Abigail Obina is a digital intern in the Manchester Office. Abigail joins Grayling as part of our Creative Access partnership. 

What sparked your interest in social media? 

Coming from a journalism background, I’ve always been passionate about staying updated on the latest trends in social media and global affairs. I enjoy writing about what inspires people and what drives them, which naturally led me to social media. Like journalism, social media is dynamic and ever evolving, but what truly sparked my interest was its cultural impact, which I explored in both my BA and MA dissertations, as well as the depth of performance analytics it offers. 

Can you tell us about your journey into the creative field? What were some key moments that led you here? 

My interest in the creative field began when I was photographed during a sports event in Manchester for a newspaper in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao had come to England for a match, and I was around six or seven, holding a Filipino flag. A photographer asked to take a picture of my friends and me, and when I saw it in the newspaper, I felt famous. That moment made me realise the power of media to connect people globally and uplift stories. Later, living in London as a student and working at the V&A museum deepened my passion for the arts and creativity.  

If you had to describe your creative style in three words, what would they be? 

Thoughtful, Cultural and Empowering  

What does creativity mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your everyday life? 

Creativity is a way of life—it’s not a static moment like a sudden lightbulb turning on. Instead, it’s a perspective, a way of noticing something new about someone or something. That alone is creative. For me, creativity is about living fully present and open to anything. 

Do you have a creative routine or ritual that helps you get into the zone? 

Haha, this feels like a question a Vogue editor might ask! I think what gets me in the zone is when I’m most relaxed, with my mind empty and focused on a single task. Taking breaks from my desk and going for a walk outdoors helps me focus better. 

What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for an internship in the creative industry?  

I encourage everyone to apply for internships they’re passionate about. Research the company’s culture to see if it’s a good fit and read or listen to others’ experiences there. Carefully review the job description to ensure you want to do the work. It sounds basic, but knowing the role and showing genuine passion will make you stand out. I especially advise those from underrepresented communities to pursue internships designed for them. Don’t overthink your application or underestimate your past work experience—just go for it. 

What’s the most valuable piece of feedback you’ve received so far, and how has it shaped your work? 

So far in this internship, I’ve been given a golden nugget of advice: trust my intuition and not doubt myself. This has honestly helped me overcome creative blocks. As a recovering perfectionist, I often get stuck trying to perfect small details, like straightening lines or finding the perfect headline. But I’ve learned that receiving support and feedback from your team is crucial. The key is to act, even if you’re afraid, and not expect perfection on your first try. 

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