What I gained as an intern

As part of my internship down at the university Sign Shop I have learned how to do many things that have benefited me in many ways so far. My education has given me some of the basic tools to get started, but working in the shop has been the kind of learning experience that you just cannot obtain in a classroom. I have learned a lot of new skills that I didn't have before that make me more well-rounded and capable as a designer, not only can I come up with a design, but now I know how to take a design to the next step by creating a tangible usable product. Not only did I pick up some cool new skills during this internship, but I also got exposure to different areas of design and how a business is run.

Projects and things I have learned to do

For the SUU production of "Back up the Mountain" I was asked to Recreate the original sign on the Old Main building when SUU was first established. Using Adobe Illustrator I was able to recreate the font on the sign and make a replica for the movie set. It was my first time using Illustrator so it was fun to discover new tools to use when designing. Look for my sign in the movie!

One of my favorite things that I learned how to do was being able to take a design and create a 3 denominational form with it. I enjoyed learning how to incorporate design into more than just your ordinary posters and prints.

I learned How to design for multiple mediums including wood. In the Old Main remodel they wanted to add something to the display cases to make them a little more interesting.  I learned how to run to a router for this project and use it to carve the design into the wood.

A big thing I am learning is how  to run a business. Working with customers, working as a team with coworkers, how to  come up with  a price quote, ordering materials, machine maintenance, and using different machinery and programs to turn designs into actual products.