Graphic design seniors to showcase work and experiences in Internship Show

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Seniors in the Graphic Design program at Penn State are hosting the annual Internship Show on Saturday, Oct. 26 to showcase the work they did and the experiences they had while interning with some of the most recognizable brands and firms in the design, fashion and entertainment industries over the summer. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in 101 Thomas Building with a reception to follow in 24 Borland Building. The theme of this year’s show – “XX Designers Interrupted” – reflects how the seniors feel after getting a taste of what it’s like to work with some of the top names in design over the summer, explained senior Ben Pietrusinki. “We all had these amazing summers and felt that we started on our journeys in this new competitive landscape but that momentum has been interrupted as we came back to Penn State our final year,” he explained. “I think we’re all eager to get back into that environment and we’re excited to show everyone what we worked so hard on during our time with these leading firms and companies.” Pietrusinki also explained the theme of the show plays on the idea of a television show that gets interrupted by something like a major breaking news story or a presidential statement. “Visually we’re playing off the idea of glitches and static in the programming but since the show is on a Saturday night, we’re also playing off of the Saturday Night Live break-in segments,” he said. Each student is compiling a video of their experiences as part of the branded experiential evening. There will be a photo booth and merchandise table as well as a reception with the portfolios of the 18 seniors on display. “Our students work incredibly hard to secure some of the top creative internships around the country,” explained Ryan Russell, associate professor of graphic design. “This event is specifically branded to capture the unique personality of this incredible group of seniors. Most of all it is an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and share their experiences.” Graphic design students are required to take an internship in between their third and fourth years in the program. Many of them are placed with firms, businesses and organizations based on the relationships that faculty and alumni of the program have developed over the years, leading to the program's 100 percent internship placement rate. Students have worked with an impressive list of industry leaders from various sectors including DKNY, Michael Kors, Guess, Chanel, Mocean, TIME, Billboard, Dormify and Penguin Random House, among others. For more information about the show, go to designersinterrupted.com.