Besides growing my design skills, I learned how to become an effective collaborator and team member. One of my first meetings at Wray Ward was a brainstorm session with a client, and [VP and Executive Creative Director] John Roberts said something that stuck with me:

“It doesn’t matter how strange or unattached your idea might be. It may help spark a solution in somebody else’s mind.”

That was heartening to hear early in the program. If even an intern can feel noticed and valued, that means a lot.

Q: What was it like moving from an internship to your design apprenticeship?

Being a design apprentice is similar in many ways to being an intern, but it’s more in depth. I like to think of it like a smorgasbord — a taste of everything.

As an apprentice, you get involved in longer projects and see more of the process. While working on one of these larger projects for a client, I realized that I was using my passion for illustration in a work environment. It was fun to realize that I can apply my strengths and interests to real scenarios and expand my tool kit in the process.

Being an apprentice has also given me room to grow and make some mistakes, but because I have support from my team, I know it’s okay to do that. It’s all right to fail as long as you stay curious and learn from your mistakes.

Q: How has working at Wray Ward affected your experience as a student?

My internship and apprenticeship have completely changed how I view school. They’ve given me a different perspective on my postgraduation expectations and needs. Working at Wray Ward has helped me see the reality of deadlines and expectations in the real world.

I also view school projects differently now. I sometimes used to wonder why we were given certain assignments, but now I understand what we’re working toward. I have higher standards for myself after doing real work in the industry. I always try to share that experience with my classmates.

Q: What lesson has surprised you the most?

Design is not just visuals. A lot of thinking and strategy go into it. My background in media design and studio art have helped take my projects to another level, and my philosophy studies have shown me how understanding people’s intentional approach to tasks helps you see their reasoning. When you have the tools, you can always use them. Still, I don’t think you’re ever a finished product — you should always ask questions and stay curious.

When I see other work, I get inspired. I want my work to inspire people in the same way. Creating and design are not only about you — they’re about so many other people too. That’s what makes our work meaningful. I’m surprised by how inspiration creates a wheel where everyone is empowering one another, becoming collectively stronger. Being in the Wray Ward office and around collaborative people helps a lot with that inspiration and energy as well.

Q: Have you noticed any major changes in the world of design throughout your internship, apprenticeship and studies?

I’m not sure if this is new or if it’s always been this way, but social platforms for sharing art and projects are getting more popular, increasing access for designers to learn. People are becoming much more open about sharing their processes.

Design is also becoming more interactive, especially when it comes to user experience — everything has to move now. With how short attention spans are today, being captivating is crucial. Design is a game of grabbing attention. If I remember a design that I saw, it’s a good project — but if I go back to that design and engage with it in some way, it’s a great project.

Q: Where do you want your experiences to take you? How will you use them to grow?

I always want to be in a place where I have the ingredients needed to flourish. When you’re in the right place, you know it in your gut. To me, my future career isn’t so much a place or specific job — it’s about the lifestyle and culture. That being said, I’ve found the things that drive me to do great design work at Wray Ward: a passionate and supportive community, positive work culture, opportunities for training and growth, work-life balance and a sense of challenge. The different people and disciplines here are stimulating and push me to grow.

Q: Do you have any advice for those interested in FORM or careers in design?

Two things come to mind.

First, don’t be afraid of asking questions, and embrace the process. Value the journey, not the end goal. I think of my triathlon experience here: The progress gets you there, while questions help shape that process.

Second, it’s important to be true to who you are. Feeling you can be yourself means you’re in a good place.

Wray Ward is no longer accepting applications for the 2022 edition of FORM, but you can learn more about the internship program or explore our open positions.