Jamie Sugai
Exploring the World of Graphic Design Through an Internship: Artist Strives for Success
In the midst of a pandemic students work during these unprecedented times to prepare for internships and explore ways to gain real-life experience for a career in a post-COVID world. With perseverance, Jamie Sugai discovered her next internship through the Career Services office. Her experience included honing her professional skills while preparing her for the workforce after she graduates from University of Idaho.
Currently in her third year at U of I, Jamie is working on receiving her B.F.A in Studio Art and Design with an emphasis in graphic design. Sugai made the decision to follow in the footsteps of her family who consist of a long line of Vandals and is working to make her dream of being a graphic designer into a reality. She has been closely following her curriculum and recently has received an internship at Creative Services where she is able to work closely with the design team that offers a variety of media services to U of I.
“It’s nice to have this team of professionals that I get to talk to and learn from them and kind of collaborate outside of just classes,” says Sugai in response to her experience so far in the office.
Her supervisor, Emily Mowrer comments on what it has been like overseeing her work and referred to Sugai as a “really self-motivated person.” The internship in itself had a high probability of not being available to students due to all the changes that emerged with the pandemic. Sugai, however, still excited about the opportunity, reached out to Mowrer about working with her and quickly demonstrated her willingness to put in the extra work needed to accomplish tasks.
In regard to her work ethic Mowrer commented, “She’s really dependable. Getting her stuff done and always on time.”
Because of the complications of COVID-19, Creative Services had not planned to take on an intern for the semester. But because of Sugai’s perseverance and persistence, Mowrer could not turn down the opportunity to bring on such a high-performing intern.
Mowrer is not the only one to comment on Sugai’s determination and her obvious passion for the world of graphic design. Delphine Keim is a professor in the Art and Design Program and is someone who Sugai views as a mentor who she has turned to for guidance.
“She’s been my advisor and has really helped me get on track with the classes that I have to be doing and has pushed me further in my classes with her,” says Sugai.
Keim herself had nothing but great things to say about Sugai and all the work she puts in as well as the talent she demonstrates through her work.
“She’s like a unicorn in that she has the creative ability and the technical virtuosity,” commented Keim in respect to watching her professional skills emerge. “She’s mature so she can take feedback.”
