While interning at Women’s Press Collective (WPC) I find there is always something new to learn. Some Days I am working on design projects other days I am helping with phone calls or clerical duties. While working there I have done data entry for their library, answered phones and filing for their clients database. Some volunteers and I worked together to seal, organize and record some membership pamphlets that needed to be mailed to certain donors and members of WPC.
Almost every other day there’s a new face. Volunteers from all over with different backgrounds and reasons for joining come to help out the organization. I’ve met people from California, Detroit, Brooklyn and the Bronx. It is great getting to hear their stories and reasons for volunteering. For instance, a group of individuals who volunteers at the sister organization of WPC and are located in California came to work with us. They came to learn about what we do and to utilize our different organization tools that can potentially help them with their publication and media production.
Just this week, I experienced first hand, how to operate a print and press machine from an expert in the printing profession. We got to observe a Multi 1650 MC printing press. All the interns that came that day got to see how notepads and christmas cards are produced through such an intricate and complex piece of machinery. There is so many things you must be aware of while operating this machine. For example, If you use too much or too little of the ink or water ratio, and it is not properly distributed, it can result in ruining your design and paper. Exposure to this experience made me realize just how important printing is to the design field. Printing is just as important as design they go hand in hand.
Everything is a learning experience that you should welcome with an open mind. I look forward to continuing learning from the staff and volunteers at Women’s Press Collective.
