Big Bang Intern Series: Rosie Thomas, FCB INFERNO
The Big Bang is a creative internship scheme founded and run by the recruitment firm Daniel Marks in collaboration with The Dots. The Big Bang is where Creativity begins and aims to give young creative talent a paid opportunity to let their talent shine.
Last year the Brief was to “Create a Brand and Advertise an IFO - an Identified Flying Object!”. With some incredible work submitted, we’ve selected a series of interviews with not only the ultimate employers but the Big Bang ‘Rising Stars’ who through the scheme went into paid work at some of London’s leading brands and creative agencies.
One of our Big Bang 2016 finalists was Junior Creative, Rosie Thomas who is now working at Iris following two paid internships- one at BBH and one at FCB Inferno which she tells us about here. Rosie talks us through her creation 'Mission 2 Mars', the inspiration and her tips for future applicants to the scheme. First though, Becky McOwen-Banks from FCB Inferno tells us what stood out about Rosie's application and shares her tips for aspiring creatives.
BECKY
1. What was it that stood out about Rosie’s application?
Rosie’s idea was ingenious with added cheek and personality – as well as being beautifully crafted. The level of design ability and attention to detail stood out.
2. How were they through the internship and what tasks did you have them doing?
We threw Rosie in at the deep end – giving her the opportunity to work across a range of briefs and all clients. She really had to get up and running from the start – working in to other senior designers as well as across a few Creative Directors!
3. What made you get involved in the Big Bang scheme?
I am passionate about the need for more diverse range of creatives in the industry – from partnering the founding of Creative Equals to working with The Girlhood project at FCB Inferno. It falls to the seniors in the industry to make time and make the change we need.
4. Would you recommend others to get involved in this in future?
Sure – as above – this is just one of a number of ways we can start to create the change we need.
5. Any top tips for future applicants?
Realise that the people who will be reviewing your work really could be your point of entry into this amazing industry and pitch your work accordingly. Get your entry proof read, get help on the design if you’re not a designer – make it clean, clear and professional looking.
ROSIE
1. What was the inspiration for your creation?
Whilst researching into flying objects I came across an article about Mars One (man landing on Mars by 2026). I noticed that a Nerf Vortex was similar in shape to a rocket. I hadn’t heard of Mars One until coming across this article and I thought it could be advertised a lot better especially towards children. I decided to give the look and feel of my project an illustrative approach, based on real images from the Mars One website.
2. Tell us about your internship, what did you get up to/ learn?
My internship started with a three month contract which was then extended to 7 months. During my time at FCB Inferno I leant how an advertising agency worked and my design skills progressed significantly. I started on smaller jobs for social media posts for Havianas and Valspar. I have taken photos of dogs belonging to Agency employees and created illustrations for the FCB Inferno Instagram. I have also worked on campaigns for BMW, Pearson, Sky, Holland & Barrett, Nivea etc. I learnt a lot whilst I was at the agency as this was the first experience of a creative advertising position. The internship taught me how a large scale agency works and the different roles.
3. What did you enjoy most?
The working environment there was really great; the people were all so helpful and friendly and the work was interesting. One of my best moments there was when I’d gained enough trust to lead the design on a project for Pearson’s Apprenticeships. I worked closely with a Senior Art Director developing ideas for the visuals of the campaign. The visuals for the campaign were created by a paper sculptor living in Madrid. In order for him to create them, we had to create scamps to send to him so that he could visualise them in a 2D format. Once I set the text over the mock ups we could send any amends before he went on to make the 3D version. This project went on from two weeks into my internship right until the very end; six versions being created in total.
4. Was it what you expected? How so?
I have never worked at such a big advertising agency so I didn’t know what to expect. It took a little while getting used to all the different roles, as at University you did the project from start to finish. Whilst there I didn’t expect to be given as much freedom on projects as I was such a Junior level. I am really happy that they allowed me to do these tasks as I have picked up a vast amount of skills in such a short period of time. I have really improved on Adobe programmes such as Indesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. I also got the opportunity to learn new software such as After Effects and Cinema 4D, which have all been very beneficial.
5. What have you been up to since?
After my internship I freelanced at BBH for around three weeks as a Junior Designer. I am now on a three month Junior Design contract at IRIS, which will hopefully be extended.
6. What advice would you give anyone thinking of applying for the next Big Bang?
I would definitely give Big Bang a go as it helped me to get noticed by large agencies across London – something that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise. Give it a go you have nothing to lose and possibly a lot to gain!
For more information on the Big Bang Creative Internship Scheme and to find details for the next and upcoming collaboration, please visit www.danielmarks.com
Project Tags
Companies
Daniel Marks - Creative Headhunters
- Design
FCB Inferno
- Advertising