In late February this year I started to look for internships. I
was considering both printmaking internships and illustration internships. I
searched for pattern design studios. I found several places that have similar styles
of my drawings. I sent cold emails to around five places, and Nikki Martinkovic Design Studio was the one that replied and scheduled an interview. After
interview they offered me an assignment as a test, and accepted my application
one week later. Kyle Naughtrip is listed as my direct supervisor.
There are six interns for the summer; I and another girl from RISD
are creative interns. We draw small elements on paper, and other employees in
the studio transform them into patterns. As interns we did not get chance to do
patterns by ourselves, but they gave us several tutorials on how they do
patterns. We have freedom on what we want to draw. Every several weeks the
studio would come together and discuss what kind of images they need more in
this period of time, for example, animal prints. I tried to make three
architecture collage drawings, which I like a lot.
From this experience, I improved my painting skill and learned
some really useful Photoshop tricks. I have an idea on how to estimate the time
for each drawing. I got chance to observe how other people works, and started
thinking about drawing in a different perspective. The two creative designers
at the studio hold a session and answered our questions about job opportunities
in pattern design industry. I learned a lot from their experience, and knew
more about pattern design industry. This opens my eyes and shows another
possible path that I can consider after graduation.
I’m happy that I took this internship. This experience has
prepared me well for my coming senior year. I wish I took it earlier.
