2 Years Since Shillington: Camillo Baracco.

Two years after graduating from Shillington, Camillo Baracco has carved out a dynamic career defined by curiosity and a willingness to take creative risks. But his path into design wasn’t a straight line. Before studying, he wasn’t entirely sure what “graphic design” even encompassed, let alone that it would become the thing he wanted to pursue wholeheartedly.

Through Shillington’s fast-paced, studio-style environment, Camillo discovered not only the technical skills to bring ideas to life, but also the strategic thinking, time management and creative confidence that now underpin his everyday work in the industry.

In this interview, Camillo reflects on the moment he shifted from simply design-interested to design-committed, the challenges that shaped him, the projects that sparked real belief, and the creative practices that continue to inspire him today. From building a diverse portfolio to landing his first studio role, he shares honest insights for aspiring designers and what he hopes his creative life will look like in the next five years.

Great to have you back Camillo. Let's get into it.

Before enrolling, what was your perception of “graphic design” and how has that definition changed for you now?

I don’t think I fully understood what graphic design really was or how broad it actually is. I knew that logos, branding and visuals for businesses were part of it, but I didn’t realise the bigger umbrella that all of that sits under these days.

My perception has definitely changed since then, and I’m still learning. I find it fascinating how broad the work can be, whether it’s art direction, brand strategy, or even presenting and all the client-facing aspects. I didn’t realise how much there was to it, but I really like that I’m learning new things all the time. It keeps it exciting.

Was there a specific moment, project, or person that pushed you from being “design-curious” to “design committed”?

I became design-committed as I went through Shillington. I did a really short intro course online before deciding to study with Shillington, and that’s when I was design-curious. It just felt right to go all in after that. As I finished up with Shillington, I definitely became design-committed once I realised how much I genuinely enjoyed it.

What assumptions did you have about design education that Shillington proved wrong?

I wasn’t sure if people preferred university degrees or not. My aim was always to join a studio so I could learn from people and understand how the industry really works. I quickly learned that it doesn’t really matter what qualification you have. Creative Directors and people hiring just want to see how you think and how you solve problems.

On your very first day, what were you most nervous about and how did that play out?

I was most nervous about learning online, funnily enough. I’d never had a desk or computer job and I’d barely even done a Zoom call. I’m very much a face-to-face kind of guy, so I wasn’t sure how that would go. But once I committed, I told myself I was going to give it everything. I made sure I was proactive, contributed to conversations and asked the teachers lots of questions.

The teachers were amazing and made the whole process super easy. I was nervous for the first day or two, then I felt comfortable and keen to get into it.

Camillo's Off Screen brief at Shillington, Casa Moderna Expo.

What skill or mindset did you develop at Shillington that you use every single day now?

Definitely software skills, and learning those shortcuts. I also like to give myself mini projects to work on outside of work, maybe one a week or one a month. Something to work towards where I can learn new skills, have fun, and come out with something cool to add to my portfolio. I think that’s a great way to stay curious, learn fast, and develop the areas you’re most interested in.

What was the hardest challenge you faced during the course and how did you push through it?

Time management was the hardest part for me. At the beginning there’s so much to learn and it can feel overwhelming. But you really get out what you put in. I went pretty hard and basically cut myself off from anything social for most of the three months. I did the full-time intensive. I was super proud of my portfolio at the end and felt like I gave it my best.

The more you do it, the better you get. That’s just part of it. Time management is huge now in studio life too. Everything is timed. It would have been interesting to run timers while working on Shillington projects just to build that habit early and understand how long things actually take.

Can you describe a project from the course that made you feel like, “Yes. I can actually do this”?

I really enjoyed a collaborative project where we worked with a few other students. We researched the whole industry, competitors, brand strategy, tone of voice, values, and all those backbone elements that guide a project’s direction.

After that, we each created our own brand identities. It was the first time I felt like I truly knew what I wanted to do, and how it should look, sound and feel. It was so much fun working through that process together and unpacking the brief properly.

Camillo's Packaging project at Shillington, Chocow Chocolate.

How did learning in a studio-style environment impact the way you think and work?

Shillington was amazing for prepping me to go into a studio… all of it translated directly into studio life
for me. Communicating ideas, sharing projects, working independently, and then receiving feedback to level things up all translated directly into studio life for me.

What’s one piece of feedback you received from a teacher or classmate that changed your work for the better?

Honestly, it’s not one single piece. It’s all the feedback, all the time. I love feedback. I think hearing different perspectives is super valuable. I’m always asking for it. You don’t have to take everything on, but it’s always worth hearing, especially from people who have more experience than you.

How did the fast-paced, real-world briefs shape your approach to problem-solving or creativity?

They helped me get a real grip on how the industry actually works. Sometimes you just have to put the work out. Someone once told me, a project is never really finished, and I think that’s true. You can always keep pushing, but knowing when to call it is just as important.

Talk us through your portfolio: what story were you trying to tell about yourself as a designer?

I wanted to show diversity. I wanted to walk into a studio and show that I could work across a range of projects. I tried to push each project in a different direction and not lock myself into one particular style.

Has your favourite portfolio project changed since graduating? If so, why?

Originally, I loved the Off Screen project. Everything just clicked and it flowed really naturally. But looking back, I also really loved the typography project. I ended up creating a full alphabet and later turned it into a live typeface. You can even download it for free from my Instagram if you dare use my janky font.

How did you land your first opportunity (big or small)? What opened that door?

At first I was just freelancing for friends and family. Then they started recommending me to other people, so I began taking on more varied jobs and it grew from there. I had my eye on a few studios, so when the right moment came up I reached out and introduced myself after applying for a junior role. That’s how I managed to score my first junior position.

What’s something you learned in the industry that you wish you knew while studying?

That most of the time, you’ll be working against a timer. Time management is everything.

Where do you go now when you feel creatively stuck? Tools, people, routines, or spaces?

I always go back to painting and drawing. Just scribbling without pressure and trying to tap into a more meditative state. I also love exhibitions, flipping through old books at op shops, and just walking the streets noticing weird little details people usually miss. There’s inspiration everywhere if you know how to look.

How has design influenced the way you see everyday life? Brands, objects, cities, culture?

It’s ruined my banter. All I do now is analyse menus and logos. But jokes aside, it’s opened up my whole world creatively. Seeing how design influences everything we do is pretty fascinating when you zoom out.

What’s a creative risk you took recently that paid off?

I made my first booklet or zine. I didn’t really follow many traditional typesetting rules and kept it loose. I’m super stoked with how it turned out.

How do you stay connected to classmates or the wider design community?

Instagram is great for connecting and discovering people’s work. I’ve also signed up to a few newsletters and design blogs, which are really helpful. I just try to stay involved and keep up with any design events happening around me.

Camillo's Brand Identity project at Shillington, Breakin' Bread.

If a future Shillington student asked for honest advice, what would you tell them that isn’t on the brochure?

You don’t need a degree. You miss every opportunity you don’t take. It’s never too late. And bribes still work.

If you could collaborate with anyone (a brand, studio, artist, cause), who would it be and why?

So many. Mostly because I just love their work. Base, Maud, 2x4, Warriors Studio, Studio Temp, Marti Sawe, Antwan Horfee, Finstafari, Formafantasma, just to name a few.

Looking ahead, what kind of designer do you hope to become?

I’m really interested in brand design at the moment. I’d also love to expand into UX and UI and animation, and I’m curious about placemaking and environmental design too.

Imagine your dream day five years from now, what does your creative life look and feel like?

Five years from now I’d either love to be in a senior position working with an amazing team, which I already am, or working remotely somewhere, sipping coconuts.

Camillo’s journey is a reminder that you don’t need years of traditional education to break into the design industry. You just need the right environment, the right guidance, and the willingness to dive in. His story shows what’s possible when curiosity turns into commitment and when skills are built through real-world practice, not just theory. Check out his work here.

If Camillo’s experience has inspired you to explore your own potential as a designer, now is the perfect time to take the next step.

Learn more about our Graphic Design Course and discover how Shillington can help you build a career you love.