Personal Interest

Questions Regarding an Internship

by tammy magnatta
Friday, May 19, 2006. 12:09AM
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In a few months I am going start applying to advertising agencies for an internship. I have some years of experience in photography, illustration, production, graphic and web design, My main focus now is becoming an art director. Currently, I am searching for five agencies that suite my style and fit me. I don't have any experience applying to advertising agencies, so I am reaching out to the experts for some advice.

1. Should your portfolio be diverse in creative interests (meaning a print campaign for Xbox, wild and crazy, followed by a campaign for Dove soap, refine and clean) or should the portfolio as a whole resemble the type of work of the agency that I am applying to?

2. Should a portfolio show a range of talents or should each talent be in separate books, or perhaps bring a portfolio made of only campaigns? I want to be able to speak about and demonstrate my last ten years of work experience. I am thinking that this would show the agency that I would be a great asset because I have knowledge and experience in many areas that pertain to advertising and being a good art director.

3. Portfolio presentation: Is it okay to present a custom portfolio or is there an industry standard for presenting work? For example, I have been told print ads should be placed on black matt boards and you should bring your matted presentations in a carrying case.

4. Getting an interview: A lot of agencies have an area on their web site where you can upload your resume. What are the chances of getting a call for an internship this way? Should I be calling directly or is this annoying for an agency?

5. What is the maximum amount of time to stay at an agency as an intern? 6. If the agency recognizes your capabilities are they more apt to hire you for an actual art director position?

Any answers or insight is very appreciated.

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Tuesday, June 27, 2006. 12:26PM by tammy magnatta
I wanted to thank everyone who responded to my questions. All of the insight is very helpful.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006. 11:02AM by Andrea McOmber
Most of my clients are agencies so I can tell you what they are looking for. 1. Yes, it should be diverse and consisten but have a couple pieces you throw in extra that may appeal to their style. 3. Custom is fairly common. 4. Very rare unless they have a specific spot for interns. Many companies do. 4. Calling responses depends on how much money you want. Are you going to school or are you a seasoned professional. 5. No exact number. It depends whether or not you are going to school or done already. 6. Art Director positions are usually promoted from within or they hire someone who has already held that title with another organization. If you let me know your exact situation, I can give better advice.
Friday, May 19, 2006. 06:31PM by Laura Smith
Most of the larger advertising agencies only hire interns for the summer, and already have their interns picked for the summer. The interviewing process for interns usually occurs Feb-March. What agencies were you looking into? Just make sure you are aware of their timings.
Friday, May 19, 2006. 01:31PM by Sunil Shibad
My take for better or worse: 1. Take 6 pieces of work. Great work. 2. Your work should show your ideation and craftsmanship. 3. Versatility across different mediums is important. 4. These days art students have lost the art of laying out long copy. I would definitely put in a brochure. 5. Balance style with content in your presentation. 6. Take one portfolio which YOU believe in to all agencies. 7. Get a decent letter-perfect resume typed. Many writers and art directors forget to carry one to an interview. 8. More often than not the creative director will go on and on about his or her glorious past and bemoan the sad state of advertising. Listen politely. 9. Read up on the agency’s history, accounts and people. Best wishes, Sunil