ArtBound Initiative

Program Reviews

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Cheng
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommended!

The ArtBound Initiative (ABI) team has been exceptional from the start. They have helped me secure an internship despite the COVID situation. I would highly recommend the ABI team if you are time poor and need assistance in securing an internship to get real world experience and improve your employability (the initial monetary investment was definitely worthwhile). In addition, they have been an invaluable resource in helping me polish my resume, portfolio, and interview skills. Thank you to the ABI team :)

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Julia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Valuable experience!

ArtBound Initiative helped me gained insights, experience, and connections in three months, something that I never thought I would get before joining the ABI program. I found the coaching to be very valuable, and it helped me prepare myself with anything that I need to know before the internship, in which I receive helpful tips and tricks. ABI also helped me with my visa requirements and are very quick and resourceful in the process. I would definitely recommend the program for creatives who want to gain experience in the industry!

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Jacob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great opportunity.

Artbound opened the door to my industry for me through this internship program. I felt confident through their online training, and I learned more than I possibly could have during my university course.

I got to do two separate internships over the summer in different studios, which broadened my experience and provided a tonne of fun challenges. It turned my first steps into the industry from something incredibly intimidating to something I could actually enjoy. All the staff I interacted with at Artbound were also incredibly friendly. Overall, great experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Getting to work in a studio environment first-hand was a fascinating experience, not at all what I expected/was daunted by. Everyone was friendly and approachable.
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Farrah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Persuaders internship

My Internship at persuaders In Wynyard Sydney was quite unique from the others I took on beforehand, they focused initially on pulling design out of the box and finding new ways to enhance its appeal to persuade our clients. The main tasks I was given were storyboarding according to written information and illustrating animatic frames to assist.

Being a creative agency that focused on strategic and ideal methods to help clients successfully meet their mark, I was educated in just how vital art is to balance out the information, in order to reach out to current clients and new ones.

I was able to feel, in place with my co-workers and other intern when it came to the work process and I caught up rather quick once my tasks were given. I was excited to meeting the other members and their journeys whenever possible. It was hands on and fun overall.

To be under a head designer ideally differentiates my experience of being a freelancer designer intern and widens my expertise upon how I can make my own process productive and efficient for any future job experience. Examples include scheduled timing, perspective simple designs and notable characterisation.

Compared to other internships I have taken, interning at Persuaders assisted in developing my confidence within the work field, asking for questions and taking on further tasks whenever I had a free section to fill. Following the head designer’s example, allowed me to focus on heightening my strengths and being aware of the weakness’s holding me back as a designer. Thus, settling on what brought out my best as a designer.

Artbound initiatives coaching and tips for matching criteria and resume discussion really assisted in visualising where I stand. They were clear about what I would be the most suitable and passionate for doing as a career and provided reassurance there was no need to tackle everything headfirst. It pulled me through to realising the job I wanted to aim for and the goals it took to succeed there.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
handling criticism and learning how to overcome it.
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Jasmine
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Interning with a Creative Agency in Berlin through ArtBound Initiative

ArtBound Initiative were very supportive throughout the whole journey. Initially, the preparatory work really set me up to obtain such a cool internship, and the CEO, Laura, was there to provide great mentorship, guidance and positive energy.

When arriving in Berlin, Program Coordinator, Jana, was quick to organise meet-ups, allowing me to somewhat establish myself comfortably in Berlin.

Overall, ArtBound Initiative were great to have by my side.

I think this internship will impact my career in the sense of having a better definition of what I want to strive for in terms of design specialisation. It’s also made a positive impact by having the opportunity to upskill with different design softwares. Along with being able to participate in and understand the operations of a creative agency - equipping me with the communication skills and knowledge needed if I were to work for one in the future.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open, explore the city by bike and always join the meet-ups organised by the program coordinator. Berlin is a very multicultural and socially interesting city, so make the most of it by connecting with the locals and taking the opportunity to meet up with new people.
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Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lifechanging experience!

After working in the fashion industry for a few years, I was re-evaluating my values and wanted a career change. It was a difficult situation as an international student, but thanks to personal mentorship and guidance by Laura and Ginda, I was introduced to strategy positions and the diversity of NYC-based agencies. I'm so grateful that even during this tumultuous year, ABI did their best to connect me with PI&C - a creative agency focused on brand empathy and values. It was an amazing position that allowed every day to be a learning experience, and I'm so excited for my future at the company! Additionally, the New York ABI crew was so welcoming (s/o Gerardo!) and I've made so many new creative and inspiring friends for life! If you are an aspiring creative who sees themselves thriving in New York, ABI will exceed all your expectations!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Going into a a new creative field and career was very nerve-racking and I constantly questioned my abilities, but I just took it day by day and used all my past experiences and skills I learned at school and my previous jobs and it was such an amazing and insightful experience!
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Yosel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Insight into the creative industry !!

I am so happy I decided to join the ABI program in my last year of college! As an International student, we do not get the same opportunities and have many restrictions. ABI was one of the only programs that fully catered their services to the International student body. I interned with reflexgroup, a boutique creative agency focusing on luxury fashion beauty and lifestyle brands. Through this internship, i was able to get a great deal of experience working in advertising as a creative strategy intern. I was so lucky to have an internship in the middle of a pandemic and it taught me a lot about communicating efficiently both virtually and in person.

I would love to give a special shoutout to Laura Bennegadi the CEO and Ginda Pamela the program coordinator for being my pillar of support and strength. They were always available whenever I needed them and guided me throughout the process with utmost love and kindness.

Having the opportunity to work as an Ambassador for ABI was truly an amazing experience as it gave me the chance to interact with other participants on a more intimate level and truly expanded my horizons on alumni engagement and business development.

I will always remember my experience with ABI and reflexgroup! If you're thinking of a great global internship look no further !!

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Grace
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ABI London

I absolutely loved my experience in London! Although my internship was disrupted by COVID-19, ABI provided amazing support and the agency I was doing my internship with let me complete it remotely from Australia. The few weeks I did have in London were awesome, I loved working for the events agency Kit & Caboodle and I think ABI have some great connections with really outstanding creative agencies. It was so wonderful regularly catching up with my ABI contact Caroline as well as some ABI alumni, especially because my first time in the city and not really knowing anyone.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw was a marching band practising outside while I was on my way to work.
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William
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Moving from Sydney to Berlin as a video editor

I always wanted to move to Berlin but I often felt unprepared and unsure. Through my university, I found the Artbound Initiative which fit perfectly. I had a program that would help me find footing in a completely different city and I could often go to them for help, whether for my visa or advice on how to go about my internship. I can't imagine how stressful it would've been to have done it on my own. Now, I have a production company that looks after the people they work with and that has been invaluable.

What would you improve about this program?
There was a lack of connections with film-related companies in Berlin which made finding an internship somewhat difficult but they eventually pulled through and with time, their film network can only grow.
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Ryan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing Experience!

I recently had the pleasure of going to New York with the Art-bound program. Art-bound is a fantastic company that secures internships for people seeking a pathway into the creative industry. They coached my professional skills, help organised my visa, found my accommodation and ultimately sourced an internship placement in the TV industry at the heart of New York. While I was there they organised events, constantly checked in and supported me and overall ensured that I was having a meaningful experience. I highly recommend this program to anyone in the creative industry looking to find a pathway in. You won't find a more supportive and helpful internship program around!

Thank you to Laura and the Artbound team for all your help over this program!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to get stuck in and talk to as many people as you can in your internship company. As long as you do it respectfully most people will love having someone interested in their work!