A recent Flagler College graduate from New Port Richey, FL, with degrees in Graphic Design and Art History, Sarah Langston is was our new Creative Intern, but today she joins us full-time as a Junior Art Director.
We couldn’t think of a better way to (officially) welcome her to the Jacksonville Creative Team than to (finally) share her intern interview. Welcome, Sarah!
How did you learn about B|G and what about working here appealed to you?
I knew Art Directors Bianca and Cassie through their involvement in the Jacksonville chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), and remember the talks they would do at Flagler. I really wanted to work at B|G because I believe in their messaging, and I think it’s really important. I think work like this, especially government work, deserves really good design.
When I saw projects like 100 Plates, The Power to Protect, and See the Girl—those projects hit home for me. I’m really interested in the non-profit sector and social issues, so that was really exciting to see.
What was your first day like?
We had traffic that day so I brought my little notebook but I had no idea what any of the acronyms meant or what was going on!
I immediately started working on a project with Art Director Colin Barnes for like 6 hours, but I misunderstood the assignment, so I spent the first two-and-a-half hours doing it completely wrong. It was really discouraging at first, but by the end of the day we got to a place where it was great and I felt a lot better about it. Spending all that time going in the wrong direction was a bummer, but I learned from Colin that sometimes trial and error is just part of the process.
I was super nervous that first day—and still am to a degree—but I’m getting more comfortable every day.
What’s a typical day in the office like for you now?
I show up and check my email. I’ve probably already checked it that day, but I check it again just to be safe. I usually have 2-3 projects going at a time, so I’ll pick up where I left off the day before. I’m mostly building on existing projects such as creating icons to expand a client’s brand assets, or working on presentation layouts for different accounts. I recently created some social graphics which was really cool because I got to work on the project from the start, so it was all on me (with some helpful creative direction, of course).
What’s the most important thing you took from your educational experience that prepared you for this role?
The ability to work collaboratively, and not having thin skin about accepting criticism. We did lots of group projects in school which prepared me as a member of a team, and that’s been really helpful. I was also fortunate to get real, honest feedback from my professors, and that has enabled me to accept constructive criticism without taking things too personally.
What do you hope to learn and take away from your experience here?
I want to learn how to contribute better and be a good team player. That’s something they really can’t teach you in school. I also want to learn how to interact with clients by sitting in on meetings and observing pitches.
What are your career goals?
I hope I can stick around here for a while! Eventually, I’d like to leave the state and work somewhere farther north—maybe Philadelphia. I definitely want to continue doing agency work though.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am involved with AIGA and looking to join their Design for Good initiative. I’ve been working with the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum doing all the branding for their exhibitions over the past couple of years.
I like hanging out with my cat and my boyfriend, and I watch A LOT of Star Trek. I’m trying to develop my illustration skills and I could say I sometimes do embroidery, but that would mostly be a lie, haha.
It’s been a real pleasure having Sarah in the office so far. She’s been a valuable contributor to the Creative team and we are excited that she has decided to begin her career at B|G. Expect great things from Sarah in the future. We sure do!