Bristol based Fiasco Design have launched an Open Internship programme that is looking to set a precedent for the way design internships can be made more inclusive for emerging creatives. The studio hope that by taking positive action they can encourage others to do the same and hear from internship applicants who previously felt they couldn’t apply.
As Nathalie Crease, Head of Marketing at Fiasco tells us, “We’ve made it as easy as possible for anyone to apply. We’ve scrapped the usual requests for cover letters and CVs, in favour of a portfolio of work that shows creative thinking and five bullet points on why applicants would benefit from the experience. That’s it.” The studio also covers travel and accommodation expenses for people who are not based locally to Bristol and all internships are fully paid.
We talked with Nathalie and Junior Designer Jessie Kaur who recently completed an internship with the studio to find out more…
Why have Fiasco decided to start the open internship programme?
Nathalie Crease: It is our belief that the design industry should reflect the rich make-up of society: people of different ages, genders, cultures, disabilities, sexualities, religions or backgrounds. Our experience tells us that when people from different walks of life come together, creativity thrives. Diversity in design isn’t just about creating better work, but also a culture which represents the world we want to live in.
Despite increased awareness around the topic of inclusivity, statistics from the Design Council and Design Can suggest that this is slow to translate to real change. To progress, we need people across the industry to take positive action.
We’ve always actively encouraged anyone to apply for our annual internship and we’ve previously had interns from all corners of the UK and all walks of life. But this year we pushed it one step further. Our Open Internship was created to be exactly that: open to anyone.
Image credit: Fiasco Design
What are the aims and objectives for you and the interns?
NC: First and foremost, the main ambition was to find creatives who wouldn’t have otherwise applied. So we took measures to help level the playing field: no CV or cover letter required, fully paid, and accommodation and travel covered.
”Of course, as part of this we needed to reach people outside of our existing networks. Design shouldn’t exist in an echo chamber, so we made a concerted effort to reach new demographics in the hope that the opportunity would land in front of somebody who would really benefit.“
Secondly, we recognise that internships have fallen on harsh criticism over recent years – and rightly so. Members of our own team previously gritted their teeth through unpaid internships where they were overworked, treated poorly, given little in the way of guidance or support – and just had to suck it up as part of the process. By contrast, we wanted the Open Internship to be an enjoyable and enriching experience.
Project credit: iO Academy, Fiasco Design
What does the application process involve?
We made it as easy as possible for anyone to apply. We scrapped the usual requests for cover letters and CVs, in favour of a portfolio of work that shows creative thinking and five bullet points on why they would benefit from the experience. That’s it.
“We scrapped the usual requests for cover letters and CVs, in favour of a portfolio of work that shows creative thinking and five bullet points on why they would benefit from the experience. That’s it.”
We will never means-test anyone, question someone’s sexuality, or ask them to explain their family heritage. It’s not about that for us. The Open Internship is intended to be open to absolutely anyone and everyone.
This was our first year running the Open Internship and we received a large amount of applications from a broad range of people.
“It felt important that we acknowledged all applicants – whether successful or not, so we replied to everyone offering honest and constructive feedback on their application.”
What do you look for in applicants to the programme?
We tried to go into the process without any preconceptions of who the applicant could be. Removing the requirements for university degree, previous experience, and CV, allowed us to be more open minded and put creative talent above all else.
Unfortunately, one of our successful applicants was offered a permanent position, so was unable to complete their internship with us. We accept this as part of the nature of internships and are looking to run our Open Internship again in the near future, when we can offer the experience to others.
Project credit: Count, Fiasco Design
Is there a particular structure to the internship experience?
Our studio is a busy, fast-paced agency environment. Interns don’t sit on the sidelines, they are very much involved in it all; rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck in with live projects.
Due to the nature of our business, we can’t always plan a project to pan out seamlessly alongside an internship, but we certainly do our best to get interns involved in the whole process – from initial briefs right through to delivery of work. As a studio, we have an open and inclusive ethos; we value every single member of our team and treat one another with mutual respect.
“Interns don’t sit on the sidelines, they are very much involved in it all; rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck in with live projects.”
Project credit: Moshi, Fiasco Design
Jessie Kaur
Jessie completed the Fiasco Open Internship in 2022 and now works as a Junior Designer at Baxter & Bailey, Brighton UK.
Why did you apply for the open internship with Fiasco?
Jessie Kaur: Through my endless Instagram scrolling in the days after my university hand-in, I ended up coming across the Open Internship post. I’ve known of Fiasco and followed the studio for some time. I dropped them an email and shortly after got a reply asking for a chat.
The main thing that stood out front and centre was they were actively helping to push a more diverse workforce into the design industry. I admired them celebrating more diversity as it better represents the world we live in and pushes creative thinking to its full potential, with inclusivity in mind.
“The main thing that stood out front and centre was they were actively helping to push a more diverse workforce into the design industry.”
Having no prior experience in the industry, I was open-minded, keen and ready to learn. What mattered most was that Fiasco had a fun, positive studio culture and a supportive attitude to work. Along with a talented tight-knit family team that came with an expansive network of illustrators, photographers, animators, and more working collaboratively to produce powerful, playful idea-led designs for a diverse sector of brands. I knew I wanted to be a part of it all. To surround myself with an inspiring team of creative minds awesome people who want to create great work – but have fun too.
What has the internship experience been like for you? What key things have you learnt so far?
I’m a born and bred Brummie. I studied in Norwich and for this internship I relocated to Bristol. Which I have to say, has been an incredible experience – it’s such a cool city. It has a great vibe and is an absolute food-lovers paradise with all the independent restaurants. It’s been a memorable, fun and exciting time exploring all the city has to offer.
Beginning my career at Fiasco Design has been a truly exciting start. They welcomed me with open arms and created a space to make me feel inspired. I have loved getting to know the day-to-day of a studio and working alongside some incredible designers. Fiasco is fast-paced but has removed the creative barriers and is more about trusting your instincts. Here, I find the creative freedom to create work with impact.
It was exciting to sit in on Fiasco’s ‘Last Friday of the Month’ lunch, where everybody has a chance to show and tell a project they’ve been working on. It created a space to have your say and be heard, making me feel part of a studio that moved as one. At Fiasco, they have made time to be transparent by sharing studio news to promote inclusivity within the team.
Having worked on numerous live projects, the exposure has offered a wealth of knowledge when transitioning from university to working in the real world. You don’t have to know everything by the time you graduate, but having the willingness to learn has meant I have further grown and strengthened my key skills as a designer. I’m a big believer in throwing myself into absolutely every opportunity and challenge. I have been able to try new things, meet new people and gain lots of new knowledge which is hugely valuable.
“Having worked on numerous live projects, the exposure has offered a wealth of knowledge when transitioning from university to working in the real world.”
The Open Internship had inclusion at its heart, what more do you think could be done to improve diversity in the design industry?
We are heading in the right direction to creating a more diverse, ethical, and sustainable future. I am hopeful that, much like the start of the pandemic, the industry will continue to unify against the problems facing us as a society, and I’m honoured to be part of this community and looking forward to seeing the changes to come.
Diversity is a huge aspect of our world, our work and who we work with. Creating change, it’s about building diversity into the recruitment process and finding alternative ways of hiring. Studios and organisations must challenge the social norms, take more of an active stance on the issue and reevaluate their processes to create a more inclusive and equal world. I am hopeful that, much like the start of the pandemic, the industry will continue to unify against the problems facing us as a society, and I’m honoured to be part of this community and looking forward to seeing the changes to come.
Image credit: Jessie Kaur
What advice would you give to other emerging creatives looking to apply for internships?
When contacting agencies, it’s 60% determination, 20% portfolio and 20% luck. Dream big! Go for agencies that truly excite and inspire you as a designer. A huge lesson I learned when it came to landing my first design job was a newfound confidence in the power of networking and this is something I will carry forward with me.
“When contacting agencies, it’s 60% determination, 20% portfolio and 20% luck. Dream big! Go for agencies that truly excite and inspire you as a designer.”
Remember to be your authentic self, express passion for your work and do the research. Sometimes you might need to give them a nudge and they might come back and say – unfortunately, it’s not the right time – and it’s best to ask for feedback on my portfolio instead. Most people in the industry are genuinely nice and openly willing to help young creatives enter the industry. It’s important to know that every email, conversation, and contact could lead you to the next opportunity.
What’s next for you?
I hope to continue to throw myself into the design industry amongst a community of creatives who share a passion for compelling and impactful work that drives conversation. As a designer, I have an insatiable passion for social and environmental issues. I’m motivated to create engaging innovative campaigns and crafted identities that communicate bold ideas. To challenge the status quo, motivate change and deliver a real tangible impact on the world.
Fiasco Design was set up in 2010 when founders, Ben Steers and Jason Smith came together through a shared belief in the positive power of creativity. Today, our 15-strong team works out of our Bristol studio, where we partner with brands of all sizes, around the world. Working seamlessly across brand and digital, we help organisations do extraordinary things in unexpected ways.
Jessie Kaur is an award-winning multidisciplinary junior designer, big on designing for good, producing innovative ideas and making things move.
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