In her spare time, Annabel loves experimenting with print and learning new techniques like screen-printing, letterpress, and bookbinding. She's also super passionate about all thing’s art-related, drawing inspiration from film, music, architecture, and cultural history for her designs.
We asked Annabel a few questions about her time at Mather & Co, see her responses below!
What were your primary responsibilities during the internship?
During my time as a Graphic Design intern at Mather & Co, I was responsible for developing and executing design projects. These projects included interpretation panels, exhibition graphics, signage, wayfinding, and museum branding. My role involved creating compelling visual narratives to enhance the visitor experience of museums. Additionally, I participated in various client meetings and presentations, collaborating with the graphic design team to ensure that designs aligned with the clients’ aesthetic vision and goals, while also meeting accessibility considerations.
Which projects did you find most interesting or challenging and why?
I had the chance to work on various live projects during my internship, which helped me develop a wide range of design skills. I particularly enjoyed working on the Glencoe Folk Museum project, where I learned how to create a consistent visual identity across different applications to provide an immersive experience. Additionally, developing a museum identity from the ground up for the Lloyd George project was a challenging but valuable experience, especially collaborating with the Design Team to refine my concept.
What new skills or tools did you learn during your time here?
I had the chance to enhance my skills in a practical setting, going beyond what I had learned in my academic studies. One major area of growth for me was gaining a better understanding of the significance of accessibility in design and learning about different tools that can be utilised to achieve this, such as using the Adobe contrast checker to ensure that colour palettes are legible.
Did you have enough opportunities to ask questions and seek guidance?
During my time at Mather & Co, I found the team to be very encouraging, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the wide range of creative roles within the company. I am particularly grateful for the support provided by the Graphic Design team, who were always willing to offer advice and answer any questions about the briefs, industry, and technical skills.
How did this internship contribute to your understanding of the graphic design industry?
During my internship, I gained valuable insight into the timeline and different stages involved in project development within the design industry. Attending team meetings and client feedback sessions helped me develop essential professional skills, such as managing client relationships and collaborating across design departments.
Were there any skills you picked up from your university course that you could apply to the work at Mather & Co?
During my time at Mather & Co, I was able to apply the skills I had learned in school to real-world projects. I significantly improved my understanding of Adobe software and learned new design techniques while working on different projects. Additionally, my internship helped me enhance my creative problem-solving and teamwork skills as I enjoyed collaborating with others on various museum projects.
How do you think this internship has prepared you for your next role or career step?
At Mather & Co, I had the valuable opportunity to develop my skills in a real-world setting and gain insight into the industry. Exploring design in a new sector (museum and experience) helped me gain a clearer sense of direction in my career aspirations. It also boosted my confidence in creative problem-solving and enhanced my proficiency in essential Adobe software. Importantly, the internship provided me with workplace experience, allowing me to start developing the professional skills necessary for my intended industry. These skills include managing multiple projects simultaneously, collaborating with colleagues in different departments, participating in meetings, creating professional pitch decks following company guidelines, and responding to client feedback.
