My 3 months working with the Action Northeast Trust (ANT) Store and Cafe in Bangalore, India began in February 2016. I chose the ANT to contribute my skills actively, in a challenging environment to a group that could really use them.

As an ANT team member, I was assigned the development of a complete brand identity for the cafe and store.  I generated designs for posters, information cards, menus, stickers, way-finding, and even wallpaper for the ANT’s new store in Chennai.

I enjoyed a warm hands-on approach to my internship, working in the store/cafe each day, consulting with the design team at their offices and production facility, and travelling around India to visit with various unique artisan groups. This experience profoundly influenced how I see my role as a designer/maker and has inspired me to pursue career opportunities and choices that focus on Fair Trade and practical, direct collaboration with creatives and artisans.

TESTIMONIAL

Clare’s willingness to offer her assistance in tasks beyond her assigned project is commendable. Her ability to become a part of the team and give us her point of view on issues helped us also look at things from a different perspective. Along with keeping to her timeline and design brief, her holistic approach towards the organisation was well appreciated.

Smitha Murthy
Founder - The Action Northeast Trust, India