We had the pleasure of welcoming Ian McIlvan as our summer intern, and his creativity and fresh perspective brought new energy to Co-op Cincy. We're excited to share a Q&A with Ian, where he reflects on his experience and contributions to our team.
Can you share what inspired your creative process when designing the illustrations for our by-laws and social media?
When I was thinking about the designs, I knew I wanted it to be animals as that is more inclusive to diverse identities. I ended up settling on farm animals because they have the most characteristics similar to a co-op. The animals all collectively work together to help a business run. Additionally, they all have different talents and jobs that add to the overall functioning of the farm.
What were some of the most valuable skills or lessons you learned during your internship that you feel will benefit you in your future career?
I grew skills including problem solving and communication skills through collaborating with others on different projects or researching solutions as needed. I have found a passion to meet new people and find ways to use my art and creativity with and for others. I also gained a deeper understanding of the diverse stories and experiences of people within the community and was able to practice active listening. These are all activities that will shape how I move forward in society.
How did working on different projects, from illustrations to other tasks, shape your understanding of Co-op Cincy’s mission and impact?
I have learned about the incredible power of Cooperative Businesses to create sustainable jobs, empower worker voice, and provide ownership opportunities to people from underserved and historically marginalized groups. I was able to meet so many amazing co-ops and learn about people from different backgrounds all working to make the economy work for all. I was also able to go through how the co-op network works to be able to create effective marketing illustrations and designs.
Were there any challenges you faced while working on the illustrations or other projects, and how did you overcome them?
Some of the challenges I faced included having a limited amount of knowledge on a topic of cooperatives. This made my viewpoint beneficial as I was able to help comb through some of the information and analyze how accessible and clear it was. If there was something that I was unclear on, I was able to go to any of the staff and they were extremely helpful. I was always able to ask questions and use my voice to provide constructive feedback.
What aspect of your internship experience do you feel most proud of, and how do you think it contributed to Co-op Cincy’s goals?
I am proud of all that I was able to accomplish at Co-op Cincy and I was able to engage in so much personal and professional growth. I am so proud of all of the illustrations that I was able to make. This contributed to Co-op Cincy’s goals of making the economy work for all and giving everyone a seat at the table. The illustrations are general and can be used into the future. They can have an impact even after I have left Co-op Cincy.
