Coffee with Creative Intern Cole McDonnell

As part of the Havas network, Havas Helia offers a boutique-agency feel with access to global agency resources. We get the best of both worlds, so our clients, employees, and interns do, too.

A lot of factors contribute to our successes, but, at the core are the incredibly talented people behind the curtain — data engineers, creatives, developers, QA, accounts, strategists, the whole agency package. But what fuels us? Creativity with a heavy dose of coffee. So we combined them in this series that showcases our amazingly talented interns over a cup of joe.

In this installment, meet Cole, our Creative Intern. He’s a recent graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art(MICA) with a BFA in Graphic Design and Printmaking.

How do you like your coffee?

Black. Nitro.

Where did you grow up?

Bel Air, Maryland.

What drew you to this internship?

I won a scholarship through the AAF Baltimore at the 2018 ADDY Awards, and I got to know some Havas Helia people there; they encouraged me to reach out about their internship program to get some agency experience — so I did! I was excited about the opportunity to collaborate with recognizable brands like Bertolli and AutoZone.

What has your experience been like?

I’ve been working as an integral part of the Havas Helia design team on both internal and client projects — social posts and stories for the @havashelia Instagram, as well as concepting, print, and digital production work. I also worked one-on-one with the Design Director to collaborate, design, and produce welcome kits for new hires. It was a fun way to engage in the company culture and further the brand. I also contributed to an award-winning project: the “Bawlmer” Crab Feast Summer Party Invite. We won both a Gold ADDY® and a District 2 AAA Regional competition Silver ADDY® for that one.

What were your favorite projects?

I enjoyed the opportunities to concept and create content for some key client projects. I got to do some internal and client-based icon development for Citibank, and the production work for the summer party was super fun. I also had the opportunity to contribute to concepts for a Fitbit anniversary campaign. It was fun to brainstorm with the other designers on the team. I think it’s about the details that go into good design: the user experience and brand cohesion. It’s not just about what looks pretty.

Was there anything unexpected?

There was a lot more collaboration than I thought! I was pulled into a lot of projects that I wasn’t expecting. It’s really fun to see how we shape different brands, and how and where the content lives in the real world. Super fun!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Berlin, Germany. I love the design work that comes out of that city. It’s really authentic and gritty. I feel like culture of Berlin fosters the growth of some really compelling designers and artists. It’s also home to Voo Store — one of my favorite retailers. It definitely has a real cool factor.

Caffeine in the afternoon, yes or no?

Hell yeah. Every day. Multiple cups.

What’s your favorite movie?

A Single Man by Tom Ford, Red Desert by Michelangelo Antonioni, or anything by David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick. I love when every still of a film can serve as a beautifully framed photograph.

What do you like about Baltimore?

I feel extremely connected to Baltimore since I’ve lived here my whole life. I love Mount Vernon, and being downtown all the time. It’s really nice to be so close to everything because it’s always easy to find something to do.

Butter, vinegar, or nothing with your crabs?

Old Bay. And butter I guess.

Any words of wisdom for future interns?

Work hard. Know your value. Show up early. Stay late. Surround yourself with friends and co-workers who support you.

Are you looking for an opportunity to acquire hands-on experience at an agency that thrives on pairing data with creativity? Check intern openings, and apply today to partner with a knowledgeable mentor, contribute to key client projects, and learn valuable skills that you can apply in your future career. Internship opportunities are typically available at the start of each season.