Fall 2012 Internships

And here are some photos from my instgram from the studio. Do you 'gram!?? Follow me!

I am about 80% settled into my new studio space! And now it's time to bring in some new talent! I am now accepting interns for this fall semester. The internships will start on Oct. 8 and will run for the length of time that is required or desired by each intern.

MaeMae Paperie is a unique stationery and design studio from Los Angeles, California that relocated to downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota this past April.

DESIGN INTERN / download the application here / We are accepting 3-6 month internships (non-paid) for those interested in the design + stationery industry. School credit preferred though not required.

Through the many wonderful interns that have worked with me both here in Minneapolis and in Los Angeles, I have formed a curriculum that we will follow to make sure that the young designers who come through the studio will get to experience and practice most of the necessary tasks and lessons that are essential to a professional designer. My goal for every intern is that they will walk away feeling prepared and equipped to begin a fruitful career in the creative industry.

After completing the internship, paid positions for further design work may be considered. To be considered for our openings please send an email entitled “Internship Application” with your .PDF portfolio (no more than 10 MB) resume, cover letter + answered questions to jobs@maemaepaperie.com. You can retype the questions or print, write + scan them to the studio. DO NOT answer the questions in the email body.

Required skills:
+ proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Word, and Excel
+ great understanding of type design, composition, and color theory
+ consistent availability
+ open to new ideas + learning
+ respectful, great communicator, exemplary work ethic
+ tidy + organized

Things you will learn during your internship:
+ how to successfully collaborate with clients
+ methods and systems to approach new projects
+ problem solving and appropriate ways to handle difficult people and situations
+ print techniques, proper print preparation, references to good printers
+ how to work well in a team
+ insane attention to detail
+ pretty packaging and presentation for clients

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This summer I had five of the most wonderful ladies intern for me. They all were so hardworking, positive, talented, and brought loads of beautiful work and joy to the studio. I asked them all to share a little bit about their experience here:

Q: What is something you learned about the design process while here at MaeMae?

Stacia (University of Minnesota, 2013): I gained a lot of confidence while working at MaeMae because I found I have the capabilities to do a lot more than I thought, if I just allow some time for it. I would be given projects sometimes (like some of the map projects) and immediately freak out a little bit. I would tell myself I had no idea what I was doing. When I stepped back, did a little research, and just took time to create the image I had in my head, I had no problem with it. I think this is invaluable as a designer, I feel like I am almost capable of creating anything now! I also learned how to create a process that works for me. In my classes we are often times forced to all do the same amount of sketches and from there, follow an identical process. I feel Megan’s process works a lot better for me, which is why I’m thankful for this experience! Megan seeks more inspiration and categorizes ideas into themes. I think this works well with clients too; they feel as though they are part of the process and the designer isn’t blindly guessing at what the client wants.

McKenzie (Bethel University, 2013): I think the biggest thing I learned about the design process is that going out and looking for inspiration is a great way to get started on a new project. Not only does it motivate you to want to create more it also makes you aware of what is being created and also who is creating it. Being aware of your audience as well as your fellow designers is important. I realized that I can get inspiration from other pieces while still sticking to my own design style to create something completely original. For some time I was hesitant to look up inspiration pieces because I wasn't sure how much of the idea was becoming my own. The more I design the more I am realizing my style and how to make work an original McKenzie!

Kailene (University of Minnesota, 2013): Versions. Versions, versions, versions. Until now, I had only really worked on multiple versions at the very rough stage. However, working at MaeMae taught me how to create many finished versions for the same client in order to offer them multiple choices at a well-defined stage.

Q: What is something you are taking away from this internship that will help you with future design jobs with either a firm or your own clients?

Anne (Maryland Institute College of Art, 2014): The client/designer relationship is a bit of give and take. It’s important to respond to the clients needs, but also just as important to direct them to a better outcome using your own unique vision and knowledge as a designer.

Johna (Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 2012 - during her last week here Johna accepted a job at Ultra Creative!! SO PROUD OF HER!): I learned that clients will respect you more if you set deadlines and non-negotiables from the start. Having not done much freelance work before, I was wary about telling people they only get “x” amount of revisions etc. You taught me that people would understand and respect you more if you are firm about your process.

McKenzie: Two things I learned about interacting with clients is that customer service and learning to not take things personally are key. First and foremost when working with a client you need to keep their concerns high and take responsibility even when it may not be your fault. As the designer it is important to stand up for yourself but also know when to put your pride aside. The same goes for how a client responds to your work. If they do not agree with you on a design matter you can be clear about your view however you must again put your pride aside and not be stubborn. In a way you are working on a team with a client  and so compromise is necessity. As I mentioned previously it is also important to communicate clearly and efficiently while understanding that you work for the client.

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Thank you for your interest in our internship!
No calls please!