Internships used to mean that a student would work alongside a seasoned senior design professional or an art director in a design studio or advertising agency for a proscribed period of time. The intern would learn the ropes from someone who understood the demands of the real world. This was (and still is) an extremely valuable experience for both the intern as well as for the Art Director. In the good old days, this used to be called an “apprenticeship.” What better way is there to learn that which can’t be taught in a school environment. It’s also a great way to see if someone is a good fit for an organization. In some cases, I consider internships to be the equivalent of another year of school. Three months at MTV can go a long way!

Times have changed. Organizations will ask for an intern with no other design personnel in place and expect the “student” to suddenly be responsible for all of the marketing and design needs of the organization. Unless the intern is being paid, the organization is basically getting “free work” for a period of time. Some interns can manage this level of responsibility and welcome it.  Some cannot. In either case, there is no senior design person who can help guide both the aesthetic and business aspects of the position. Without some kind of support, I believe that can be a waste of time for the intern.

If you are looking for an internship, try to find a studio or company that has other more senior designers to help guide you. Try to find a studio or agency that has a great reputation. Remember, this is a two-way street. Even if you’re not getting paid, you are gaining very valuable experience.

There is no question that clients can be quite a challenge and managing them is as much a part of being a designer as coming up with a great concept. If there is a client that wants something “yesterday” a big red flag should go off in your head. My advice is to smile and say, “I’d love to work with you, but before I do anything, we need to have a strategy meeting. After the strategy meeting, I’ll work up a quote for you and we can talk about your concerns.”

This will immediately “slow down” your client and put you in the driver seat. Acting in a professional manner from the beginning of any project, will give you a little more control. It’s also very useful to have a clearly written contract that is flexible enough for use with most clients. Do not do any work until you have the contract signed and dated along with at least one-third deposit paid. If your client makes a fuss, remind him/her that you are a small business owner, just like a dentist who has his own practice and that you follow industry standard practices. I promise you that he/she will take you much more seriously if you take yourself seriously. I recommend a contract for each and every client, even the pro bono clients. Let them know the real value of the work you’re giving them for free.

I have had many clients who have tried to push me around. I usually respond by saying, “I’d love to work with you. I think this is an exciting project.” but I don’t do any work before having an initial strategy meeting and a signed contract. I even suggest that they take a look at my standard contract and if they have questions, I’m more than happy to discuss any aspect. Always smile and be courteous. Most clients will be extremely respectful, if you let them know that you are in control.

If the client does not respond positively, and insists that she/he wants it now, walk away from the project. It isn’t worth your time or talent.