Maddie is a graphic design intern at Artonic, a Michigan Web Design Agency.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Maddie! I am a fifth-year senior at Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan. I will be graduating next year with a BFA in Graphic Design. I am also the Social Media Producer for the Siena Heights Art Department. I manage the studio’s website as well, along with other projects. I am currently planning my senior show, which will take place in the Winter Semester of next year, focusing on the theme of dance and movement. I have always been passionate about dance, so I am excited to finally create some work about it. Outside of work and school, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, including my Jack Russel-Pug, Bandit.
How did you become an intern at Artonic?
I began searching for internship positions last Fall. I noticed there were not many listed positions in my area, so I began emailing companies directly asking if they were considering hiring an intern for the summer, and I’m glad I did. After emailing back and forth with Matt, I came in for an interview and completed a practice design. One morning I woke up to an email from Matt offering me the position, and I happily accepted. I am very thankful for this opportunity.
How has your experience been as an intern?
So far, my experience as an intern has been amazing! I was very nervous my first day, but I had no reason to be. Right when I walked in the door and met the rest of the Artonic team, I felt welcome. One of my colleagues gave me my own Nerf Gun on the first day, so I knew this was the place for me. Everyone has been extremely helpful, and I have learned a wide variety of skills that I can apply to my own work. I highly recommend becoming an intern because it is a wonderful learning experience.
What do you do here at Artonic?
My main job is to design social media posts for our clients. This involves a lot of work in Photoshop, creating works of different sizes to fit the platform they will be posted on. I also assist with photo and video shoots for clients, mostly learning about the different equipment that is used. I have also created merch for clients, and I am currently assisting with writing blog posts for Artonic’s website. What I love about working here is that I do something different every day.
What is the most interesting thing you have learned as an intern so far?
Photo and video shoots are the most interesting for sure. I have some experience working with a DSLR camera from my Video class and job at Siena Heights, but working with Ashlee during photo and video shoots has been amazing. I learned about equipment and terms that I have never heard of! I am excited to dive deeper into this subject and I have much more to learn. Photography has always been a passion of mine, so working with a professional has been a great opportunity.
How does working in the field compare to courses at school?
Working at Artonic has been quite different from my courses at school. I am glad I have this opportunity to experience what graphic design is like in the workplace, because you don’t get the full picture in a school environment. Here at Artonic, I have real clients that I am creating designs for, while at school, I am making work for myself.
What experience do you have in graphic design?
My experience in graphic design started my senior year of high school. I attended the LISD Tech Center in Adrian, Michigan for the full school year. In this graphic design class, I learned about the Adobe Suite programs, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. We focused on fine art as well, sketching still lifes, taking pictures, and making our own lino-cut print. From here I decided that I wanted to pursue this career and made it my major. At Siena Heights, I gained more experience through my graphic design, corporate identity, and publications classes. My job as a social media producer has also given me more experience. I applied this knowledge to my position here as an intern, and I am learning even more from the Artonic team!
Why are you interested in graphic design?
I have always been an artsy, creative kid. Art was my favorite class, I participated in many summer art camps, and I made countless crafts at home. As I grew older, I thought graphic design was the next best thing, and I fell in love with it. I could still be artsy and creative, and help people at the same time!
Do you enjoy working with a team?
I love working with a team. I think in any workplace, communication is key. Working with others allows ideas to flow, and what you thought was a great idea, may turn into something amazing. A team also gives each other feedback and constructive criticism. Everyone has a special skill, and when those combine, you have a power team.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
If you want a fun, honest answer, my friends and I are planning a road trip. We are thinking somewhere on the East Coast, somewhere with a beach. All five of us will be graduating next year, and we have grown very close. I am very thankful to have them in my life. After that of course, I hope to get a job as a social media producer, or graphic designer at a local company. I love what I do here at Artonic, so I hope to get a similar position.
Have a question for Maddie? Reach her at [email protected].