Why did you want to intern at The Red Pencil?

As a Psychology major with a minor in Communications, I was on the lookout for internships that could allow me to use my creative and communicative skills in a field that was related to helping people. A marketing communications internship at TRP was therefore a perfect blend of psychology and communications!

What's the most meaningful project you've done at The Red Pencil?

As most of my internship journey with TRP was during the rise of Covid-19 and implementation of the Circuit Breaker in Singapore, I looked forward to creating content that was associated to the pandemic with tips on how to cope with it. For example, I often curated graphics and write-ups about art therapy resources available for the public to help relieve potential stress and boredom at home.

How has your internship at The Red Pencil changed the way you view creative arts?

I often underestimated the power of art-making and never considered the process as much as the end-result. Learning more about arts therapy from TRP has provided me with more knowledge about how art could be a powerful tool in one's wellbeing.

What would you miss the most at The Red Pencil?

I particularly enjoyed designing social media posts. I never had the opportunity to professionally design posts for social media before, and doing so was great for my portfolio as well as allow me to learn more about aesthetically-pleasing designs.

“Learning more about arts therapy from TRP has provided me with more knowledge about how art could be a powerful tool in one's wellbeing."

“Knowing that I am a part of something that strives to improve the wellbeing of others is heartening and gives me great meaning in what I do."

How is the experience like working virtually from home?

Working from home was seamless and less daunting knowing that Joyce and Audrey were only an email or message away! Although we could not meet face-to-face after a few weeks of internship, I managed to learn the ropes with their patience and unwavering guidance.

Why is the work of The Red Pencil important, especially at this time of pandemic?

During the Circuit Breaker, many people were worrying about things such as financial issues, the economy, lack of daily supplies and were generally fearful. This resulted in a lack of attention being paid to mental health and relieving one's stress. TRP therefore reminds us to take a step back and reduce this apprehension through art, such as sharing simple art activities from home or organising complimentary art activities via Zoom. Knowing that I am a part of something that strives to improve the wellbeing of others is heartening and gives me great meaning in what I do.

What's your favourite art quote?

As I had the opportunity to curate many art quotes for TRP's social media, I particularly liked this quote by Sydney Clemens: “Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves, instead of more like everyone else." I have always preferred arts and creative activities since I was young. Aside from my studies, I am also a freelance photographer that enjoys taking photographs of people. I believe this is because I had the privilege of exploring my creative boundaries as a child, and so art should be a crucial aspect of childhood!

If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or visit the future?

Visit the future! I once read from somewhere that our past no longer needs us, but our future self does. If going to the future could give my current self more insight about how I can improve as a person or let me perceive things at a bigger picture, I would gladly do so.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be?

I would love to be Doraemon, as funny as it sounds. Doraemon has the power to travel seamlessly place to place, and seems to have everything that could help the people around him while being happy and adorable!

“If going to the future could give my current self more insight about how I can improve as a person or let me perceive things at a bigger picture, I would gladly do so."

What are some of your plans and goals after your internship at The Red Pencil?

While I still have about 1.5 to 2 years to go until I graduate, I will be focusing on my studies and freelance photography until then. However, I am particularly keen in exploring job opportunities related to communications as it has been a wonderful experience in The Red Pencil 🙂