ArtBound Initiative

Program Reviews

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Freja
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An incredible Experience

Interning in New York City has always been a dream for me and turned out to be something I will never forget. I met some incredible people and learnt so much about myself and what I want out of a career. Having the support of the ABI network was what really made this experience stand out as I was able to meet people from all over the world who I could explore the city and complete my internship journey with. This program really helped me to explore the industry and see what I was capable of, particularly as someone who often suffers from imposter syndrome.

Pros
  • Friendships Made
  • The endless experiences in the city
  • Career development
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Work wasn't always as exciting as it could be
  • Required a lot of effort to network in the beginning
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Kelly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Journey

As an undergraduate, the ArtBound Initiative served as a bridge between theory and practice. It offered an authentic glimpse into the professional world, where classroom concepts are applied in real-time scenarios. For prospective participants, I recommend embracing the unfamiliar. Stepping out of comfort zones facilitates growth and learning. Even if we fall, we are falling forward. Patience and resilience are key as challenges will pave the way for rewarding experiences. We will never know what happens next in our journey. Engaging with the culture and people we meet will enrich the journey, fostering a broader perspective. Embracing change and seizing every learning opportunity will help us become better people.

Pros
  • Building your resume
  • Improving practical skills in a real-time scenario
  • Getting to know more about the creative industry
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Carolyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Invaluable Experience Meant For the Books

My introduction to ABI was one that was a bit unconventional. I was a gap-year student hailing from a relatively small town in North Carolina. Despite that, I had big dreams - dreams that I was committed to bringing into fruition. My experience working not only with the ABI network, but also those who I had the pleasure of meeting during my internship, has been truly insightful. Aside from broadening my world-view, this experience has definitely put my strengths and weaknesses into perspective. I feel like I've become more wise as a result of everything that has occurred throughout the length of the program, and it's for that reason that I'm so grateful.

Pros
  • I was able to met new people and subsequently gained a broader world-view.
  • I was able to assess my strengths and weaknesses, both professionally and personally.
  • I was able to release mindsets and behaviors that were limiting my potential.
Cons
  • I had to challenge my own expectations, in addition to others.
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Mikey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Opportunity

ABI and the ABI team gave me a lot of new skills and experience that I can take into my career as an artist. Not only did I learn how to get an internship, but I learned how to maneuver and market myself in the artworld. Thanks to ABI, I also made some incredible connections with other creatives. I did a virtual internship with a painter overseas. In this internship I was responsible for a lot of behind the scenes work in uploading pieces to sell, compiling a portfolio, etc. This gave me insight into what goes into being an artist and selling your work. The ABI team was incredibly helpful when I needed it. My program coordinator, Jason, was very helpful and attentive. When we spoke he was very kind and respectful, and answered all of my questions. Generally, the ABI team does really well in responding, and they expect the same from you. They answered any and all questions I had without belittling me, and were happy to help.

Pros
  • Great info on resume and cover letter building
  • Helpful in learning how to interview well
  • Good opportunity to make permanent connections in the art world
Cons
  • Modules need to be done in a certain amount of time, hard around holidays.
  • No info on how to make a website, social media, etc. (some tips, no instructions)
  • Some career coaches are better than others at communicating
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Dennis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Los Angeles marketing internship

for my international internship, I always wanted to work in LA. I applied for multiple internships myself but never got invited. this was until I came across ABI. ABI not only guarantees an internship in your preferred country/city, but they also help with everything beforehand. from resume building to personal meetings on how to act for your meeting. The costs are a bit steep but for the experience, it is 100% worth it. my time in LA was nothing short of amazing and a life experience. def reccoment

Pros
  • Amazing experiences
  • valuable knowledge learned
Cons
  • very expensive!!!
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EDIE
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Internship Opportunity

Applying for the ArtBound Initiative program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The coaching, on-boarding and constant support from the ABI team was truly invaluable and has helped me so much in establishing my brand as a creative.
The company i interned for in New York was amazing and I had the best experience. I had the opportunity to work with and meet so many amazing people, and create industry connections that I will have throughout my career.

This program is 100% worth it and I think anyone who is thinking about applying absolutely should! The ArtBound Initiative team is supportive and reliable, and are there to help you with anything you need to succeed during your time.

Pros
  • Amazing coaching experience and support from ABI
  • Constant industry and fashion related events to attend
  • Career growth and real industry connections
Cons
  • New York is super expensive so budgeting is important!
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Wanaka
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Script Development Internship - Such a Great Experience!

Overall, the remote internship experience with ABI was so great. It was really cool to be able to connect with people from around the world who all have a desire to excel in the creative industries. ABI allowed me to connect to people I would have never been able to reach being from New Zealand. I was also able to gain such an invaluable insight into the world of fillmmaking/ pre-production even though it was virtual and this has opened so many more doors for me than I would have expected - it's also helped me so much in my own journey as a writer/ filmmaker. The ABI team, particularly Alif, Laura, and Zulfa, eased the journey by always being there to support me whenever I needed help. It was really great knowing that there were always people who were there to answer any concerns I had.

Pros
  • Career launch pad
  • Great connections from both industry professionals and the ABI community
  • Gives you access to an industry which is known for being difficult to 'break into'
Cons
  • Navigating time differences between host company and yourself
  • Can be isolating working remotely because of the lack of immediacy you have with other interns/ team members from the company
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Sol
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Interning abroad was the best choice I ever made

Hi, I'm Sol and I studied Animation at Swinburne. I loved interning at The Mill in Berlin. Escaping the Australian summer to experience real winter with snow was so worth it. Though the cold was unbearable sometimes too... Without ABI equipping me for work beforehand I would never be prepared for real work. From coaching tailored for me specifically, giving me advice on how to improve my portfolio and CV, how to prepare for the interview, how to set up future goals, etc. The only thing that was a negative was, this was done while I was studying full time at uni, so handling both at the same time was a bit hard. It is a long process and there is time pressure to get things done. But all the preparation landed me an internship with The Mill in Berlin. Interning with them was awesome, their team is so nice and they made me feel included and part of the team. I got to work on so many projects and also do a lot of different things, from motion design, concept art, graphic design, presentation decks, R&D and more!
Berlin has really good food around! And groceries are very cheap too! The accommodation was a bit expensive, but it was nice to have Berlin Central Station so close by! Berlin's public transport is soooo good, I could get to work in 30 minutes! The art scene is so good too, I only went to Museum Island, but that was enough for me! My favourite museum amongst them was definitely Alte Nationalagalerie. If you're into paintings, this one is for you too! I was able to make some friends in my time in Berlin too, not only cause I went to Chinese church and they made me feel welcome, but our Aussie Crew (all through ABI) also hangout pretty often. We went to Sanssouci Palace with ABI! It was awesome! I wish I had more time or spared more time for traveling around Germany or Europe, but I'm already satisfied with all I've seen, also definitely want to go back to Berlin!
Good luck to anyone going overseas and have a blast!

Pros
  • Seeing the world, experience a new culture
  • Getting real work experience, being part of a team
  • Living alone overseas
Cons
  • Housing was too expensive
  • Sometimes I felt there wasn't enough support
  • The application process took very long and things didn't get confirmed until very last minute
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Jason
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The beginning of a new chapter...

During my three-month internship at Picos, arranged through the ArtBound Initiative, I had an amazing time. Thanks to ArtBound Initiative, I gained valuable digital marketing experience while exploring a new city.

During my internship, I gained a deep understanding of the digital marketing industry and applied my skills in a professional environment. One of the best parts of my experience was the mentorship I received from my colleagues. They were knowledgeable and supportive, providing guidance and feedback throughout my time at the agency. They challenged me to think critically and creatively, which helped me develop my skills and knowledge in the field.

Working on real-world projects gave me hands-on experience in the industry, and I was able to make meaningful contributions to the agency and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented and supportive team.

Overall, my internship at Picos, arranged through the ArtBound Initiative, was a valuable learning experience that allowed me to gain practical skills and knowledge in the digital marketing industry.

Pros
  • Industry experience
  • Living and working away from home in a new city
  • Creating networks that will provide future opportunities
Cons
  • Time commitments were sometimes difficult to manage
  • Lack of meet ups with other ArtBound Initiative students
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Sophia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Animation Internship for Writing

There were some challenges in finding an internship that fits my interests and expectations for a starting date, however, the experience was still very rewarding. Though I would have enjoyed utilizing my technical skills in producing animations, I gained lots of experience in the writing process for television shows. It was very interesting to see the development take its shape through the company's method of brainstorming. I also gained connections with professionals at the company and other interns who share the same passion for storytelling.

Pros
  • Flexible hours
  • Gaining professional insight
  • Building connections
Cons
  • Slight misalignment to internship interests
  • Starting date changes for internship
  • Independent work