Hear straight from our graduates.
Shillington was attractive because of the short time frame—3 months full time is a commitment that’s achievable if you want it bad enough. I’d done two degrees prior so going back to Uni for 3 years wasn’t something I was keen on doing, but committing to a crash course in design absolutely was! I’d also heard of lots of different agencies that had hired Shillo grads, so that gave me the confidence that the course delivered what it offered.
Designer, Special Group
Abbey Swinn
What were you up to before Shillington?
Prior to Shillington I was working full time as a portrait photographer. I primarily shot fashion portraits and editorials, but also worked on big bodies of work which I sold as fine art pieces both privately and in stores/galleries in Sydney.
Why study at design, why Shillington?
I found working for myself at such a young age really challenging! I had such fun being behind the camera, and loved the freedom of being my own boss—but I think ultimately I was starting to crave being in a team environment and working alongside other people to create brilliant work. My mum is a super talented Creative Director who’s been in the industry longer than I’ve been alive—so design was never foreign to me. My transition to Design was something that was probably inevitable, I’ve always been passionate about the industry and making the switch felt completely natural. I’ve been a designer for a year now, but my education in design has spanned my entire life, growing up as a kid in design agencies and having creative parents really shapes the way you look at the world.
Shillington was attractive because of the short time frame—3 months full time is a commitment that’s achievable if you want it bad enough. I’d done two degrees prior so going back to Uni for 3 years wasn’t something I was keen on doing, but committing to a crash course in design absolutely was! I’d also heard of lots of different agencies that had hired Shillo grads, so that gave me the confidence that the course delivered what it offered.
How did you get your job at Frost*?
Frost* was always at the very top of my list of agencies I wanted to work at. I actually didn’t consider any others—I knew where I wanted to be and would do whatever it took to end up there. I interviewed with the CD and got an internship which lasted 2 months, I was offered a full time position as a junior off the back of that and a year later I’m still here!
What is your favourite thing about your career?
My favourite aspect of my job would be that no day is ever the same. I also love the fast pace of my studio. In terms of the culture, I really value being around people who understand the way I think, no idea is ever too wild—and for me that’s exactly how it should be.
What would you say to someone who is sceptical about Shillington?
3 words. Just Do It.
Visit Abbey’s Instagram.
Shillington was attractive because of the short time frame—3 months full time is a commitment that’s achievable if you want it bad enough. I’d done two degrees prior so going back to Uni for 3 years wasn’t something I was keen on doing, but committing to a crash course in design absolutely was! I’d also heard of lots of different agencies that had hired Shillo grads, so that gave me the confidence that the course delivered what it offered.
Designer, Special Group
Abbey Swinn
What were you up to before Shillington?
Prior to Shillington I was working full time as a portrait photographer. I primarily shot fashion portraits and editorials, but also worked on big bodies of work which I sold as fine art pieces both privately and in stores/galleries in Sydney.
Why study at design, why Shillington?
I found working for myself at such a young age really challenging! I had such fun being behind the camera, and loved the freedom of being my own boss—but I think ultimately I was starting to crave being in a team environment and working alongside other people to create brilliant work. My mum is a super talented Creative Director who’s been in the industry longer than I’ve been alive—so design was never foreign to me. My transition to Design was something that was probably inevitable, I’ve always been passionate about the industry and making the switch felt completely natural. I’ve been a designer for a year now, but my education in design has spanned my entire life, growing up as a kid in design agencies and having creative parents really shapes the way you look at the world.
Shillington was attractive because of the short time frame—3 months full time is a commitment that’s achievable if you want it bad enough. I’d done two degrees prior so going back to Uni for 3 years wasn’t something I was keen on doing, but committing to a crash course in design absolutely was! I’d also heard of lots of different agencies that had hired Shillo grads, so that gave me the confidence that the course delivered what it offered.
How did you get your job at Frost*?
Frost* was always at the very top of my list of agencies I wanted to work at. I actually didn’t consider any others—I knew where I wanted to be and would do whatever it took to end up there. I interviewed with the CD and got an internship which lasted 2 months, I was offered a full time position as a junior off the back of that and a year later I’m still here!
What is your favourite thing about your career?
My favourite aspect of my job would be that no day is ever the same. I also love the fast pace of my studio. In terms of the culture, I really value being around people who understand the way I think, no idea is ever too wild—and for me that’s exactly how it should be.
What would you say to someone who is sceptical about Shillington?
3 words. Just Do It.
Visit Abbey’s Instagram.
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