Week as a Graphic Design Intern: Finding My Place in Sports

By: Mardline Prevot

Flyer Design by Mardline Prevot 

This week has been a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration as a graphic design intern for Bowie State University's (BSU) Intramural and Recreation program. It's been an incredible experience to merge my passion for design with the dynamic world of sports, and I'm excited to share a glimpse into what my days have been like. 

My main project this week was designing three new flyers to kick off the second season of our intramural sports and fitness classes. The goal was to create something engaging that would grab the attention of students across campus. I started by getting a clear understanding of the university's policies and guidelines, meticulously reviewing the BSU student club handbook. This step, while a bit tedious, was crucial for ensuring my designs were in perfect alignment with the Office of University Relations and Marketing.

Working closely with my supervisor, we brainstormed how to best represent each  fitness class. We decided to create two distinct flyers to showcase the variety of offerings and appeal to different interests. The process was a fantastic lesson in breaking down a large amount of information into visually digestible pieces. A new challenge arose when I was asked to create a co-ed specific flyer for open play sessions, including pickleball and soccer. It was a great opportunity to lean into an inclusive approach in my designs, something I'm passionate about as a non-binary creator.

One of the most rewarding moments this week was receiving positive feedback from my supervisor. Their compliments on my work felt validating and reinforced my decision to pursue advertising design. It's a great feeling to see my academic studies translate into tangible, professional progress. 

My biggest takeaway is the importance of planning ahead. I've learned that getting tasks done at least two weeks in advance, well before the next month's events, is essential for a smooth workflow. I'm already aiming to have everything ready for the October schedule by September 21st. I also realized how much I've grown to understand the language of sports-the stragies, the passion, and the dedication-and how much the athletic industry relies on good design to communication its message. 

The role of a designer in this field is so much more than just making things look pretty; it's about helping people connect with what they love. My final task this week was updating the September calendar to change the Monday Boxing class schedule to avoid conflicts with the BSU Cheer team's practice. This small but important change hihlighted the need for flexbility and clear communication. 

In many ways, I approach my design work like a game. I'm aggressive in my pursuit of the best graphics, seeing each project as battlefield to be won. Like a blerd from Recreation Division, I channel my inner strength to conquer the design challenges, taking a page from the battles of Middle-earth. It's a mindset that helps me stay sharp and produce work that truly stands out.

I'm exicted to see what the next week holds and continue to grow as a designer in this exciting field.