Graphics for Geographic

Hi CAFME,

I'm Kelly McHugh, a rising senior at UNC. I’m spending this summer as an art intern at National Geographic Magazine.  Basically I’ll be researching and creating information graphics for the print edition and the iPad.

I just finished my first graphic, but since NatGeo finalizes issues three months in advance, it won’t be printed until November.  After working at a daily publication like the DTH, I’ve found it difficult to get used to this long-term plan.  Not only are issues completed three months in advance, but each graphic is carefully reviewed for days or weeks before it is finalized.  This means that we have time to create some incredible things, but it also means that I’ve had a lot of down time during my first few days while editors are trying to find assignments for me. I’ve found that it’s most helpful to use this free time to get to know people in the office, read back issues of the magazine and always ask around to see if anyone can use your help!

It still blows my mind that the graphic I just finished will be translated into more than 33 languages and distributed across the world.  I must admit that at first I was intimidated to work here, with graphic geniuses like Fernando Baptista. But, all of the artists are genuinely nice people — we even had brownies and ice cream for Fernando’s birthday today! And there are several UNC alums at the magazine, who love to talk about the J-school and our “southern piece of heaven.”

I’m learning to love D.C. — aside from its lack of sweet tea, blistering heat and crowds of tourists. In the past week alone I’ve seen baby lions at the zoo, had lunch at the capitol, attended a cookout with other UNC interns, enjoyed jazz at the Smithsonian sculpture garden, heard a photographer talk about the Iceman and reviewed the September issue of National Geographic. It’s looking like it will be an action-packed summer with lots of learning experiences!

Can’t wait to hear what all of you are up to!

Love,

Kelly