Lucy Clanfield

Tell us a bit about yourself? 

I’m a Graphic Designer, currently working at PACE (Professional Academy for Creative Enterprise) in the School of Design. I grew up on the southern coast of England, but my love for design brought me to Leeds, where I could find more opportunities to grow my career in a bigger, more creative city. My journey into design has been very direct, starting from my graphic design studies at GCSE and A-level, then continuing into my undergraduate degree. I’m especially interested in illustration and animation, which I continue to explore in my free time and get to incorporate into my work at PACE.

What motivated you to apply to pursue the internship? 

As I approached the end of my undergraduate degree, I was eager to start my career in the creative industry. Job hunting as a recent graduate can be challenging, so when an internship opportunity was advertised I jumped at the chance to apply. The process moved quickly after submitting my statement, CV, and portfolio. I was interviewed and then started at PACE a month before my graduation. The internship advertised the chance to work on an exciting project, developing professional education courses for the School of Design. I really liked the collaborative nature of the role, which involved working with different departments across content, marketing, production, and the school itself. Staying in Leeds and acquiring my role in PACE fit all my personal requirements perfectly.

What are your primary responsibilities in your role? 

My primary responsibilities involve creating the assets and collecting images for our online content. I also develop posters and social media assets for the marketing team and take on any other graphic design projects needed throughout the school. This previously has included animation work, creating an exhibition highlighting the schools’ history, as well as designing reports and presentations. It is a very collaborative process, and I get to work with a diverse team of accomplished creatives and academics both within the School of Design and PACE itself.

What skills have you developed during your internship? 

Completing the internship has enhanced my skills beyond the technical abilities I gained during my undergraduate studies. I’ve significantly improved my communication skills, enabling me to liaise clearly and precisely with my line manager and team. I also take ownership and responsibility for my work, knowing it contributes to a larger purpose beyond my personal growth.

Additionally, I’ve expanded my skillset beyond graphic design by collaborating with other departments, such as production and marketing, and taking on challenging projects. My ability to adhere to branding guidelines has strengthened, ensuring that all PACE course materials and projects for the School of Design, maintain a distinct, cohesive visual style and consistency.

What’s been the most rewarding element of the internship?

Throughout my internship, I’ve had the opportunity to work on several rewarding projects that mark important milestones in my journey as a graphic designer. One of my favourite projects was the School of Design’s 150th Anniversary celebration. While creating assets for the exhibition, I managed tight deadlines and a variety of deliverables which pushed me to refine both my time management and technical skills, making the outcome incredibly satisfying to be a part of. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the PACE marketing team, where I create engaging designs for social media and digital screens, including social media posts, stories, icons and posters.

How have your experiences helped prepare you for your future career?

The most valuable takeaway from my industry experience has been the confidence I've developed in both me and my abilities as a designer. The role has shown me that I am fully capable of tackling complex projects and pushing myself to deliver high-quality work, even under tight deadlines. I’ve learned that I can collaborate effectively with diverse teams, openly receive and incorporate feedback, while articulating the reasoning behind my design decisions with conviction. This experience has helped me grow not only in technical skill but also in adaptability—qualities that are essential in a professional environment.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

The future of PACE holds tremendous potential, and I’m genuinely excited to be part of the company’s growth and evolution. I look forward to seeing how my role can expand to support and contribute to this journey. In the short term, my goal is to deepen my expertise by working on a wider variety of projects that challenge my creativity and broaden my skill set. I want to build a well-rounded portfolio that showcases my ability to adapt and innovate, allowing me to grow into a versatile designer who can meet the unique demands of each project.

In the long term, I envision myself advancing to a senior graphic designer or art director role, where I can lead and inspire teams, guide junior designers, and actively shape creative direction. Ultimately, I aspire to establish my own design studio, working with inspiring clients on projects that span illustration, UX design, animation, and more. My dream is for my work to have a meaningful impact on communities and contribute positively to the world, using design as a tool to communicate, inspire, and connect people.