The Art Director Intern shares her top tips on interning.

Since winning the opportunity to intern as Art Editor I have been asked, on a few occasions, for my advice; advice on how to get an internship and how to get ahead in the industry, to how I made my ELLE Art Editor entry stand out from the rest.  Here are a few things I've learnt along the way.  I hope they help!

On finding an internship

There are so many opportunities to intern across a wide range of disciplines; you just have to look.  I found my first internship because of a re-tweet and would suggest that you too jump on the Twitter bandwagon.  It's a great research tool that allows you to really get to know a company BUT I wouldn't use it to contact them.  Try a quick phone call and find out whom it is you need to contact and get their email address as opposed to emailing a general office address.  Tell them what you could bring to the company and why they should take you on.  Keep it short and to the point.  

On getting ahead

It is hard going to University, interning and holding down a part time job but it is possible so do as much as you can.  While interning always be polite, keep a smile on your face and be willing to take on the smallest of tasks with a smile.  

On my ELLE entry

As soon as I came across this image of Beyoncé I instantly fell in love with it and went with my gut instinct and used it.  I came up with a few different outcomes but was always drawn back to the blue; it just felt right and stood out.  It's important to do your research and I used many previous ELLE covers as inspiration for my cover.  After asking for advice and feedback from others, I went with the one that I thought best suited the ELLE aesthetic.  You have to trust and believe in yourself and your work and just go for it!