My last word on this blog about the topic is that I would have to investigate the possiblity of deferring my application to 'fall' of 2016, because it would give me a year in industry to not only raise funds, but to further my portfolio and industry knowledge whilst having a break from education. But now, I'm not so sure that this route is entirely necessary (many others have made it into the industry without acquiring this MFA degree at all) and have cancelled my application altogether for the time being.
Sometime in years to come I may apply again, but whilst
- the course is still in it's infancy
- i'm hungry to get out in the working world with a break from education
- I'm not quite ready to move over to the 'States on a more permanent basis
- My funds aren't satisfactory for this kind of move
...I think it's best to postpone this idea for another time in my life.
Having said all of this with my sensible brain on, I'm still longing for this fast-paced, dream career in the US in the Themed Entertainment industry, and have applied to a series of internships on Disney's 'Pro Interns' program:
As you can see, the site is aimed at 'students and recent grads' so I jumped at the chance to apply. I felt like I would have quite a good chance at it because of having worked there last summer. (then again, it is a humongous company...)
I applied to 4 different internships (the Disney J1 Cultural Exchange Program is my International College Program I did last summer):
The first I applied to was an internship at Disney's Yellow Shoes. DYS is responsible for all of the marketing for the Disney Parks - I really love their work cos it's so playful and magical, not just like regular advertising (obviously it's amazing, it's Disney!) I first saw their work in 2nd Year when we were studying web design and came across their website for promoting the New Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:
As you can see, it's experience based design that leans more toward the Themed Entertainment Industry rather than marketing or advertising.
I was also drawn to it because it asks for a Graphic Designers' role, which I will obviously be qualified in upon arrival.
The 'role' description is as follows:
Yellow Shoes Assoc Interactive Art Director/Design Intern, FL- Fall
Segment Overview: Since its opening in 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL has grown to feature four theme parks – the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. In addition, more than 20 themed resort hotels, two water parks, and the Downtown Disney Area, a daytime and nighttime entertainment complex, are part of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Department Overview: Do you live for the Big Idea? Do you know how to make something emotional that people will want to connect with? Do you geek out about typography and design? If so, we’d love to hear from you! We’re Disney Yellow Shoes, the award-winning, in-house creative shop for Disney Destinations. Every day, we have fun creating compelling, memorable work for one of the greatest brands on the planet, and we’re looking for one very talented Art Director/Graphic Design Intern to join us. For an example of one of our recent projects please visit www.findingfantasyland.com
Obviously, it says 'interactive' which means it will concern more digital design. Even though I've worked with mostly print-based design in the past, I've jumped on this with both feet as I know I'll be working in a team and that I'm also interested to learn digital design and animation - you can do a lot more to create an experience for the user if it's digital or interactive!
I also applied to a very-similar-but-not-the-same position at DYS but not interactive or digital.
I applied to another Role opening in the Creative Entertainment Department, which is amazing too (I'm torn!) because it concerns things created for actually inside of the park, which is really where I dream to be, if I'm honest.
the role description is as follows:
Creative Entertainment Art Design Internship, FL/CA – Fall 2015
Segment Overview: The Disney Theme Parks and Resorts are not just home to Disney’s beloved characters but are also the place “Where Dreams Come True.” The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts segment traces its roots to 1952, when Walt Disney formed what is today known as Walt Disney Imagineering to build Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Since then, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has grown to encompass Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney, and five resort locations (encompassing 11 theme parks) on three continents.
Department Overview: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment is a dynamic entertainment environment, offering nothing less than the perfect show for millions of guests worldwide. An integral part of this organization is the Show Development & Production Design department that is responsible for the development of designs/scenic treatments/logos/graphics for live shows including parades, stage shows and special events on and off the Disney property and onboard the Disney Cruise Line.
How exciting is that! As I interpret this description, it says to me that I would be producing Graphic Design for the ever-evolving shows, parades and special events in all of the parks. It is almost the same as creating designs for the rides themselves, as you know is my ultimate career dream!
My final application is the one I'm longing for the most as it is at Walt Disney Imagineering - the team responsible for all of the Graphics and signage for the rides, shows, environmental designs WITHIN THE PARKS. Dream job alert!!
Here is the role description:
Graphic Design Internship, Orlando, Summer 2015
Segment Overview: Walt Disney Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented corps of Imagineers is responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects. Imagineering is headquartered in Glendale, California, with affiliated offices and facilities in North Hollywood, California and Celebration, Florida; as well as satellite branches at every Disney Theme Park location around the world.
Department Overview: This department is the Environmental Graphic Design team within Walt Disney Imagineering that develops signage and show graphics to help tell the stories throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
To me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I should take whilst I am still a student and is available to me in the position I am in. As of today, 2nd March 2015, three out of the four applications are 'in progress' which I am delighted about. I'm so excited cos if I'm accepted it should blend seamlessly at the end of my course at Leeds. It would be the cherry on top of a fantastic three years and a springboard into the rest of my life in my dream job!
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