So the topic of ” What’s your plans this summer – yo” came up between a group of my friends. Some said “chilling…”, some said “parties erreday yo!”, and some even said “I’ll be at the beach.” I said, I’ll be working in a graphic design studio called Alphabet Arm with two bosses, Ryan and Aaron, who seem more laid back than my parents. Youth Design has really landed me in an ideal space where I can benefit from my bosses and three interns, Matt, Silvi and Flo. I can tell you what makes this place so great, between the breaks to toss a football around or the constant jokes around the table for lunch, long days don’t seem that long here. Aaron has been altruistic enough to guide me through some of the essential things I need to know to be a good designer and I know that I can really benefit from what everyone knows here. After this summer I think I will almost master Adobe Illustrator and pick up some key components to be able to strongly use the programs. Being 16 years old, I probably could be “chilling” or “partying erreday,” but I understand that I am being given a unique opportunity that some kids my age just dont have. My goal is to take full advantage of the opportunity that’s in front of me and take what I learn here and apply it to the things I happen to do in the future. My name is Jeru Berry, I’m an all-star football player, an inspired designer, and a Youth Design student at Alphabet Arm – and by the way you – can call me Kidd!
Alphabet Arm Intern Army
Ho Ho Hoa
Hey everyone! My name is Juan Aguirre, but some people know me as Phil Hoa, so feel free to call me by that nickname.
I’m from Colombia, but before moving to the USA two years ago, I lived in Spain for three years. I’ve been learning about design for five years now, and that’s the main reason why Design become my life-passion. So is the music, and that’s why I know that I will enjoy my time in Alphabet Arm, because they are the best proof that I can blend my two favorite worlds, my two passions, and make them work together.
The reason why I’m here is because I’m into the summer program Youth Design, which is responsible of giving to High School students an oportunity to know how the professional environment of design works.
I just graduated from high school, and my next step is to study graphic design at Montserrat College of Art. So I know this summer internship will give me a lot of experience and knowledge.
If you want to check some of my work, you can visit my fanpage on facebook. Don’t forget your “like” if you like what you see.
Topping Off the Week
Hi there, I’m Ivanna Lin, a current Youth Design intern at Alphabet Arm this Summer. I started interning two weeks ago, and everyday has been an exciting with a variety of cool, new projects. However, there was a morning that was kind of different from the others. Aaron (Alphabet Arm’s Art Director) and I stepped out of the studio and did some hands-on creative work with Youth Design.
On Tuesday, July 29th, we joined the Youth Design / Troy Boston Team. The team consisted of Youth Designers, mentors, volunteers, and YD staff. Troy Boston, a new, multi-building development in South End, was hosting their “Topping Off Ceremony”. As a part of the eventful morning, Gerding Edlen Developers invited us to paint one of the buildings ibeams. Our color palette was a combination of orange, white, black and gold, a mix of both Youth Design and Troy Boston’s brand colors. Our assignment was to create designs that were inspired by our city and the Troy Boston logotype. With a nudge from Aaron, I volunteered to work on the logo (my typography exercise of the day). Aaron developed on a design that symbolizes the positivity of Boston. Beside getting the opportunity to be creative, we also go to witness the incredible view of Boston on the 12th floor of larger of the two buildings. And finally, we saw our very own ibeam being placed on the top of the building. Now, if you find yourself on I-93 South, you just might see our dashing ibeam proudly placed on the 17th floor (but of course, keep your eyes focused on the road!). – Ivanna Lin // Design Intern
Stay tuned for these gems to soon join our fair skyline:
Ivanna > Out
Hello again! You know that cliche saying, “time flies?” Well, it is overused for a reason, it is the truth.
This summer has gone by faster than I imagined. To be honest, I don’t know if I am quite ready to start college this fall, graduate from Youth Design, and leave Alphabet Arm. Why do all good things have to end so quickly? What I love about being a Youth Designer is that every summer is a whole new experience. And thanks to Alphabet Arm, my final summer as a Youth Designer is more than what I could’ve asked for. As an up and coming graphic design college student, I was uncertain that I made the right decision with my major. I’ve never really done graphic design other than creating school flyers here and there. Not only did the team at Alphabet Arm exposed me to this new world, they made me love it.
Beside the client projects I had the opportunity to work on, I’ve been designing a poster for the past few weeks. This is my submission to Youth Design’s annual Take Action competition. The mission is to design a campaign poster that raises awareness for a cause, or social issue we are passionate about. With the help of my Alphabet Arm peers – I developed the concept, art directed the photography and customized some typography for this poster – that I’m really proud of. Wish me luck on the competition!
I’ve gained so much from just working on a few projects and observing how the other designers work. Although, I’m still not an amazing designer (just yet), I’m definitely a better one thanks to the incredible Alphabet Arm team!