Michelle Clark

My first job out of undergrad teaching English in Paris. The pay was LOW, but hey, I was living in Paris (and also got experience *interning* at a magazine – that “paid” me in experience and opportunities and things I wouldn’t have gotten to do otherwise). Paris is also where I discovered design. Then I moved to Baltimore and took a design internship at a theater (and started grad school–I got academic credits for the internship)- pay was low, but housing was included, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had, and it’s why I’m where I’m at now. I’ve always been one to jump on opportunities, and each comes with its own perks. You meet people along the way who stick with you. (And you pick up random side work too, like wedding photography or dressing up like costumed characters…not kidding). I don’t know, maybe I’m just an intern for life ;) . . . I work hard at what I do, I don’t live an extravagant lifestyle.

As for my master’s, I actually got it while working full time (what can I say, I like to have a lot on my plate!!!), but this time with a job with a real salaried position and benefits. The beauty of the UB Publications Design master’s program is that classes are at night. Most students work full time while they get it–which actually taught me a lot because what I learned in school helped me at work, and vice versa.

Don’t give up hope! There’s something out there for everyone! Hard work does pay off! And each opportunity leads to the next.

Hope I didn’t bore you with my novel ;)

Anne

I guess long gone are the days of unpaid internships being for young kids in college…and no wonder I’ve had trouble finding a paid job (with only a BFA).

Isn’t anyone else exhausted by the competitiveness, the overqualification? Some days it feels like there’s just no way to catch up…

Anne: welcome. I wish you to find paid work too. No one with a master’s should have to be taking unpaid internships (I can only hope your doing it for fun, in which case isn’t some art student missing out on a learning opportunity?).

*sigh* I digress.

As for Martine, I don’t think her work is very well known in the US (yet!). I picked up the book at French Touche (www.frenchtouche.com) when I was in Paris last year, but the only place I could find it online these days was French Amazon. (Thanks for posting the link to her website ANV- looks like she has some fun new projects too!).

Anne