Sarah's Story: Design Internship in Berlin

Oct 22

4 min read

Meet Sarah!

Sarah is a third-year Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications) student at Western Sydney University. In Summer 2026, she joined ArtBound Initiative and landed a Design Internship with Studio Avanti, a creative studio working across branding, design, and visual communication.

How would you describe your day-to-day at Studio Avanti?

Honestly, every day at Studio Avanti felt different—and that’s what made it so exciting and engaging. While some days were spent building on ongoing projects, I was constantly given fresh, creative tasks to dive into. My responsibilities ranged from packaging design and photo editing to on-set support, client meetings, market and competitor research, brainstorming design concepts, researching stunt events, developing branding elements, and contributing to pitches for brand-new clients.

The team always kept a calm, collected, and genuinely cool atmosphere, which made the fast pace even more enjoyable. What truly stood out was the variety—especially when working with real-world clients. Seeing designs I had helped create being seriously considered and eventually going live was incredibly rewarding. That diversity of work not only kept me on my toes but also gave me the chance to explore different facets of the industry and start identifying where my strengths and passions lie. Plus, the team offered valuable insight into their perspective on my skills and where they could see my career heading...feedback that I truly appreciated and took to heart!

What was the environment and general atmosphere like?

The environment at Studio Avanti was incredibly welcoming and collaborative from day one. There was a strong sense of mutual respect and trust—everyone's ideas were heard, regardless of seniority. The studio had a vibrant, creative energy without ever feeling chaotic or pressured. People genuinely enjoyed working together, and treat one another as a family instead of simply coworkers. It felt less like a traditional workplace and more like a collective of passionate creatives who genuinely wanted to see each other succeed. That supportive culture made it easy to ask questions, share half-baked ideas, and grow without fear of judgment.

The studio had a vibrant, creative energy without ever feeling chaotic or pressured. People genuinely enjoyed working together, and treat one another as a family instead of simply coworkers.

What aspect of your internship was most rewarding?

Without a doubt, the most enjoyable and rewarding part of my internship has been the people, and the genuine family atmosphere they've cultivated. At Studio Avanti, it never felt like we were just coworkers ticking through tasks together. The team genuinely cares about one another, and that shines through in the little rituals they hold sacred like taking time out of each week to cook a shared meal and sit down for a proper team lunch. Those moments weren't just about food, but they were about reconnecting as friends, stepping back from the busyness of deadlines, and reminding themselves that there's more to their relationship than just work.

That same warmth carried over into how they supported me. They didn't just assign tasks and step away, they invited me into their thinking, heard my ideas, shared their knowledge generously, and offered feedback that was always kind, constructive, and delivered with my growth in mind. It made me feel like more than an intern, I felt moreso like part of the family. And honestly, that combination of genuine human connection and invested mentorship is something I'll carry with me far beyond this internship.

Has your internship met your expectations?

Yes, my internship has absolutely met and in many ways, exceeded my expectations. I came in hoping to gain hands-on experience and a realistic sense of what it's like to work in a creative agency, but I walked away with so much more than that. The variety of projects, the trust the team placed in me, and the genuine investment in my development all went far beyond what I had anticipated.

In terms of my long-term career, this experience has been invaluable. It gave me the chance to explore different disciplines, from branding and packaging to research and on-set contribution, which has helped me clarify where my strengths and passions truly lie. More than that, it reinforced my desire to work in a collaborative, people-centred environment where creativity and connection go hand in hand. The mentorship and feedback I received have given me a clearer sense of direction and the confidence to pursue roles that align with both my skills and my values. I now have a much sharper vision of the kind of designer and team member I want to become, and I feel better equipped to take those next steps.

In what way did ArtBound Initiative helped you the most?

ArtBound Initiative helped me most through their comprehensive pre-departure support and their ability to connect me with an incredible company. Unfortunately, I didn't receive this level of guidance from my university's international department, which left me feeling very unprepared and on my own when it came to navigating the logistics of moving abroad. ArtBound Initiative filled that gap entirely. They provided clear, structured preparation—from CV and portfolio workshops to interview coaching and cultural orientation—that made me feel equipped and confident before I even set foot in Berlin. They walked me through the practicalities I hadn't even thought to consider, and their check-ins ensured I wasn't left guessing at any stage. That foundation made all the difference in settling in smoothly and hitting the ground running.

Beyond the preparation, the placement itself was outstanding. ArtBound Initiative connected me with a company that was not only professionally rewarding but also genuinely aligned with my creative interests and values. I couldn't have asked for a better match, and I know that connection came directly from their strong industry network and thoughtful approach to pairing candidates with the right opportunities. That combination of logistical support and meaningful placement is what made the experience truly transformative.

ArtBound Initiative gave me the support to feel confident moving abroad and connected me with a company that truly matched my creative interests.

Sarah

Design Internship | Studio Avanti

Interested in the program but don't know where to start? Check your eligibility here!

ArtBound Initiative is a fee-based global internship program for creatives. We prepare students for their careers through an online coaching curriculum and by helping them secure an internship in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and Virtually. With an expansive network of leading creative companies, our program provides access to creative industries that are notoriously insular.

Read more about ArtBound Initiative Berlin Internship here.

Questions? Contact us at info@artboundinitiative.com