Baltimore Grand Prix

I am a Senior Interaction Design + Art Major with a Graphic Design Concentration. Over the summer of 2011, I was one of three Graphic Design Interns for the Inaugural 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix. Baltimore was the host site for the three-day “festival of speed” September 2-4 that included both the IZOD IndyCar race series and the American Le Mans race series. I found the internship on www.micanetwork.com and submitted my resume, cover letter and portfolio website to the contact listed in the job posting. Elizabeth Davidson, the Vice President of Marketing at the Baltimore Grand Prix, requested I have an on-site interview downtown, and I was hired on the spot!

At the Baltimore Grand Prix, I worked alongside Elizabeth Davidson and the marketing team to advertise and promote the inaugural race by designing promotional materials that included a trailer wrap, an aerial sky banner that flew over Ocean City, Maryland, charity ball tickets, armed forces flyers and vouchers, print and web advertisements, and a variety of other design projects. While the exciting opportunities were endless, I am most proud of the trailer wrap design project because my large-scale design traveled to a variety of locations and accompanied the show car for special promotional events.

Interning at the Baltimore Grand Prix was better than expected, and I most value the event promoting experience I received while working in this fast-pasted motorsports industry position. I boosted communication skills while talking to merchandisers and printing companies, and formed excellent professional contacts I plan on staying in touch with throughout my career. Above all, I grew as a designer and artist. Being a graphic design intern with this company has further confirmed my eagerness to work within the motorsports industry, and this experience has allowed me to get a jump start to do just that. 

-Tricia Baugher