Intern

Intern is a digital artefact that supports the next generation of creatives, who may be faced with the prospect of unpaid internships as an access route to industry. It aims to help build aspirational careers. Research Process: As Editor-in-chief and Creative Director of Intern, Dudson uses practice-based research through on-going consultation and conversations with a growing network of creative and academic professionals. The dissemination of his research also functions as a means of trialing ideas. Dudson uses the website readership, newsletter subscribers and social media audience (38k) to steer the focus of his research, exploring current issues that impact on creative careers. Research Insights: As digital media becomes an increasingly influential tool for brands and businesses globally, the creative industry is having to shift and reassess its offering in order to take advantage of new opportunities, satisfy demand and deliver an evolving range of services. This, inevitably has an impact on the skills that the creative industry demands of its new entrants, who are often expected to be proficient across design, animation, video and copywriting even at entry-level unpaid positions. Technology is contributing to the shift towards freelance work, with current projections estimating that by 2027, over 50% of the US workforce will be self-employed (Freelancing in America, 2017). Through the editorial work, it has been discovered that freelancers are experiencing a changing context with regard to workplaces, wages, mental health, personal branding strategy and legal considerations. Dissemination: The research insights from this project have been disseminated at: • Out There, Goldsmiths University, March 2018. • Roger Hatchuel Academy Programme, Cannes Lions, June 2018.• Internet Age Media Conference, Barcelona, March 2019 • Falmouth University, April 2019