By Edwin Smith

University of Mississippi

When Heidi Bain and Will Halcomb return to the University of Mississippi, the senior graphic art students will be able to compare notes from their respective internships at two of the biggest companies in the entertainment industry.

Through early next year, Bain will be employed as a graphic design intern with Disney Cast Activities Recognition and Experience in Orlando, Florida. Halcomb is at work at Adult Swim at the Cartoon Network in Atlanta until the end of August.

Both are scheduled to receive their bachelor’s degrees from the UM Department of Art and Art History in December and May 2017, respectively.

“Heidi is a talented graphic designer, and I’m not surprised that she was offered the Disney internship, as her work is colorful and somewhat magical in its design,” said Virginia Rougon Chavis, chair and professor of art and art history.

“The job Will was selected for at Adult Swim seems a perfect fit. His artwork is mix of wacky, lovable, retro and forward-thinking. He’s a rare gem and I think he’s definitely working on finding his niche.”

An Orlando native, Bain grew up going to Disney World and the beach. She decided to attend UM because it was completely different than any college she’d looked at in her hometown.

“I fell in love with everything about Oxford: the gorgeous campus, the small-town Southern charm and the friendliest people I have ever met,” Bain said.

Bain applied for about 10 different internships before she found the Disney opening on the company’s Professional Interns website.

“I have already used many things I learned in my core art classes, such as knowledge on color theory, typography and elements of 2-D design,” Bain said. “The knowledge I gained from my BFA in graphic design at Ole Miss has been very beneficial with how to professionally respond to clients and explain the reasoning behind why some designs work best, and why and some don’t communicate ideas effectively.”

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Halcomb came to UM because it was the right distance from home and a “new enough” place where he wouldn’t know too many people. He also got his internship by applying online and reaching out to a cousin who had worked for a related company over a decade ago.

“I help out with all the graphic design needs for www.adultswim.com as well as for the Adult Swim app and various other digital media outlets employed by Adult Swim,” he said.

Both Bain and Halcomb said they are anticipating exciting careers following graduation. She is hoping to find a full-time job in the area of graphic design within some department of the Walt Disney Co.