Jazzi McG » confessions of an Intern http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog A twenty-something freelance creative type, Jazzi is making a path via hard work, big heels, & bigger dreams — and a résumé worth bragging rights. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:16:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Confessions of an Intern: Please Pay the Interns Response http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog/confessions-of-an-intern/responses-part-1-please-pay-the-interns/ http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog/confessions-of-an-intern/responses-part-1-please-pay-the-interns/#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:20:00 +0000 Jazzi http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog/?p=213

For the record, I am not necessarily a proponent of a student getting $$$ for their internships (wouldn’t that be dandy?). I’m more interested in the issue of places justifying unpaid JOBS under the guise of an “internship”.

So if you’re a full-time student with a part-time “for credit” internship… that’s normal. and generally fair.

aren’t most of these internships illegal then? Why don’t labor laws apply?

It’s a gray area between legal/illegal… but that’s where I think the industry sometimes lacks in morals.

  • It is not illegal as long as you are receiving school credit in place of monetary compensation. That’s why these places are so adamant about the “for credit” thing.
  • Well, that and insurance liability reasons.
  • Breaks are also required by law. I only worked one place where this wasn’t observed… but legally, if you’re working a full day you should get 1 hour + two 15 minute breaks.
  • That’s one thing that I personally waver on as a part of “paying my dues”. You’ll probably have to skip lunches/breaks a lot. So eat while you work if you have to.
  • Though, I do think lunch should always be ordered/provided in that situation. But you should bring something to munch on just in case ;)

  • if people try to take a stand on the issue… there is ALWAYS another person willing to do it for free

    Yupp. It’s really tough.

    Do what you can for school credit. It doesn’t hurt to ASK about lunch/travel stipend. But at a point, you will get walked alllll over. I interned for free, great, but once I had done enough to stop getting that experience in return… I had to put my foot down and stop working for free.

    If I find another situation where I’ll be learning to do a job I haven’t already done, I will gladly take another internship & not demand money in return.


    they offered me a free pass to their annual festival (which they don’t give to a lot of interns).The free stuff is always awesome! These are perks though, not pay, and don’t let it fool you.

    ]]> http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog/confessions-of-an-intern/responses-part-1-please-pay-the-interns/feed/ 1 Confessions of an Intern #3: Organizing a Shoot http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog/photoshoots/confessions-of-an-intern-3-organizing-a-shoot/ http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog/photoshoots/confessions-of-an-intern-3-organizing-a-shoot/#comments Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:17:00 +0000 Jazzi http://www.jazzimcg.com/blog/?p=74 Racks
    Shoes
    Behind the scenes at a (really) big budget shoot at Smashbox. I organized hundreds of shoes and maybe 10 full racks all by my lonesome. This was a painful shoot, yet a brilliant learning experience. It was also my first big one.

    Behind the Scenes of a Photoshoot (in a Studio)
    Your job on-set as a fashion intern is to make things as easy for the stylist as possible. Meaning steamed and organized. Color/Style coding is great. Familiarize yourself with the wardrobe, it’s fun to look at & you’ll learn a lot.  S/he might say, “bring me the gold Dries wedges in a 40,” know exactly where they are. Basically, be borderline OCD.

    • Wardrobe Room (this is where you’ll set up racks, hang/steam clothing, organize)
    • Steamers. More on this later, but look around for distilled water, there usually is some. If not, fill the jug in the bathroom or with water bottles.
    • You’ll have lots of trunks. Keep them open and neatly separated. This will save you time packing at the end of the day. Which you’ll be given like 10 minute to do, so stay 3 steps ahead.
    • Organize shoes by color/style/size and clothes in what ever way seems most logical… usually by color/style, sometimes by designer, depending on the shoot or unless otherwise directed. Some stylists are very particular about this, so it’s safest to ask before you start organizing.
    • Everyone hates hangers that aren’t plastic/uniform. Use anything else as a last resort.
    • Jewelry. If you’re lucky, guards are assigned to keep track. If not, I was taught (by one of my greatest internship bosses and mentor– she knows who she is!!) to guard it with your life! Count and recount everything. Note imperfections. Take pictures. This is where there’s real potential to lose your job.
    • Accessories can be hard (large floppy bags, not enough space), but just keep them as organized as possible in jewelry trays or on a table.
    • Keep any items that get shot together, or make note. The stylist/editor will have to do credits, so this will help them out.
    • Makeup/Hair room (stay out unless invited in. and even then, ask yourself if you need to be there)
    • Craft Services! Sooooo yummy! Eat!
    • Lots of waiting around. Golden Rule: Look busy or steam, prep for the pack-up and ask if anyone needs help (if appropriate). It’s an art.
    • Observe your future colleagues at work!
    Behind the Scenes of a Photoshoot (on Location)
    In general, same rules apply. But instead of a rooms, you’ve got a tiny tiny trailer, or tables outside.

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