When I first learned about PATTERN, I was researching marketing internships in Indianapolis, IN. The words glowed on my computer screen and created a giant image in my head of working for a magazine, which I had dreamed about since I saw The Devil Wears Prada. I spent a year contemplating whether to apply. And, when I finally did, I was a nervous wreck, checking my phone every other minute for an email for a chance to interview. Eventually, I got an email and was still a nervous wreck.
A few days later, I landed the social media internship, and I was ecstatic. I had no idea what to expect.
It did not take long for PATTERN to feel like home. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I looked forward to ordering my morning coffee and pastry from Amelia’s, then working a 9-5. My fellow interns soon turned into friends that I could ask for help with anything and share a laugh with. The staff at PATTERN also showed that they cared about the work we did on the day-to-day, through morning check-ins and guidance with the projects we worked on.
While at PATTERN, I have had the joy of experiencing the work that goes into making a physical magazine and producing digital content. Each experience I had in and out of the office doing work related to PATTERN allowed me to walk away with a lesson, big or small. Volunteering at the Vol. 23 launch party (ahead of my internship) taught me how many hands on deck it takes to host an event. While doing BTS for different editorials, I got to experience what goes into a studio session, such as lighting, angles, and styling. While working on projects with the graphic design intern, I walked away with better communication skills for working with a teammate. Last but not least, day to day, I learned more about Indy’s creative economy.
My biggest takeaway from working at PATTERN would have to be discovering more about the art and culture of Indianapolis. PATTERN has exposed me to many different creatives, ranging from entrepreneurs to musicians and actors, that I had yet to learn Central Indiana hosted. Not only did it expose me to other people in the field but also to the adaptability and hard work that go into being creative in a space that doesn’t shine a light on them.
Moving forward, I appreciate PATTERN daily teaching me something new and exposing me to Indy’s creative economy. Not only can I use this experience in my future projects and jobs, but I now look at Indy as a creative hub that actively works towards nurturing artists. So, thank you, PATTERN, for showing me a more creative side of Indianapolis and inspiring me to be more creative.
