When it came time to find a design internship, Annika Monfort wanted to be where the work was bold and the energy was collaborative. Already a fan of the Agency 29’s aesthetic (and hearing good things from design profs and local creatives), our branding agency became her top choice.
Annika’s design journey started back in high school, where one class flipped the switch – and she’s been hooked ever since.
Her interest in design began in high school and quickly grew into a deep appreciation for the craft’s constant evolution. She describes herself as detail-oriented, intentional, and collaborative—believing that strong relationships fuel stronger creative outcomes. And she brings a fresh eye and thoughtful approach to each project she tackles.
Q&A with Annika Monfort
What drew you to working with Agency 29?
In my last year of school, I was really looking to gain some experience in agency life, and wanted to find something in Rochester to fully immerse myself in the environment. I’m deeply passionate about branding and integrated campaigns, and I was very impressed by the high quality, visually compelling designs Agency 29 produced. I had also heard of Agency 29 before—as a designer in Rochester and through my professors—and had only heard good things, so I knew this was a team I wanted to be a part of and grow with.
What do you love about design that drew you to this work?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something creative, and when I took a graphic design class in my senior year of high school, I instantly loved it. It never gets boring, it’s always evolving, and there are so many different directions you can take it. And there’s always something new to learn, which keeps the work exciting!
How would you describe yourself in design terms? What is your design personality?
I believe strong relationships lead to better creative outcomes. I would describe myself as personable, detail-oriented, and intentional. I want my designs to be thoughtful, well-executed, and aligned with the overall vision. When it comes to intentionality, I believe every design choice should have meaning and purpose. I like being able to justify my decisions, as I feel that intentional design is more impactful and communicates a stronger message.
How do you stay on top of design trends?
I really like to look at the website Creative Boom for design trends and news, because it has a lot of content ranging from the latest news and insights, to inspiration, resources, and tips for creatives.
I also just enjoy looking at Behance and Pinterest to see what projects are out there and what’s been done.
I really love typography and recently came across Timothy Goodman on instagram, and am very drawn to how he uses text and the way he fits letters together like a puzzle.
What’s a design myth you’ve discovered isn’t true?
“Logos must have hidden meanings”. When I first started creating logos I would have a really hard time with it because I would try to have too much meaning behind the logo, when sometimes, a simple, clean design is enough.
Not every logo needs a secret message like the FedEx arrow. Sure it’s nice , but that doesn’t have to be the case all the time. As long as the logo works well with the brand/captures the brand’s essence, it should work well.
What’s one design tool or app you can’t live without?
I would not be able to live without Pinterest! I love using it for inspiration on different projects, like finding color palettes, or typefaces, and different styles. Pinterest is always my first step in the design process, to help me figure out what vibe/style I’m going for and to see what’s already out there. I also really enjoy using Adobe Illustrator and use it for most of my projects, so I wouldn’t know what I would do without it.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a design internship?
I would say to start looking earlier rather than later, but don’t back down if you’re not having any luck earlier in the process. Most of my internships came on the later end of my search. You should also definitely take advantage of any connections and networking you’ve done, and reach out and ask if they have any opportunities, or know of any opportunities that they could pass along. My professors have been a huge help to me in finding opportunities which I am very appreciative for.
When you’re not at the computer, where would we find you?
You would find me at the gym, watching a movie, or with my family and friends doing some sort of activity like going shopping, playing a board game, going for a walk, or out to eat!
Agency 29’s internship program exemplifies our commitment to nurturing future professionals, fostering a collaborative spirit, and supporting our community. We aim to equip interns like Kelly Weber with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the ever-evolving field of marketing. For more information on Agency 29’s internship opportunities, please keep an eye on agency29.com/careers or follow us on LinkedIn.