In 2025, we interviewed Ethan along with three other students who’d completed their second year of the BA Hons Graphic Design course at the University of Lancashire.
They were all looking for internships and we were searching for someone that not only had great potential as a designer and a creative, but someone who would slot seamlessly into the team, bringing a little bit of their own personality and character too. Ethan did just that.
Student internships have always been important to us, and we also believe they should be paid. They’re a vital part in the development of the next generation of creative talent. Academic education is important, of course, but real-world experience is invaluable in our view. It’s the best way to learn, evolve, understand clients and become genuinely part of a team.
This is evident when they return for their final year at Uni.
There’s a stark contrast between students who’ve completed an internship and those that haven’t. Better thinking, quality of work, detailing, confidence, presentation skills and people skills. This is exactly what the industry needs.
Anyway, let’s hear from the man himself…
“So, my internship journey at Forepoint has come to an end and I can’t quite find the right words as to how I feel. It’s a weird one, you know?
There’s this huge sense of accomplishment from completing my placement year, but at the same time, I feel pretty sh*t knowing it’s over.
Getting to know the team over the past year and the connections I’ve made with everyone has been bloody amazing. I’ve so much love and respect for everyone at Forepoint. Hardworking, fun, supportive and just a brilliant team.
The experience I’ve gained over the year has been unreal. I’ve not only developed my craft and refined my design skills, but I’ve also become much better at deconstructing visuals and understanding why they work.
Having the chance to be experimental and creative, helping the team while also exploring and learning so many new things, has been so much fun.
One thing I’ve learnt as a designer is that it isn’t just about the work, it’s also about how you sell that work and present it. That’s something I’ve always found difficult. But at Forepoint, being able to watch and be involved with their weekly Tuesday Tea Breaks and see how everyone presents themselves and their work and then have the opportunity to do it myself, has become a massive confidence booster. I’m now so much more comfortable talking about my ideas and the work I’ve created.
I think the main thing about Forepoint that has really made sense to me is understanding why everyone stays.
What a team.
What an experience.
What a journey.
You are all f*cking legends.”
We’ve had some great testimonials over the years, but that’s up there with the best.
“A massive thank you, Ethan, from the whole Forepoint team for all your hard work and efforts over the last 12 months – it was ‘mint’. We’re looking forward to seeing you again in October when we’re at the University to set the final year industry briefs – no pressure, but we’re expecting great things.”
Keith Noble, Creative Partner
