper into these new opportunities while wrapping up the first one.

My boss got a client from Connecticut, and we are creating an exhibit layout for the Greenwich Historical Society about the Bush family tree. We received the information needed to design a layout for a wall that is 108 feet by 101 feet. The client wanted the layout finished in 10 days. At first, I was nervous about the tight deadline, but my boss stayed calm, which made me feel more relaxed. It was clear she had everything planned, and that helped me trust that we were on track.

The task itself involves creating a family tree of the Bush/Isaacs/Scudder family, with each person categorized as a Patriot (circle of stars), Loyalist (crown), or slaveowner (shackles). We’re organizing this information visually, including marriage details, dates, and symbols for each individual. The curator provided detailed data, including color-coded roles and marriage connections. To keep things efficient, I’m starting by designing individual squares for each person in InDesign, before assembling the complete family tree. It’s a great process for ensuring everything is consistent and well-structured.

As an intern at Exhibitista, I have the opportunity to engage in a variety of creative design projects under the guidance of Professor Johanna Goldfeld. My essential duties include assisting with various design tasks that contribute to the overall vision of the projects. These tasks range from vector drawing for logos to conducting typographic studies and designing exhibition layouts. I will also be involved in creating collateral materials and conducting research to inform design decisions.

In this role, I am expected to work both independently and collaboratively. This balance allows me to develop my own design style while benefiting from collaboration and feedback from Professor Goldfeld. Working closely with her provides a unique mentorship experience that fosters my growth as a designer.

Regular communication with Professor Goldfeld is a vital part of my internship. I will discuss my progress, seek guidance, and share ideas to ensure that my work aligns with the goals of the internship and the business. Engaging in these tasks will help me enhance my skills and contribute meaningfully to the design projects at Exhibitista.

The internship at Exhibitista offers a unique opportunity for students to work directly with Professor Johanna Goldfeld, a seasoned expert in graphic and exhibition design. Interns will engage in hands-on design projects, assisting Professor Goldfeld in creating exhibition layouts, graphics, and marketing materials. This close collaboration will provide a deep understanding of the design process and the creative decisions involved in bringing a project to life.

Working one-on-one with Professor Goldfeld also allows interns to receive personalized mentorship and guidance. Interns will have the chance to discuss their ideas and receive constructive feedback, helping them refine their skills and build confidence in their design abilities. This direct support ensures that interns are not only learning but also growing as creative professionals.

Throughout the internship, participants will develop a portfolio showcasing their work with Professor Goldfeld, highlighting their creativity and technical skills. By the end of the internship, interns will be better prepared for careers in graphic and exhibition design, equipped with valuable experience and insights from a leading expert in the field.

My journey into exhibit design took an exciting turn when I secured an internship at Exhibitista. This opportunity came after I completed Professor Goldfeld’s Design Team class, which had a profound impact on me. Professor Goldfeld, the founder of Exhibitista, taught me so much about the creative process behind design, and I knew that I wanted to apply those skills in the real world.

After completing her class, I started looking for internships that would allow me to gain hands-on experience. It just so happened, Professor Goldfeld listed an internship at Exhibitista on OpenLab. I was eager to apply, and with encouragement from Professor Goetz, I submitted my resume and cover letter.

A few days later, I received an invitation for an interview. It was nerve-wracking, but I relied on everything I had learned in class to prepare. When I got the offer, I was thrilled! It felt like the perfect opportunity to further develop my skills.

Now, I can’t wait to see what’s ahead of me on this path!