Graphic Design Intern
Role
Duration
Two weeks
Tools
InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
Team
Strategy & Business
During my 8-month internship at Bombardier, I had the opportunity to work on a high-stakes project to be presented by Bombardier's leaders. With only two weeks to design and perfect it, the pressure was on. The task was a collaboration between myself and the visual design manager at the time. We worked tirelessly, balancing the tight turnaround time with the need for precision, knowing that this report would be a key moment for the company to be to investors and the public.
Crafting a high-stakes report in two weeks
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Investor's Day is a virtual event hosted by Bombardier’s leaders presenting 2021’s performance highlights, achievements and objectives.
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Strategic planning
Investment Relations
Data & Business Intelligence
Customer Support Marketing
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51 page report in English
5I page report in French
Source files in English
Source files in FrenchItem description
Mastering the art of collaboration in one week.
challenge
Collaborative Confusion
With multiple teams contributing content, it became a challenge to keep track of what was finalized and what was still a draft. This led to frequent miscommunication and inconsistencies in the design, as the lines between completed and in-progress work often blurred.
solution
To bring clarity to the chaos, we implemented a colour-coded system in PowerPoint. This simple yet effective approach allowed us to quickly see which elements were finalized, which were drafts, and which needed further review, reducing confusion and keeping the design process on track.
Colour-Coded System
challenge
Rapid Data Changes
With multiple teams contributing content, it became a challenge to keep track of what was finalized and what was still a draft. This led to frequent miscommunication and inconsistencies in the design, as the lines between completed and in-progress work often blurred.
solution
Frequent Check-Ins
Recognizing the need for constant alignment, we set up multiple check-ins with stakeholders throughout the day. While this level of communication might be overkill for a typical project, it was crucial here, given the fast-paced nature and the importance of accurate data.
The Presentation
Presenters
Eric Martel | President & Chief Executive Officer
Jean-Christophe Gallagher | Executive Vice President Services, Support, & Corporate Strategy
Bart Demosky | Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Full video presentation available here
Results
Livestream views: 1,013 views
Views up to date: 1,951 views
PDF presentation available to download at Bombardier’s website
Takeaways
During my graphic design internship at Bombardier, these lessons have impacted the way I approach my design practice.
Brand guidelines in a corporate environment can often feel rigid and limiting. But I’ve come to see these constraints not as barriers, but as opportunities for innovation. Instead of stifling creativity, they challenge me to think more creatively, finding ways to deliver high-quality work that not only aligns with a company’s brand identity but also lets creativity shine through. It’s a delicate balance, but one that I enjoy navigating, turning limitations into a canvas for creative problem-solving.
Finding creativity within constraints
During this project, I discovered just how vital clear communication is to a team’s success. It wasn’t just about getting the message across but about recognizing when one method wasn’t working and having the courage to try something different. I learned to adapt quickly and speak up when things weren’t flowing smoothly, which ultimately kept the project on track and everyone aligned. This experience deepened my understanding of collaboration, teaching me that flexibility and open communication are the true drivers of progress.