IADS Interns
About IADS Internships
About IADS Internships
The purpose of an internship is to provide real-world experience that enables you to put everything you've learned into action. An internship can help you gain skills that can be applied to future jobs after graduation. Here you will meet a few of the CVAD students who participated in the Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies Internship program.
Naomi Borrero-Flores: Greater Denton Arts Council
Major/Minor?
Interdisciplinary Arts and Design Studies, minor in Leadership of Non-Profit Organizations.
The company you're interning with?
I'm currently interning under the Education department at the Greater Denton Arts Council.
Your favorite part of the internship?
Getting to work hands-on with the department in marketing and executing programs!
Something that surprised you about your internship/field?
How much research is involved was something I was prepared for, but what surprised me the most was the upkeep of day-to-day tasks like updating calendars and other necessary marketing tasks.
The most important thing you've realized/learned during this internship?
Every program will have unexpected twists and chances to use creative problem solving, but in that, you can build a lot of connections talking to people and learning through that process!
Do you feel like choosing your IADS path has been helpful in preparation for this internship and your future career in the field?
I certainly do feel that choosing IADS has been helpful in preparing me for this internship. IADS structure was very encouraging towards gaining hands-on experience and I received nothing but helpful words and care from the department when I had questions or concerns regarding my internship or the major. I love IADS, and it allowed me to really tailor my college career towards the future I want.
Kaylie Nessen: Kelly Wynne Handbags
Major/Minor?
Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies with a minor in Fashion Merchandising
The company you're interning with?
Kelly Wynne, a handbag company based in Austin.
Your favorite part of the internship?
Being able to work hands-on with the entire team on projects, including the CEO.
Something that surprised you about your internship/field?
I was surprised by how much of a voice I have in projects. My bosses have really shown me how to be creative and play an important role in all of the projects we work on. They want to hear my thoughts and opinions and I have really appreciated that and have learned a lot by doing so.
The most important thing you've realized/learned during this internship?
I have realized how important a marketing tool social media is and how necessary it is for small businesses to have a social media presence.
Do you feel like choosing your IADS path has been helpful in preparation for this internship and your future career in the field?
Yes, I feel like the classes I have taken were all really helpful in teaching me the basics of the field of fashion. These were great to have known when coming into this internship.
Abigail Swigert: A1 Wholesale Distribution
Major/Minor?
Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies: Design Management
The company you're interning with?
A1 Wholesale Distribution
Your favorite part of the internship?
Seeing my designs used by actual companies.
Something that surprised you about your internship/field?
Nothing comes to mind, but I designed for my high school's print shop, so this isn't entirely new to me.
The most important thing you've realized/learned during this internship?
The ability to follow directions is sometimes more important than talent.
Do you feel like choosing your IADS path has been helpful in preparation for this internship and your future career in the field?
Yes, it's given me a broader understanding and appreciation for art as a whole, which helps me to draw ideas for my styles and influences.
Jade Trent: Art on 5th Gallery
Major/Minor: Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies?
Arts Management, double minor in Art History and Management
The company you're interning with?
Your favorite part of the internship?
Learning from professionals who are veterans in their field, getting "hands-on" experience in gallery preparation and client interaction, and learning about the commercial and retail side of the art world.
What is something that surprised you about your internship/field?
How large a market there is for fine art and learning that nowadays, most artists make limited editions of their art. There's the original piece of art and also x-amount of limited prints for everything from paintings, screenprints, photography, etc. In hindsight, this makes sense because the artist and the gallery can make a larger profit by selling more pieces.
What is the most important thing you've realized/learned during this internship?
It is that I want to pursue a career in the art field without a doubt. When I first got to UNT, I came in intending to be a communication design major, and then after a few weeks, it changed to art history and then after a full semester, IADS arts management. I've had a lot of doubts and trepidation about choosing a career in the art field but experiencing everything that goes on in a gallery doesn't feel like work to me. It's fun and exciting and it's exactly what I see myself doing for the rest of my life.
Do you feel like choosing your IADS path has been helpful in preparation for this internship and your future career in the field?
Absolutely, the major I chose will help me do exactly what I want to do, to either work in a gallery, museum, auction house, or as an art dealer. The knowledge I've acquired through the basic art courses has been a building block that has better prepared me to work in a gallery. Being able to comprehend and communicate using basic art jargon has gone a long way in this professional gallery setting.