A Look Inside This Fall’s LaunchPad Program
This fall, we had the absolute joy of bringing two DAAP design students into our LaunchPad program and honestly, they hit the ground running.
At Mertz Design Studio, our interns aren’t here to just do busy work or sit on the sidelines. They jump into the work with us, shaping brands, solving problems, and pushing ideas in directions we might not have seen without them. LaunchPad gives students the chance to own real client projects, from start to finish, while learning how to navigate feedback, juggle deadlines, and stand behind their creative decisions.
This year’s interns showed us what happens when you give students genuine responsibility: they rise, they surprise you, and they leave the place better than they found it. Their growth this season was a highlight for our whole team, and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
“During my Co-Op at Mertz, I had the opportunity to work with real clients face-to-face, handling communication, design, and project direction from start to finish. This showed me how essential a clear process is for producing strong design work, especially when the timeline is tight or communication gaps arise. Working on tight deadlines taught me to think on my feet, make fast creative decisions, and stay adaptable under pressure. I also discovered the value of intuitive execution by trusting my instincts, quick insights, and problem-solving skills to deliver successful outcomes even in challenging circumstances.
Through thoughtful questioning and listening, I learned how to uncover a client’s true vision, even when they might struggle to articulate it. The experience strengthened my soft skills as I interacted with clients, led conversations, and guided visual direction, all of which will carry forward into my future roles. Ultimately, the Launchpad program showed me that challenges lead to growth, making me more confident with face-to-face client interactions while also leading the design."
- Audrey Meagher | Graphic Design Co-op
“Being a part of the Launchpad program at Mertz for these past two semesters has completely transformed my confidence as a designer. When I walked in on my first day, I had only the knowledge I had learned in studio, so I was new to the world of client projects.
Now, walking out the door almost a full year later, I have led multiple real-world design projects from start to finish. I’m thankful for the opportunity to explore my skills beyond design, like being able to photograph a local small bakery. Having the senior designers and directors with me every step of the project was so helpful, as they let me take the lead in creative work and stepped in when I needed help.
It was amazing to take a client who didn’t feel confident in their ability to design assets or market themselves online and end the project by giving them a full toolkit of everything they would need. I feel prepared to go back to studio with the knowledge I’ve learned from the talented Mertz team and to other internships in the future. ”
- Olivia Harris | Graphic Design Co-op
LaunchPad is made possible by the talent, dedication, and curiosity that our students bring to the program - and the incredible clients that put their trust in our team to deliver stunning, strategic design work.
If you're a startup or small business looking to expand with a new SKU, a crafted refresh, or to build a stronger brand story, this program gives teams the strategy + creative boost to grow with intention.
Click here to learn more & apply!
And please, check out more of Audrey & Olivia's spectacular work and follow along on their professional journeys below:
- Audrey Meagher | www.audreymeagher.com
- Olivia Harris | https://oliviamariedesign.com/
Maddie Schneider
art director
