Artwork Designer Review

The artwork role has given me invaluable experience and has challenged previous skills as well as allowed me to develop further. New elements and responsibilities were added to the role as per requirements and suggestion by the MD, Operations Manager, myself and the other artwork intern. Although the job had some repetitive elements which all jobs do, there was always something new and exciting to work on, be that a client request or a new project. The office set up was very relaxed and friendly. A good team overall. There was a great deal of creative freedom and mutual respect, in terms of processes, projects and new ideas which we had as well as support given as and when required. Overall this placement really does go by "you get back what you put in"

The overall team was great, and all employees are valued regardless of job role and higherarchy, there are some amazing people here.

All the support which was needed was provided, although as with most industries in some cases where specialist knowledge was lacking, guidance was given on the best method of gaining this experience. There was a lot of backing and support especially when changes and new ideas were being developed. New ideas were always treated with an open mind and enthusiasm which was great.

Due to the industry there are periods of time when it is chaotically busy and others which are quiet; there can’t be a totally perfect balance. However the busy times are good preparation and experience in dealing with tight deadlines and a large work load. This being sad there was never a point where it just want possible as there was great understanding and support during these times. During the quieter times our time would be filled working on projects such as photography and marketing media, which was interesting and challenging in a different way.

Between me and the other placement student we were the artwork department, as there was no artwork full timer we ran the show. We had input given on process and projects, but day to day we ran it the way we wanted. This job role came with a lot of responsibility which providing the intern is self motivated, can work independently and as part of a team with initiative is great experience as well as very enjoyable.

The skills which I have learnt aren't directly related to my Industrial design degree course however I have developed skills which can be used in any field or job, including, liaising with suppliers, giving sales/ clients what they want, working to deadlines whilst working on multiple projects, recruitment of replacement and in term knowledge of what other employers are looking for. Specifically design related my skills have improved greatly in Ilustrator, Photoshop, Photography, Photo Editing, Creating technical product templates. These skills are dependant on the interest of the intern as said before the creative freedom allows expanding on interests and extra projects which require specific skills.

A good mix between fun and serious

The placement was well organised as the job role was a real one. However in the beginning there was a slight lack of input due to the newness of the department, however there was always things which we needed to do and there wasn't a lack of direction. This being said it was the best way to learn and develop.

The company invested all they could to my benifit and theirs, some of this included meeting suppliers and being given technical trainning. They did all they could by aiding in training, as much as resources allowed possible. Most of the knowledge and skills are learnt on the job , and most of this is experience based.

Unfortunitley as the artwork department consists of Interns only at the moment there is not much prospect for the future.

Due to the amount of students there was always something going on - A bit like being at UNI

Well its in the south. But due to the amount of students going out isn't to expensive but not as cheap as uni either. Cost of living is fine especially as housing and bills are paid for.

Maidenhead is ok but Reading and Windsor are the main places to go out. These are good. It is also close to London which is nice.

There is football for the boys.