Winter Practicum with Studiothink

Gabe Duarte / Studiothink / Designer & Animator

During my last semester of graphic design in my fourth year at UFV, I was approached with the opportunity to complete a practicum at Studiothink alongside one of my classmates. This experience turned out to be very challenging but rewarding. I got the chance to participate in meaningful work alongside peers as well as gain real life experience juggling deadlines and balancing real life tasks.

Studiothink is a web-forward design agency rooted in creating innovative solutions that help you stick out and ensure you stick to the most authentic version of yourself. They specialize in branding, marketing, and web design and are devoted to creating bold work that feels bespoke to their clients and that feels one of a kind and stands the test of time.

During my time in this practicum, I was able to work side by side with my classmate and the Studiothink team to develop video-based assets for a project based on human trafficking, awareness, and the topic of speaking up when it feels necessary. I’m proud that I was able to complete this practicum during my last semester as it’s extremely fulfilling to be able to contribute to meaningful work that impacts the world in a positive manner. I only ever strive to be a part of things that shift the world in positive ways.

My primary focus during this experience was on motion graphics, video editing, kinetic typography, and sound design. I’m familiar with these topics but they can be daunting when placed within proximity to each other. There were times where I doubted my skills, but I was able to reference older projects I had completed during my degree to refresh my memory. As well as use the internet to my advantage.

My greatest learning experience from this course was about time management, prioritization, stress, and dealing with deadlines. Working with a real-world timeline is very different in comparison to due dates on Brightspace. There is a lot more conversation to be had about delivering assets, there can be lots of guessing sometimes, but ultimately what occurs more frequently without a doubt is more communication. Speaking with others, whether that be about questions about a brief or maybe how something needs to be worded, a quick exchange of words can really clear up any confusion.

I’m glad that I was able to complete this course at the time that it happened because of the quality work we were able to produce, the skills I was able to refine, and the connections I was able to make. And above all, the impact we can make with such a project.