Getting creative at Kikass

I'm 24, originally from Hungary but studied in England and graduated as a graphic designer last year. I considered myself a "non-charity person" as my conception about a charity was that it's very focused on one specific issue and therefore attracts only those who feel very strongly about that. I'd never felt committed enough before – I wanted to win something out of participating and giving my time.

Volunteering as a full-time creative assistant at Kikass I feel is a win-win situation because I can choose how I participate – the point is that Kikass helps me by me helping them. It's difficult to find a full-time job as a graduate graphic designer without enough work experience. Being at Kikass has helped me in many ways from practicing different aspects of graphic design to building up both my portfolio and confidence, plus experiencing a real office environment, interaction with colleagues and creative thinking, and realizing that my work is actually needed and appreciated.

This place gave me a platform to grow personally as well as professionally. I ended up coming in five days a week as it helped structure my day and keep me in working mode, without the stress. Kikass offers me contacts with other creatives and once in a lifetime opportunities, as well as the "beans" – points volunteers can earn and then exchange for stuff like iPods and plane tickets. I've got so involved I keep on forgetting I'm actually volunteering!

Find out more about Kikass at www.kikass.tv