Blackstrap Inc. - Color Design Intern

Reported to: Nick Brown, Art Director

January 2025 - February 2025

COLOR INTRO - Re-calibrated the Epson production printers for dye sublimation printing. Managed print calibration and characterizations for fabric printing utilizing Blackstrap’s state-of-the-art software, Stealth color management. Ran color tests to ensure accurate color performance and optimization of printers for fabric printing.

PANTONE INTRO - Introduced to Pantone TCX color books and Pantone Connect for fabric color selection. Worked on lab dips, exhaust dyeing, and color selection for products based on color forecasting research.

PRODUCT TEAM MEETINGS - Took part in weekly production meetings with the product team. These included the review of product color selections, prototype reviews, product category plans, go-to-market strategy, production processes, and learned more about the internal structure of a product team.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INTRO - Gained an introduction to the product team, tech packs, product conception, and product creation. Learned to build print plate patterns and files for repeatable patterns for all-directional printing in roll-to-roll production.

COLOR FORECASTING - Participated in researching color forecasts and research from online subscription provider WGSN, an industry leader in color forecasting.

PRODUCT PRODUCTION - Took part in the production process of dye sublimation print production for fabric printing. Printed samples, swatches, and production fabric, and reviewed them in controlled lighting conditions for color matching and accuracy. Reviewed color with a spectrometer for color management and replication.

Final Project - Created a in-depth color brief for Blackstrap’s FW 2026 collection, including color stories, pattern creation, and more.