Youth Designer: Ahmad Rheddick Week 2
I believe that my second week of work was definitely harder than my first week, only because I just began to adjust to my work place was given design assignments for the first time. What truly stayed the same was that I did all this on a computer.
My biggest challenge was learning how to use illustrator and creating a poster for BSA in the same day. I enjoyed the staff at ICA the most. They were our age and could guide us around, having an idea of what we thought of the place because they could relate to us. I really like my workspace, but I kind of made it a little messy.
Ahmad Reddick, Youth Design Class of 2012
Kate Hensley, Mentor, Suffolk Construction
Youth Designer: Daisy Mejia Week 2
My second week was great. I felt more comfortable around everyone. It’s still sort of new to me though. My biggest challenge of the week was trying to find the ICA! It was crazy! I got to South Station then after that I didn’t know where to go. I was walking down Atlantic Ave but then I couldn’t find Northern Ave. Then I got lost and had to ask a guy that works in front of the Hotel helping out people with their bags for directions. Then I had to ask the Boston Police for directions. It was scary and then I had to walk over a little wooded bridge! I was scared that it wasn’t even safe. It was terrible but other than that my week went great.
I liked how we could comment about the artwork and tell our point of view. When I was listening to others I realized we all had different points of view of the artwork. I thought that was pretty interesting. My favorite piece was by Josiah McElheny which was the different universes. It’s interesting how questions arise from space and human history through art and design. My work environment is literally a whole big office. Some of us have our little section and others have their own room office. I have my own desk and comfortable chair. People always walk by my desk. I sit at the desk all day using Photoshop and InDesign. I redesigned a Roll Cut Record Pamphlet, an email layout and Handle With Care Notice. I have been to one of their company meetings and it was pretty intimidating. The CEO puts them on the spot asking them questions or if they understand something. It was a bit intimidating but a great learning experience!
Daisy Mejia, Youth Design Class of 2012
Tom Ladeau, Mentor, Merida Meridian
Whitney Palmedo, Merida Meridian
Thursday Morning Workshop: Boston Fashion & Lifestyles Tour
Yesterday marked Youth Design’s fourth Thursday Morning Workshop and first Boston Fashion & Lifestyles Tour. Unlike other workshops this session took place at several locations around Boston. Youth Designers met in front of the Boston Public Library, split into three volunteer led groups and headed out to explore Boston’s fashion and lifestyles scene.
Once split, the Youth Designers visited 3 different fashion and lifestyle brand headquarters: Karmaloop, Life is Good, and Daniela Corte. Each location had a distinct vibe and culture. Youth Designers learned about fashion’s diversity and that brand goals and identities vary.
After the 3 groups visited each location, all Youth Designers and volunteers reconvened at Joss & Main for a Creative Panel. Notable fashion and lifestyle brand designers discussed their career pathways and passion for their work. They also answered questions from Youth Designers about their respective design industries. Youth Designers had an insightful discussion with the panel about the varying challenges of each industry and how they differ.
This Thursday Morning was extraordinary thanks to all the designers who invited us into their headquarters, the volunteers who helped, and the eagerness of Youth Designers to learn. Youth Design would like to give a special thanks to the representatives at each design site’s headquarters, the panelists and all the chaperones. Once again, Youth Design would like to thank all the amazing people who helped make this Thursday Morning wonderful!
Youth Designer: Ivanna Lin Week 1
I-ONIX Desktop Recording Interface Lexicon by Essential
My first week at Essential was simply amazing. To be honest, I was pretty frightened by the idea of working at a real company. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what was expected from me. I was having mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness. But all of the worries were for nothing. Everyone here was very welcoming and friendly. I loved that they trusted me with tasks, and were really willing to provide me with different opportunities to learn. I was especially excited about seeing the interaction and communication between professionals and how they work together to achieve something great. How much I have gained in less than a week is incredible. My knowledge of design reached a whole new level. Before I entered this company, I knew nothing about industrial design. But now, not only do I have a better understanding of it, but also I am actually experiencing this field. I know I still have a lot to learn, so I am excited to continue exploring the world of design through this internship.
Ivanna (Jitong) Lin, Youth Design Class of 2012
Juli Millier, Mentor, Essential
Youth Designer: Collin Miller Week 1
My first week of work was wonderful. At Communispace I met tons of new people who are kind, generous and always ready to help. When I came to Communispace I was shocked that everyone dressed pretty relaxed in jeans and t-shirts, no suits or ties. Another surprise was in the office. The offices are really colorful and have design everywhere, no beige or cubicles anywhere. The last surprise was that on my first day I had a bag of goodies, plenty of supplies, a laptop and a computer. At first, I expected my job to be cool but I thought I’d be kind of on my own. Now that I’m here, I realized I have help everywhere and I can’t be afraid to ask questions. I’m looking forward to spending time with the designers. They can teach me new tips and tricks I can go back to school with and they will help me become a better designer.Collin Miller, Youth Design Class of 2012
Vassia Alaykova, Mentor, Communispace
Christi Gorelli, Mentor, Communispace
Youth Designer: Rex Valcourt Week 1
My first week at work was an exciting experience. I learned about the working and designing world. Waking up early in the morning every day, drinking coffee to stay awake and constantly changing my designs for approval was surprising. I never thought I would have to make so many changes. Thinking I was done, I would send it to my boss and it would come back saying, “everything is great but there needs to be few changes.” I’m not mad -it keep me busy. But, I never thought there would be so much work and that’s what excites me about working. No job experience can compare to this job. This is my first job and I will always remember this experience. I look forward to learning more about my job, doing hard things that make me frustrated and being happy that I understand the process.
Rex Valcourt, Youth Design Class of 2012
Nat Jabbawy, Mentor, Joss & Main
Youth Designer: Quincy Mungo Week 1
My first week was great and I loved it. I was a little nervous on the first day, but also very very excited. I got to see what all the designers who sat around me were working on. One of the things that shocked me was the 3D product design and how you could see the top, side and bottom view of what was being made. Another shock was how big the working space was. In school we only have a little classroom for designing. The last shock was seeing the meetings and how teams were assigned projects. My expectations were much different from the actual job. I thought the whole building was only for one kind of design and that was graphic design. But, there are many more kinds of design such as product design and architecture. I’m looking forward to actually seeing what a team’s project looks like when it’s done. I’m also looking forward to seeing what new doors open up from this experience – for a brighter future.
Quincy Mungo, Youth Design Class of 2012
Emily Elwell, Mentor, Continuum
Chris Page, Mentor, Continuum
Youth Designer: Patrick Lilley Week 1
I would have to say that my first week at work was very life changing. During this week at work I learned a lot about myself, the other employees, and gained general tips and advice about working at a job. The one and only thing that really shocked me was that I had to dress business casual for work. Wearing business casual clothes is not my element and I’m not that used to wearing clothes like this. Besides that everything is going great. I am looking forward to the final days of my internship because I want to see how my project, titled (Classified), will change.
Patrick Lilley, Youth Design Class of 2012
Paul Lee, Mentor, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Youth Designer: Mykael Tucker Week 1
Harry Parker Boathouse by Anmahian Winton Architects
My first week working at Anmahian Winton Architects was amazing. I have never worked in a place where I felt so welcomed. Every architect keeps busy at his or her desk, and the office is often very quiet. They keep things very professional as well. I was shocked that everyone here has a great sense of humor. Everyone has a joke to tell, and it never gets personal. Being surrounded by nothing but architects who have all been where I am right now is inspiring. I’m excited to help them work on a mode and I am looking forward to using programs such as Photoshop, In Design and Adobe Illustrator. I’m also excited about creating a portfolio piece based on my experience here at Anmahian Winton Architects. My job experience is exactly what I expected because I knew that being a Youth Design student would be no joke. I expected to work in an architecture firm, getting an idea of what it means/takes to be a prosperous architect.
Mykael Tucker, Youth Design Class of 2012
Jane Messinger, Mentor, Anmahian Winton Architects
Nick Winton, Mentor, Anmahian Winton Architects
Youth Designer: Juan Aquirre Week 1
My first week at work was one of the best experiences I have ever had.
It was really awesome and better than I expected. I thought I would have problems communicating with my mentors or other people in the company because English is not my first language. I have been in the US for less than a year. Surprisingly, not only has my English improved, but the staff is very empathetic and friendly. I felt like part of the team as soon as I got here, and that was awesome.
I am here for learning and improving my skills and I am sure that I will reach my goal. For that reason I want to thank to Youth Design’s staff and Continuum’s staff for letting me be part of this great program. I am not only learning about design; I’m also learning how to act in a professional environment, and that helps me to be better each day and fly high with my dream.
Juan Aguirre, Youth Design Class of 2012
Jeff Gerlach, Mentor, Continuum
Isabeau Lalonde, Mentor, Continuum