PATTERN is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping and exposing young creatives to opportunity in Indianapolis. College age and post-grad individuals interested in a creative career path who intern or participate in a fellowship at PATTERN are guided by being exposed to the opportunities available to them, and simultaneously equipped with the tools needed to seize those opportunities.
From PATTERN’s beginning twelve years ago to the most recent send off of interns this past week, each person has gone on to do myriad things, but the most important part is that they are a walking representative of Indianapolis, wherever their paths take them. Creative career opportunities in Indiana are continuously growing, but some people will always choose to find opportunities elsewhere. This is especially important because these past PATTERN interns and fellows get to share their love and appreciation for Indy to others.
One individual who comes to mind is Julie Valentine. She is a stylist, creative director, and graphic designer. She was the first person to do PATTERN’s official fellowship program in 2016. After having worked with the organization for years, she now lives in St. Louis working in graphic design for a clothing company called The Normal Brand. PATTERN’s most recent magazine release, Vol. 22, was the first magazine Valentine had not contributed to since she first started with PATTERN. Valentine says that she wouldn’t be where she is today without PATTERN.
“I really felt humbled. When you come out of college you think you know everything. Polina was like, ‘There’s so much more you have to learn.’ I think it’s really important to have that as a mentor,” Valentine says of her experience with PATTERN and working closely with Editor-in-Chief, Polina Osherov.
When she speaks about her handful of years working in the Hoosier State, Valentine says she tells people she loves Indianapolis.
“In Indy I think there is so much support between different creatives there, and you can see yourself starting a career there,” she says.
Another individual who PATTERN is proud to call alumni is Jamar Mitchell. In 2018, he joined PATTERN as a photography and styling intern. After working with PATTERN for two years, Mitchell found himself moving to Chicago. He is currently working on finishing a book that will showcase some of his personal writings and photographs that he has been collecting since he graduated high school.
“I think PATTERN really set me up for success by preparing me for even bigger creative projects and events that I continue to do today,” Mitchell says.
After working in the creative industry since graduating from the Art Institute of Indianapolis in 2018, Mitchell says he tells people about Indy’s growth first and that he can’t wait to see how the city functions in a few years. To him, the creatives here are, “A bold and confident group of growing individuals.”
Job opportunities in Indianapolis for creatives are consistently growing, and PATTERN works hard to make sure that young people here see that, but encouraging people to venture out and tell the world about Indy is just as important as them staying here to help the community thrive.
For more information on PATTERN and its initiatives and mission statement, read about them here or subscribe to the newsletter to be first to hear about upcoming events and available opportunities.
