Tuyen at Harvard Press!
I’ve been working at Harvard University Press for nearly three weeks and my experience here is absolutely amazing. I have a chance to work on a book cover design and learn a lot more about the process of book production. My mentor, Eric is a genius. He showed me a lot of Photoshop and InDesign techniques that are really helpful for my working process. Everyone at HUP is really nice, and they’re always helpful when I have any questions regarding my designs. I’m looking forward to learn more cool stuff this summer from my mentor!
Thanks to our Youth Design Mentor Eric Mulder of Harvard Univerity Press
Checkin’ out West Elm
West Elm is a modern-contemporary furniture & home decor store. It has many locations throughout the States- and I got somewhat of an exclusive look into their new seasonal collection for fall and familiarized myself a bit more with what West Elm is about. Aside from their various selections in decor and furniture, they have a great sense of translating seasons into colors and moods. I met Vanessa Holden, the Creative Director of West Elm who was in visiting from the West coast. She gave us a tour and talked to us about the new lines I also met Abigail Jacobs, Director of Public Relations. I learned that each collection is actually called a story rather than a collection; each collection includes different colors, materials and themes. West Elm does a great job in producing home decor and furniture that target a widespread of consumers from all over the country; they even have a store in Puerto Rico! They are also a bit famous for their owls in this falls’ story, which is a bit whimsical.
Ivan Richiez (me) with Jo Swani, our host from The Moxie Agency in the West Elm Boston store, holding one of the signature owls.
Thanks to Denise Korn and West Elm
Jeru at Alphabet Arm
My name is Jeru Berry and this summer I am working at Alphabet Arm Design. I have been here for almost three weeks and my experience so far has been great. I have learned some essential keys when it comes to the art of designing. My mentor Aaron has been very helpful these past couple of weeks, he has been patient, resourceful and has really allowed me to become more confident when designing-which I needed. The environment here is great to, there is so much humor and amusement here that helps everyone keep a good composure when in the office. Everyone here is so relaxed but they remain very efficient when working. Every now and then I peek over at what the other interns are working on for any inspiration or if I have any questions on how they did something. Between Flo, Matt, and Silvi I have been fortunate enough to see how efficient they work in this type of enviroment and well they design. I love working here and I’m glad that I am working in this type of enviroment. I look forward to this summer and hope that I get a lot of knowledge out of it.
Also, check out Jeru on the Alphabet Arm blog!
http://www.alphabetarm.com/thebloggery/

Thanks to the Youth Design mentor Aaron Belyea, Owner of Alphabet Arm
Karmaloop Workshop
Workshop was led and presesnted by:
Alex Haney, Design Director
Dennis Todisco, Director or Lifestyle Marketing of Karmaloop
Leandrew Robins, Director of Buisness Development Manager
Yaw Owusu, Director of Marketing of Plunder
This weeks Professional Development Workshop took place at Cloud Foundation, where we were seated before the ever hardworking Karmaloop team. We were introduced to Dennis Todisco who spoke first. He filled us in with details on Karmaloop like who exactly they are, what they do, and how they came about to be who they are today. He spoke about Greg Selkoe’s story and showed us a clip of Greg actually speaking about his personal story. It was a great look into the logistics of running a major part of the Global Concrete Culture. There was a subtle emphasis on how much hard work was really put into the company along with all of the fun experiences. Another thing that was spoken about was the uprising of Karmaloop. We learned about who helped and how they helped which was another great inside look into the company because, as Greg stated ,it was not easy and they faced many burdens. Next Leandrew Robins and Yaw Owusu spoke about PLNDR, a website branched off of Karmaloop. PLNDR is a website for members only (upon sign up) to buy products from upcoming brands like Crooks and Castles, Crica, Gravis, and many more. The website is great for up and coming brands to get out to the rapidly growing culture and promising consumers. Then they began to explain how the website looks and what they feature which was something unique. Overall, it was a great workshop!
Ngan Le at Boston Ballet!

I’ve only been at the Boston Ballet for nearly a week and I’m already learning so much. Not only do I get hands on experience with pattern making, I get to be to be mentored and educated through the process of drafting an Issey Miyake Dress. I actually feel like a professional designer. Now how many people my age get that experience? Not many. On the other side of things I am exposed and constantly working with graphic designers and marketing directors in efforts to build as well as protect the company’s brand. I have learned so much in less than a week about the company but also ballet itself (I, who never had a second thought about ballet)! I get to witness the dance practices and also I get to meet some of the most important people behind the scenes of the production. My experience is ongoing and I’m sure it’ll be superb and I’m super excited!
Thanks to Youth Design Mentors:
Kristin Carr, Design and Brand Manager
Charles Heightchew, Manager of Costumes and Wardrobe
Youth Design Visits Arnold Worldwide!
This summers Professional Development Thursdays couldn’t have started any better, we visited Arnold Worldwide and got to speak to a couple of their intelligent creatives.
We heard their individual stories; which paths they took to get to where they are now, the projects and clients they have worked with and their typical day at Arnold. Many questions were asked and great insight was given. Arnold was a great place to visit because the youth were exposed to all the different roles in a corporate ad agency, both logistics and creative. Take a look at the pictures!
Tucker, Abraham and Jeru Cooln’ by the window
Ciera actively listening.
Everyone paying attention
Youth Design Orientation 2011
Orientation took place on Tuesday, June 28th at MassArt. Students were excited to finally meet their mentors and learn about their internships. Students and mentors ate breakfast, became familiar with what will be going on this summer, and started to get to know each other- since we have an exciting summer ahead of us! Check out the photos!
The Boston Foundation 10 Who Mentor Book Launch Boston June 8th 2011
10 Who Mentor official book launch and signing at Jonathan Adler
Inspiring Insights from Creative Legends
10 Who Mentor is a behind-the-scenes look at mentoring as told by dynamic creative legends from a variety of creative fields. The first-person accounts provide a fascinating look at the life-changing relationships that shaped their success as actors, dancers, designers, and entrepreneurs. These 10 innovators share moving stories of helping young people discover and channel their creative potential and passion – ushering in the next generation of artistic, cultural, and civic leaders.
Written by Denise Korn with Neal Kane, all of the proceeds from 10 Who Mentor go to Youth Design. Check out photos from the May 25th Official book launch and signing at Johnathan Adler on Newbury Street!
Youth Jobs Rally, May 26th, 2011
Mayor Menino, Youth Job Coalition, and Youth Design founder Denise Korn rally for summer jobs! Youth Design is making it happen!!













































