Prison Arts Collective
Prison Arts Collective is a non-profit organization that aims to expand access to the transformative power of art to prisons across California and beyond. They believe that art is a human right, that it should be accessible to everyone, and that it has the power to transform the lives of individuals.
Due to limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic, we could not teach in person at prison facilities, so I took part in developing three distance learning packets for inmates, bearing in mind student limitations. I also illustrated images for other distance learning packets, communicated with a large team virtually, and stuck to deadlines by breaking down tasks into manageable chunks.
(photos courtesy of Prison Arts Collective Archive & Peter Merts)
Position: Graphic Design & Teaching Intern
Duration: 3 months (Internship)
Proficiencies Displayed: curriculum development, illustration, print layout
Tools: GSuite, Basecamp, Adobe Indesign, Procreate
Distance Learning Packets
My main accomplishment during the duration of this internship is the Diary Comics Lesson Plan. I was able to take something I love doing, something that helps me express my innermost thoughts and feelings, and teach it to others who needed to express their emotions.
To examine the distance learning packets in full, please make a request via my contact form.
Illustration
Illustrations completed for a distance learning yoga packet. These ensured that students understood the correct form of each pose included in this exercise. This project tested my understanding of the human form and impressed upon me the importance of representing different body types.
Design
As an introductory exercise, our program director asked all new interns to create a visual of the PAC Mission Statement. Mine was chosen to be made a permanent part of the onboarding process. In addition, I was asked to help design and illustrate a “Project Process” document, which would help new interns and employees understand how PAC organizes and develops projects. I illustrated images for their corresponding steps, keeping to a simple, cartoon-style to bring a lightness to the somber and intense work that PAC does. I also stuck to the CMYK color palette to facilitate brand cohesion.
Takeaways
During my time at Prison Arts Collective, I did not do much graphic design work. As far as design internships go, it would be safe to say that I made a poor choice. I, however, do not see it that way. I actually turned down another, more design-intensive internship to work with PAC. From the moment I clocked into my first day at work at my first job, I’ve known that I love to help others. I also love to create. Was there a way to combine two things that I loved? Is there truly a way to help people through art? There is, and PAC showed me how it can be done. Sadly, I had to leave PAC at the end of the summer due to the intensive nature of my senior year at San Diego State University. I’m hoping to rejoin their ranks or another organization in the future because it was truly some of the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.