intern-al affairs

this new series of posts on the blog will explore the world of our interns, brought to you by our concept intern anastasiya!

Here in the office we have a fresh group of interns who, like me, are coming down from the initial flutter of beginning work in Free People. They are settled into their different departments, busy honing projects and assimilating into the working culture. To give you a more thorough glimpse into the experience that is being a Free People intern, I will introduce a talented new intern every week and have them show and tell you a little bit of what they are working on.

Let’s now take a peek into the dazzling world of the Visual Display Department – meet Walker, the Visual Summer Intern!

What led you to intern for Free People?
I have always had a love affair with Free People clothing and when a family friend that works here saw my portfolio, she thought I would be a good fit for the visual display team. In February, I came to Philadelphia for the first time to interview and got the job!

What has been your favorite part of the experience so far?
It is hard to pick a favorite part because this whole experience has been so wonderful, but I would have to say it would be making the bike wheels and bike horns for the 5th avenue store in New York. I had a lot of freedom to play around with a wide variety of materials and color palettes and got to add my own spin on the summer display. It is also pretty awesome to see something I made in a Free People store!

What do you think is the most useful piece of knowledge that you have acquired in your time here?
I have learned so much about how visual display works but the most useful piece of knowledge is that people like to see variety. For example, if someone asks you to dye a piece of fabric green, dye ten pieces of fabric all different shades of green so they will have a large assortment to choose from.

What are you currently working on?
I just finished working with the visual display team on the Holiday 2010 prototypes which look splendid! There are so many fun elements that will transform the store into a winter wonderland.

Any words of advice to future interns?
Just be very positive and willing to work hard. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions because that it how you are going to get the most out of this experience. Oh, and have fun!
The fruit of Walker’s labor?

The bicycle wheels suspended from the ceiling of the 5th Avenue store in New York were so pretty!