During my time at Graedance I had the opportunity to develop new skills, adapt to a new working environment, and expand my understanding of the creative process. One of the key areas of growth was learning to source images and create visual boards using new tools and platforms, such as Stock Deck. This experience allowed me to explore digital resources in a way that enhanced my ability to visualize concepts and themes more effectively, without the constraints of traditional physical design.

Additionally, I was introduced to the power of AI-generated imagery through MidJourney, a tool that expanded my creative toolkit. By learning how to create visuals with AI, I gained a deeper understanding of how technology can support and enhance the design process, opening up new possibilities for creative expression.

However, the most challenging yet rewarding aspect of this role was the shift from physically designing products to focusing more on communication and delivery. As someone who is accustomed to working in hands-on, tangible design environments for my own ideas, I found this shift to be an eye-opening experience. In this new role, I was tasked with conveying ideas and design concepts in a clear, compelling way which required requiring a deeper understanding of how to communicate design through both visual and verbal methods. This was something I wasn’t used to especially reporting my creative ideas back to Rong the Founder and Creative Director of Graedance.

This transition brought out new insights into the communication aspects of branding. I quickly realised that a successful brand is not just about the products themselves but how effectively those products and their narratives are communicated to an audience. Whether it was through digital tools, mood boards, or client presentations, I learned how important it is to tailor communication to different stakeholders, ensuring that the brand message is conveyed consistently and with impact.

Ultimately, this experience taught me the significance of adaptability in the creative process. While I initially felt challenged by the change in focus, it ultimately allowed me to refine my communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of how to integrate these skills into the broader creative and branding strategies of a company. The ability to communicate a vision clearly and effectively is just as important as the design itself, and this role has significantly enhanced my appreciation of this balance.

Throughout my internship at Graedance, I had the invaluable opportunity to work under the mentorship of Rong, whose guidance and constructive feedback greatly contributed to both my personal and professional growth. Rong proved to be an insightful mentor, offering feedback on areas where I needed improvement, particularly in my written communication. His suggestions helped me refine my ability to convey ideas more concisely and effectively, a skill that I have since applied across multiple projects. His constructive criticism was always delivered in a way that encouraged improvement while recognizing my strengths.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of concise written communication. Initially, I tended to over-explain my ideas, driven by the fear that my points might not be fully understood or acknowledged. I realized that this approach could overwhelm the reader and dilute the impact of my ideas. Through feedback kindly given by Rong and through personal reflection, I learned that providing a clear, concise summary of my thoughts not only made my communication more effective but also allowed the recipient to grasp the core idea quickly. If a higher-up or supervisor is interested, they can always ask for further elaboration, but starting with a succinct version makes it easier for them to absorb and respond.

Additionally, I encountered some challenges as I was introduced to new tools and systems that I was not accustomed to, particularly MidJourney, an AI-based tool for generating images. While this was an exciting opportunity to expand my skill set, I also felt a sense of overwhelm as I navigated unfamiliar technology and tried to integrate it into my workflow. However, this experience highlighted my capacity for growth and adaptability, as I gradually became more comfortable using the tool, realising that with time and practice, and of course asking insightful questions for help, mastering these new systems was achievable.

Another area where I received constructive feedback was in the storytelling aspect of product delivery. I was advised to improve on crafting a clear narrative around the products I was presenting. This feedback made me reflect on the importance of weaving a coherent story that ties together the design, the functionality, and the emotional appeal of a product. A strong narrative enhances the product’s connection with its intended audience and helps communicate its value more effectively. I now recognise that every product has its own story that should be consistently communicated, whether in meetings, presentations, or marketing materials.

In conclusion, this experience has been transformative in shaping my approach to communication, learning new tools, and understanding the importance of storytelling in design and product delivery. While there were moments of discomfort as I learned and adapted to new challenges, these experiences ultimately helped me build a stronger, more versatile skill set, better preparing me for future professional opportunities within various roles that exist within the fashion industry.

During this experience, I had the opportunity to expand my professional network and connect with key industry professionals, which significantly enriched my understanding of the broader fashion and creative industries.

One of the most valuable aspects of this role was the opportunity to meet more models, stylists, and excitingly be introduced to a videographer for the first time. These connections have given me a much wider pool of talent to work with when selecting individuals for various aspects of my work, particularly in casting models for collections or product launches. Having access to a broader range of professionals allows me to make more informed and tailored decisions ensuring that the people I collaborate with align with the vision and identity of a brand.

In addition, I had the privilege of being introduced to a new photography studio, which opened up new possibilities for creating high-quality visual content for my projects. The opportunity to work in a fresh environment with different equipment and studio settings enhances my creative flexibility and allows me to approach photoshoots with new ideas and perspectives.

Another significant achievement was the recommendation of the Hair and Makeup Artist (HMUA) I used for my graduate collection. I suggested this professional for the photoshoot related to an upcoming product launch, which proved to be a great decision. The HMUA brought a level of professionalism and creativity that elevated the overall look and feel of the shoot, aligning perfectly with the concept and aesthetic of the product. This experience underscored the value of building strong professional relationships, as it allowed me to bring in trusted collaborators who understand Graedance’s vision and can execute it effectively.

Finally, being introduced to a videographer added a new dimension to my creative toolkit. The ability to incorporate moving media into my storytelling opens up exciting opportunities for showcasing my collections in dynamic and engaging ways. Whether it's for promotional content or to capture behind-the-scenes moments, working with a videographer allows me to tell a more immersive and compelling narrative about my products and brand. This was an important learning experience as it broadened my understanding of the impact of multimedia content in marketing and branding and a great contact to keep for any future endeavours.

In summary, this experience has significantly expanded my professional network and enriched my creative process. Connecting with new models, stylists, videographers, and photography studios has provided me with a wider array of resources to enhance my future work. Additionally, learning how to leverage these connections for the storytelling and visual representation of my brand has deepened my understanding of how to effectively communicate my vision to the public.

Rong and I also worked closely together to set specific goals for my internship, and I am proud to say that we achieved the objectives we outlined. One of the major highlights of my time at Graedance was successfully reviewing and analysing the brand's TikTok strategy. Through this analysis, I was able to identify key opportunities for improvement and make data-driven recommendations aimed at boosting engagement and growing Graedance's online presence. Social media management wasn’t initially part of our original goals, but I ended up thriving in this area, discovering a newfound interest and skill in content creation. I enjoyed brainstorming and suggesting ideas for Graedance's November social media calendar, focusing on content that would resonate with their audience and increase interaction with the brand. The process of creating engaging content was both enjoyable and fulfilling, and I was able to significantly contribute to the brand’s social media presence.

Another key achievement during my internship was my involvement in the photoshoot for Graedance’s upcoming product collection launch. As part of this project, I used my networking skills to recommend a HMUA that I had worked with in the past. Rong appreciated her work, and after reviewing her portfolio, he decided to include her in the photoshoot. His decision to bring her on board was very affirming, as it showed me that my ability to network and recommend professionals had a meaningful impact on the project. This experience reinforced the importance of building and maintaining relationships within the industry and how those connections can add value to creative processes.

In conclusion, my internship at Graedance was a highly enriching experience that provided me with new insights into the complexities of running a creative business. Rong's mentorship allowed me to develop key skills in communication, business strategy, social media management, and networking. The hands-on experience, coupled with the lessons I learned, has not only broadened my understanding of the industry but also sharpened my ability to contribute effectively to a brand's overall success. I look forward to applying these skills in my future endeavours and continuing to grow within the field.