BA Graphic and Media Design student, Kirsty Hopkins, reports from her internship at Adidas; undertaken as part of her Diploma in Professional Studies year.

“I am 6 weeks into an internship at Adidas, based in the headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Here I am part of the originals graphic design team. Everyone is working on the spring/summer 2013 designs currently. I came at the right time for the start of the season. So I will get to see everything from start to finish.

So far I have been working on women’s wear all overs, which is basically repeat pattern graphics. These are used on apparel from the outside to the lining and sock liners of shoes, etc. There are a lot of levels for the designs to go through yet, such as legal, marketing, etc. but at the moment three of my all overs are being used in women’s in-line over a selection of different products.

Since working on women’s wear I have been given the responsibility of producing all the graphics for a collaboration with Disney within the kids range. It’s been great to be the only designer working on this and to be given the opportunity as an intern. These are both all overs and place prints to go on a selection of clothing and shoes. There are about 20 items.

Adidas is a really great company to intern for. I have been treated really well and respected on the same level as a fully employed designer. I have my own desk with all the same luxuries as everyone else. Such as an iMac, telephone line, graphics tablet etc. The office itself is amazing. It’s a new build on an old army training camp. The main building which I am in is called ‘laces’, and it’s clear to see why from the photos. It is an amazing space to work in and just to explore!

I have gained a lot already from this internship and I still have another five months to go! My skills on Illustrator especially have strengthened and I am surprised how quickly I am able to work. There is so much to learn not only at my desk but also about the company, but I have only just started. I strongly recommend to anyone to apply for any future internships here at Adidas.”