Forget fetching lunches; interns at Underscore are part of the caffeine-fuelled, creative-driven, music-blasting team. So naturally, saying goodbye to our latest intern Clare is a tough day for us all.
In a whirlwind two months, the fresh-faced University of Leeds student has found herself working across all stages of the brand experience and playing an important role in delivering creative.
Busily working away at the desk she quickly claimed as her own, Clare can easily be mistaken as a long-standing designer in the studio. Sadly for us, however, she’s heading back to her final year of study for her BA in Graphic Communication.
We caught up with Clare to see how she felt about her experience (sans bribery, we swear).
Underscore: What do you feel you have learned from your internship with us?
Clare: Overall, I’ve learned a huge amount about how design contributes to branding in an agency setting. I’ve had the chance to explore what goes into the strategy side, seen how a full-service branding agency of this size functions, been involved in team projects and team meetings, and seen all the stages involved in the branding design process, from briefing through to pitching to client.
U: How would you describe the Underscore approach?
C: There are two things that really jump out at me. Firstly, it’s forward-thinking, meaning constantly trying to stay up to date with ‘what new looks like’. Secondly, it’s strategic, meaning the first step is always to carry out in depth research in order to properly understand the brand and the consumer. This means creating design solutions that both connect and inspire.
U: Has your view of branding changed or been challenged?
C: I’ve learned that there is so much more to branding than a company’s identity. A strong strategy needs to be developed, a brand story must be created to connect with the audience on an emotional level, there needs to be a meaning and a tone of voice that can be expressed through the design, and you have to be able to communicate a clear message to the target audience.
U: What has been the most enjoyable aspect?
C: Working as part of the design team on live projects. Seafood Week was my favourite brief to work on as I was involved in all parts of the process, from initial brainstorming through to initial ideas for the campaign that were presented to client. It will be exciting to see how the campaign progresses if is taken forward, knowing that I made a meaningful contribution.
U: If you could sum up Underscore in three words what would they be?
C: Focused, driven, contemporary.
U: How would you describe the Underscore culture?
C: Sociable and friendly. Everyone is willing to help each other out when it is required and give feedback to each other.
So Clare we wish you well and thanks for everything.
If you would similarly like the opportunity to work as a design intern with us, please send your CV and a portfolio link to Tom Smith at jobs@underscore.co.uk