Getting into the Biz: Internships?

[Tyler Remmel]

I'm a high school senior looking for a way to get started toward a career in design (eventually I'd like to get into redesigns), and I'm trying to find a way to get some professional experience before I go into college next year. The problem I come across though is that there simply are no opportunities for anyone that does not have a college degree and prior experience. I'm thinking that an internship may be a good place to start, versus say a part-time job, but again I'm coming across nothing. Oh, and I suppose it may help depending on who reads this, but I live near Milwaukee, WI. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tyler Remmel

[James A. Molnar]

I design at The Marquette Tribune, a stone's throw away from you, it sounds like. If you'd ever like to come and visit campus let me know and I can give you a tour of our office and give you some tips, etc. I can't say I have a huge success story, but also love talking design and have had a few internships.

I am also a big fan of the Bako and my senior year in HS I redesigned the paper, but I didn't get color sadly.

[Tim McCormick]

Tyler: You might want to check out ad agency Wieden + Kennedy and their W + K 12 program. They have a unique creative class that only takes 13 folks at a time. The current portfolio entry deadline for the next class is this January, 30 of 2009. In the past they have charged major bucks for the program, but if they could see something way out of the ordinary in your portfolio---they might blur the vig for you.
When starting out===and even keeping going=== you need to sound out a "best of your best portfolio" that you can use as a door opener.
A portfolio will say volumes about your potential in ways that a resume of schools and jobs can't even come close to revealing.
Using the net to scope out creative agency portfolios and entering as many portfolio reviews as possible will give you a definite leg up in the field.
The fact that you are participating in this web site shows that you have a realistic interest in the visual
design field.
Oh, and please do not underestimate the power of general life experiences: i.e.; road trips, museum visits, seeking out mentors and such for shaping your imagery.