Internships matter to us.

That’s why we take a lot of care in how we welcome interns into the agency. We try to create an environment that’s open, inclusive and supportive, one that reflects the experience we all wish we’d had at the start of our careers. Giving back, making space, and putting ourselves in the shoes we were once in feels like a responsibility we take seriously.

With that in mind, we’re delighted to welcome Poppy Carlton-Smith to the studio as our newest Design Intern. Recently graduated with a BA Hons in Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University, Poppy joins us with a strong creative foundation, a thoughtful approach to her work, and a real enthusiasm for learning how ideas come to life in a creative agency.

Q&A with Poppy

What’s your role at the agency?
I’m joining the team as a Design Intern.

Where are you joining us from?
I’ve recently graduated with a BA Hons in Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University. I loved graphic design and fine art at A-level, and felt design was the right career path for me. I’m artistic, methodical, and enjoy working digitally.

What was the first thing you noticed about the agency?
The professionalism, the standard and the quality of the work. It’s really motivated me to improve my own work.

The Creative Angle

What kind of work do you hope to learn more about here?
I’m keen to learn more about technical software and the processes involved in designing for clients.

What excites you most about working in a creative agency?
Having access to so many creative people, learning from one another, and developing my skill set.

Getting to Know Poppy

How would you describe yourself?
I listen carefully and speak with intention. I’m hugely creative, and I love a good netball match.

Coffee or tea?
Always Coffee. The best way to start my day.

First Impressions

How has your first week been so far?
I’ve loved brainstorming ideas with the studio for some of the agency’s key clients, including ESP. I’m currently working on creative for their Cheltenham race golf day and Palmer sports day, which I’m really enjoying.

What’s something you’ve already learned?
Using software such as Canva and Figma.

What’s surprised you most about agency life?
How open and collaborative the office is. Everyone works closely together — it feels really integrated between the account team and the studio.

Who’s helped you settle in the most?
Everyone has been so welcoming, but Leana (Designer) has been particularly supportive and has helped me settle in creatively.

The Lighter Side

What’s on your workday playlist?
I don’t like anything too intense while I’m working. In the studio, we listen to music together, so I’d suggest Sam Fender or Fleetwood Mac.

Desk essentials?
Coffee and the ever-trusty pen and paper.

Looking Ahead

What are you hoping to take away from this internship?
To develop skills and software knowledge that make my work look more professional, and to better understand how a creative agency works.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?
My dream would be to work as a freelance graphic designer, with a polished and well-executed brand persona that people and businesses really buy into.

Any advice for future interns?
Speak to as many people as possible on your first day, and find confidence early on, it really helps you settle in.

We’re excited to have Poppy as part of the team and can’t wait to see her develop creatively during her time with us.

Internships come with a lot riding on them, for the person taking that first step, and for the industry they’re stepping into. We’re proud to play a small part in helping emerging talent feel welcomed, supported and inspired, and we’ll always strive to make our agency a place where those first impressions are positive, encouraging, and worth remembering.

Check out some of Poppy's >work

(Credit: Artwork by Poppy Carlton-Smith)