I landed this internship by cold-emailing the head of External Affairs at CWU Athletics—honestly just taking a shot and hoping for a response—which somehow turned into one of the coolest opportunities I’ve had so far. What started as a simple outreach email quickly evolved into a full season of hands-on experience working behind the scenes of CWU Football’s brand and game-day presence.

Throughout the season, I created a constant stream of visuals for CWU Football—designing credentials, custom player nameplates, pre- and post-game graphics, and fast-turnaround social content that had to be sharp, on-brand, and immediate. Game days were especially intense. I was editing photos at halftime, building graphics in real time, and getting content posted while the action was still unfolding on the field. There was no pause button—everything had to be quick, intentional, and engaging.

Beyond digital, I also worked on print pieces like promotional posters and the large schedule graphic displayed outside the stadium, as well as the version printed in the game-day programs fans picked up on their way in. Seeing my work exist both on screens and in physical form—something fans could hold, photograph, and interact with—made the experience even more rewarding.

It was equal parts chaotic and energizing in the best way. Every week brought a new opponent, a new storyline, and a new opportunity to push the creative direction further. Getting to help shape the weekly visual identity of Wildcat Football challenged me to grow as a designer, refine my workflow under pressure, and develop a stronger creative voice. This is the kind of work I love—fast-paced, high-energy, and happening in real time—and it reminded me exactly why I want to do this for a living.