“To me, art isn’t just about making things look pretty, it’s a whole language for expression and discovering who you are."
What drew you to intern at The Red Pencil (Singapore), and what was your role during your internship?
I’ve always been deeply curious about the quiet magic of art therapy and how non-profits actually keep their gears turning behind the scenes. To me, art isn’t just about making things look pretty, it’s a whole language for expression and discovering who you are. So, joining The Red Pencil (Singapore), I wanted to learn more about the people, stories, and communities behind this work. During my internship as a Marcomms Intern, I wore a few different creative hats. I worked on everything from crafting designs for programme promotions and art therapy playbooks to taking photographs for events and activities. It was quite a nice combination of ‘making things look good’ and understanding why they needed to look good in the first place, which, as a designer, I really appreciated!
How did your experience as a Marcomms Intern influence your personal or professional development?
One of the biggest things I learned was that being a good team player is not just about doing your own task well, but it’s also about knowing what is happening around you. Being adaptable and keeping an upbeat is the key to keeping momentum going. In terms of the professional development, I really learned how to transition into a professional mindset meant taking total ownership of my workflow.
Keeping documentation lists and tracking progress ensured nothing got left behind, giving me a front-row seat to what cross-functional collaboration really looks like.
What skills or knowledge did you gain or improve upon during your internship, and how did you see them benefiting your future career?
Definitely my design chops and marketing toolkit! I also got a hands-on look at how events actually run and how different teams pool their time and expertise together. I become more aware of how the allocation of tasks and collaboration work. The most rewarding shift was evolving from a quiet observer into a proactive self-starter. Cultivating that inner drive to just dive in and make things happen is a gift that will shape my career journey. The internship helped me clarify what kind of working environment and career direction fit me. I realised that I enjoy being somewhere I can combine creativity, communication, problem-solving, and a sense of purpose.
Can you share a memorable project/ task or event you worked on during your time at The Red Pencil (Singapore)?
One of my most memorable experiences was helping out at the charity’s 15th Anniversary. For the event, I helped design the merchandise price list, paint the community tree, and became the person behind the camera for photos and videos. What I loved most was seeing everyone come together, from children and seniors to caregivers, volunteers, and organisers, all united by a shared heart to support The Red Pencil (Singapore).
It was incredible to watch people naturally connect through art; with just a few pens and simple materials, everyone could relax, create, and share pure, pressure-free pleasure together. And since I happened to be the one capturing all these little moments, I was technically working, but I resonated to some of the most wholesome memories imaginable. Definitely a day I’ll hold close to my heart!
What did you learn about art therapy and its impact on people in need?
It would be – to use art as a medium for communication when words are not always enough. When drawing a line or paint things down, it is also a process of making: from a blank space to actual patterns. Drawing connections to patterns is a process of finding and exploring. You gain from the process and at the same time, you heal from the process. Art therapy to me is a perfect way to be self-healed and use an different eye to discover yourself.
I noticed most of the people The Red Pencil (Singapore) assisted are children or elderly. Art therapy in this regard projects a vision for them to freely express and regain confidence. There is no right or wrong, it is a safe trip to see the inner flowers blooming in mind.
