Overview
During my internship at The Fantastical, I engaged in diverse projects involving asset creation for both digital and print mediums. As an intern, my primary focus revolved around crafting newsletter layouts, digital and billboard advertisements, as well as producing motion graphics and other design deliverables under tight deadlines. Additionally, my duties encompassed tasks such as curating imagery for newsletters, preparing files for handoff, and maintaining organization within server files. Here are some highlighted accounts and the work I did for them.
White Elephant Resorts
The White Elephant Resorts is a distinguished hospitality brand featuring a collection of upscale properties, including White Elephant Nantucket, White Elephant Palm Beach, The Wauwinet, The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, The Basin Marina, and the historic Jared Coffin House. This was a long term account of The Fantastical's.
Old eBlast Layout Process
My main focus while I was assigned work under this account was the layouts of the email newsletters that the resorts would send to customers every week. There were about 5 to 10 eBlasts to be completed each week. I started working on these layouts in the established workflow: download a old eBlast file from InDesign, fill copy and images into existing section layout(s)/grab other needed section layout(s)/create new section layout(s), export and correctly name the files for review and handoff, upload the new .indd file to the server.
Moving eBlast Layouts to Figma
After working on these eBlasts for a while, I thought it would be more efficient for the whole team if the eBlasts were built out on Figma so that the components could be shared within a library, and the other members of the team could easily make changes to the copy without having to go through a designer.
After working on these eBlasts like this for a while, I thought it would be more efficient for the whole team if the eBlasts were built out on Figma so that the components could be shared within a library, and with auto layouts, the other members of the team could easily make changes to the copy without having to go through a designer or really worry about the spacing.
In my spare time after work, I rebuilt the eBlast sections and template on a Figma account to be a demo to show my supervisor. Link to Figma File. They were impressed with the demo and my proposal to move to Figma was accepted, I spent some more time building out a fully comprehensive library for all of the different styled eBlasts on the company Figma Organization plan.
Cocktail Card Layout and Illustration
I was asked to create a cocktail card with an illustration of the cocktail. I prepared the file for print when the final design was selected as well.
Social Media Icons
Another thing I wanted to highlight that I created while working on the White Elephant Resorts account was the social media icon set I made. This was used on Instagram as story covers.
Friendly's
Friendly's was another account that I was assigned to work under. My main role was to prepare and create, in InDesign, .pdfs for print and digital distribution.
Billboards
I laid out, prepared and specced out X1A .pdf files for billboard advertisements.
Digital Advertisment Placements
I laid out, prepared and specced .jpg files for digital ads.
Menu Layouts
I was responsible for adjusting the prices and laying out the images on menus.
Rejected Friendly's Cafe Logo Design
Friendly's was looking to expand their restaurants to include a line of fast casual cafés. They were looking for some logo ideas from our team. Although they were not selected in the end, I had fun making these. Here are some of my favorites.
AVYachts
For this account I was asked to create a .gif files for digital ad placements. Here are some of them.
Giga Carbon Neutrality
Giga Carbon Neutrality is a startup innovating hydrogen powered vehicles. They possess a lineup of vehicles awaiting announcement. I was a part of the team that focused on creating the brand for this account. I was assigned to make social posts for the brand. I created both static and motion graphics adhering to the brand guidelines.
While working on the social posts, I created a layered gradient effect to fill space in the background. I also thought this created a cool sense of movement.
Static Social Graphics
Motion Graphics
Reflection
The Importance of File Management
I always knew that keeping things organized was important, especially when preparing files for handoff. However, from my time working at The Fantastical, and navigating the serverspace, I realized the value of keeping a standard file structure and naming conventions in my own workspace. Spending some time at upfront will save much headache in the future.
Fostering a Supportive Team Environment
During my time at The Fantastical, amidst management changes and the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company admirably transitioned to remote work. Despite these adjustments, I recognize that I could have taken a more proactive approach to building connections with my teams. Looking back, I understand the importance of initiating conversations and fostering stronger relationships. Throughout this period, I dedicated myself to completing numerous assignments with diligence and commitment. However, I noticed a scarcity of feedback, both positive and constructive, which led to a sense of working somewhat independently. While my drafts were often accepted without requiring extensive revisions, I now appreciate the value of collaborative input and constructive critique in enhancing my work.