Julia “Jules” Baun, graphic design
An avid climber and graphic design major, Baun saw a summer internship with Organic Climbing as the perfect opportunity to combine her interests. During her tenure, she created 3D product designs and instruction manuals, illustrated custom graphics, and contributed to the brand image of a company she has trusted for years.
How did you find this internship? Why did you choose this company?
In January, I emailed Josh Helke, founder of Organic Climbing, looking for a design internship. After receiving his enthusiastic response, we scheduled an interview, which I happened to conduct on the second morning of an off-grid climbing trip in rural Georgia. We drove down the mountain to find a place with service: a local McDonald's. I told Josh that we had eight crash pads from Organic [a portable mat used to provide a soft landing surface and prevent injuries] He was sitting in the back of our 4Runner in Rocktown, Georgia, and he was beyond excited. Earlier this fall, Organic had sent a batch of discounted pads to the Virginia Tech Climbing Club so the team could loan them to members in need of climbing equipment. I chose this company because of its values and my deep connection and dedication to an outdoor lifestyle.
What is the most important thing you learned during your internship that will help you succeed professionally?
During the internship, I practiced taking initiative and managing my own tasks. I had a lot of creative freedom and it was up to me to make sure the work I put out was my best. I made important decisions on my own while making sure to meet with Josh, my manager, constantly to keep him updated while I was away. Josh pointed me toward forming an LLC [a limited liability company, which has a more flexible business structure than a corporation] for me. After that experience, I went home and created my first fixed price spreadsheets for clients, which I took on this summer. The fixed rates also allowed me to attract clients who would respect me and love my work.
Which moment of the internship do you remember most?
The visit to the camp was very special for me as I have been using Organic products since I started climbing. Your equipment has saved my life more times than I can count on my hands. They are my favorite bouldering equipment company and their style and color palette resonate deeply with my personal style. It was pretty incredible to see where all of these beautiful, premium crash pads come from and hear some of the internal aspects of the company.