A graphic design graduate has become the first person to be selected for an internship set up in memory of a talented young designer.
Jasmine Thomas, who graduated from the University of Salford’s Graphic Design programme in July, has joined Manchester agency e3creative, as part of a scheme arranged through the Mara Foundation.
The foundation was set up in honour of the agency’s Mike Mara, who died from cancer in 2015, to recognise the designer’s achievements and spirit of generosity, and has gone into partnership with the University of Salford to provide employment opportunities for emerging talent in the creative and digital sectors.
Jasmine was selected for the paid one-year internship after completing a creative brief and a series of panel interviews with the agency. She said:
“I feel quite honoured to be the first person to be picked for The Mara Foundation but I feel like I also have a lot to live up to after reading articles about how nice of a person and how hardworking he was. I feel like I have to live up to the same thing but am also excited and know it is going to be a learning curve.”
Founder of e3creative Jake Welsh said:
“The values instilled in the Mara Foundation are ingrained in our agency culture, sparking new ventures around uncapping potential, acknowledging how being given a realistic but challenging opportunity to succeed has life-changing potential.
“Jasmine is already proving to be a great addition to the team and demonstrates an unwavering passion for her craft. She’s eager to refine her skills and actively soaks up the knowledge around her, yet is confident to contribute her authentic artistic talents in a practical and commercial way.
“We’re delighted to be a part of Jasmine’s professional journey and look forward to seeing the heights she reaches over the course of her employment at e3creative.”
Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean of the University’s School of Arts and Media, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with e3creative on this project, and it’s wonderful to see talented young designers like Jasmine being given this opportunity to work for a leading national agency at such an early stage in their careers.”
