Here is a piece I wrote for Collectif's blog:
I get off of the train at Shadwell,
it’s a Monday morning and I’m nervous. I’ve been here once before- for my
interview, so I know that when I take my last steps towards the head office I
have to prepare myself for seems like the most daunting task in the whole wide
world…I release the tight grip on my satchel, outstretch my arm and place my
finger on the-wait for it… buzzer. No Joke, I wanted to die. Once that buzzer
is pressed there’s no going back- it’s as if the buzzing sound is actually wake
up alarm for life. I’m no longer a student, I no longer have the security
blanket of studies to stop me going out into the real world and putting my
knowledge on a platter to be scrutinised This is the moment; the moment the
buzzer is pressed, I become a fashion Intern.
Reminiscing
that buzzer moment post intern gives me an almost overwhelming urge to slap
myself. The past 2 months have been an invaluable experience, not only for my
creative future and portfolio, but also for my confidence in my ability and
self-esteem. Before the intern I had accepted that I was going to be an organising,
data inputting, clothes steaming, tea girl and I was ok with that, as it was
something to put on my CV. So, Imagine my surprise when on my 3rd
day I awarded the massive duty of designing a print for Collectif’s SS14
collection. Actually, don’t image my surprise-imagine yours. When the creative
director, or assistant manager or MD see a spark of talent in you that they
want to flourish and grow within their company. For me, that was print
designing and I will be forever grateful that the Collectif team gave me a
chance. Throughout the next 2 months, it was clear that that chance paid off
for both them and for me as I was asked to continue designing for the SS14
collection and even now the intern has finished my designing with them hasn’t.
2
months goes so quickly when you’re working with an upbeat, hardworking and
fabulous team so if you too become an intern make the most of your time there.
Not only did I design for them I helped out on the photo shoots, assisted with
preparations for shows and buyers, did creative product description writing,
research, assisted with the branding and worked in the Covent garden shop. I
thoroughly enjoyed my time there and have met some really great people in the
mean time. Breaking into the world
of fashion is no easy task but now feel prepared and eager to give it go! There
are many opportunities to develop your CV, grow your portfolio, make contacts
and gain experience at Collectif so what are you waiting for? Grab the Bull by
the horns and press that Buzzer!
I
just want to thank everyone at Collectif for a great 2 months!
