“It was a valuable opportunity to deepen my skills in communications while learning about the powerful impact of creative expression."

What drew you to intern at The Red Pencil (Singapore), and what was your role during your internship? 

As I transitioned into the communications field, I wanted to gain hands-on experience. When I came across The Red Pencil (Singapore), I was intrigued by their mission of using art therapy — a concept that was new to me at the time — to support emotional wellbeing. 

During my internship, I created content for their social media platforms, assisted in the design of their annual report, and took on a variety of other tasks. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen my skills in communications while learning about the powerful impact of creative expression.

How did your experience as a Marcomms intern influence your personal or professional development? 

My experience as a Marcomms intern gave me the chance to hone my design and copywriting skills, particularly when working on the 2024 annual report. I drafted some of the content, ensuring it was accurate, concise, and compelling, and assisted in designing the first draft.  

What stood out to me most was the supportive environment my superiors created. They gave me the freedom to express my ideas visually through design, with minimal restrictions, as long as it aligned with the message and brand. Whenever a design wasn’t quite right, they’d suggest ways to improve it and explain why certain changes were necessary. Their guidance encouraged me to think more critically about design decisions.

Can you share a memorable project or task you worked on during your time at The Red Pencil (Singapore)? 

One of the most memorable projects I worked on was an Art Therapy Mythbusters post that addressed the misconception that you need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. It was the first mythbuster I drafted independently, from initial research to writing and design, so it was a meaningful learning experience for me. 

The project challenged me to strike a balance between presenting the content accurately and making it visually appealing. It was a great opportunity to think critically about how design and messaging work together to effectively communicate key ideas to a diverse group of audience. 

What skills or knowledge did you gain or improve upon during your internship, and how did you see them benefiting your future career? 

During my internship, I had the opportunity to strengthen my skills in content creation and visual communication. I worked on a range of collaterals — including social media posts, the annual report, an art-based self-care tool, and publicity materials for upcoming courses — which allowed me to practice tailoring messages across different formats and for different audiences. I also developed a sharper eye for design and learned to balance creativity with clarity and consistency. 

What did you learn about art therapy and its impact on people in need? 

I learned that art therapy goes far beyond just drawing or creating art — it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, especially for those who find it difficult to verbalise their feelings. It provides a safe space for beneficiaries to explore their unconscious thoughts and emotions through a non-verbal medium, which can be deeply empowering. 

How has your experience as an intern shaped your future career goals or aspirations? 

My experience as an intern helped me realise how impactful content can be when it engages and informs others. It reaffirmed my interest in pursuing a career in communications, and I’m excited to explore different areas within the field where I can continue to grow and develop my skills. 

“I learned that art therapy goes far beyond just drawing or creating art — it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, especially for those who find it difficult to verbalise their feelings."