Design is all about keeping things on the up and up. Being honest, keeping secrets, and avoiding any sticky situations is super important. During my internship, I faced some real tests when it came to sticking to these principles, and let me tell you, it was crucial to do so!
Following the AIGA standards, I had to make sure I kept all client work and business info hush-hush. It was also up to me to give realistic timelines for the design and production process. Making sure everyone knows who owns what and can use what in project proposals was also a big deal. These standards are there to make sure designers keep things real with their clients, maintain the integrity of the profession, and respect everyone’s intellectual property. When I was interning at JOAN Creative, I had to put together a strategy deck to help the creatives understand the communication strategy. I came across some pretty sensitive info about the client’s business and future plans. I stuck to the AIGA’s standards, kept everything under wraps, and only spilled the beans to the necessary team members.
Keeping things above board in design isn’t just about keeping the peace between designers and clients. It also gives the design profession a good name. My time at JOAN Creative hammered home how important these ethical standards are, and I’m totally committed to sticking to them in all my future projects.
