I heard of this opportunity through my illustration professor. I was really excited for this opportunity so I quickly created a tailored portfolio and submitted my application with my fingers crossed. I was really hoping to get accepted because this internship sounded like a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and collaborate with other artists. About six weeks later, I got an email and I signed an acceptance form.
I worked with several other interns. We had three advisors who taught us a lot about professionalism and ecology and helped by giving critiques throughout the process. The organization we partnered with is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and our point of contact was a BLM archaeologist. Our point of contact worked with 30+ Native American tribes to protect and sustain public lands and foster an interest in our national heritage.Our group traveled to Dolores, Colorado, to experience the land for ourselves and make signs for the park that would withstand the environment decades later. These signs would designate the Painted Hand Pueblo as a spot for tourists and descendants of the ancient tribes that once lived there. They would also help to protect other areas of Native American lands under the BLM’s protection and keep them from being disturbed.
All tribes involved agreed upon the idea before we came to the scene. The interns would be in charge of creating the signs themselves. We had a little over a week to learn about the site, make sketches of layouts, and make final illustrations and a ‘how-to’ guide for sign care and upkeep. Out of 7 signs,I illustrated signs 6 and 7, in which I did illustrations of native plants.During my internship, I went on a hike for the first time, tried many new foods, and experienced new cultures while collaborating and living with a professional team for the first time in my career. The scenery will stick with me forever, and I’m glad that I could do so much plein-air work as a job and help to educate others.
This internship gave me the experience of my first professional client work and helped me practice collaboration and communication with other creatives professionally. My career path has become broader. I’ve learned that I enjoy working with others and have learned new skills for accomplishing goals under strict deadlines. This internship was beneficial spiritually and professionally.
