30 Years of Shillington: Dahlia Ishak.

For Dahlia Ishak, Shillington first stood out through the graduates she encountered in the industry: confident, capable designers with strong creative foundations. That impression stayed with her, and years later, she found herself stepping into the studio as part of the same community that had already left its mark on her professional life.

Having worked with Shillington on and off for around eight years, Dahlia has experienced the school’s evolution while watching its heart remain unchanged. In this interview, she reflects on the joy of teaching, the importance of design fundamentals, and why care, connection and curiosity continue to define the Shillington experience, 30 years on.

Hey Dahlia, what brought you to Shillington and what’s kept you here?

I first found out about Shillington when I was working in as and Art Director at an agency in Brisbane and a couple juniors were hired as graduates of the program. I was really impressed with their entry-level skills and overall work and attitude and started looking into the program that was nurturing such strong graduates. It was of course Shillington. I was so impressed I applied to be involved.

How has Shillington changed or evolved since you joined?

At it’s core I don’t feel Shillington has changed, and by that I mean that the unwavering dedication to the students and proving them with real genuine support and honest practical hands-on skills for the workforce are still at the core thirty years in. There has never been a time over the years where the goal wasn’t to provide the care, community, and creativity.

What’s one memory from your time here that still makes you smile?

I smile every time I came to class or login online. It’s really just the best environment, and I look forward to it every night! The students and co-teachers have the best energy and they make it easy to come in with high spirits. One graduation that made me smile was about 7 years ago, when our students made custom t-shirts for graduation night with everyone’s names on them.

What do you love most about teaching design?

Sharing something that I love so much and watching the students build their own bonds and passion with design as they uncover more every week. Design is everywhere, and I love seeing the students uncover it in their own way for the first time.

How have you seen design education change over the years?

Design education is in a difficult position of keeping up with changing landscapes in technology and the multitudes of disciplines and sectors of a design path. I think it’s impossible to cover the specifics of such a vast industry across every single touch point and teach every single program. But what is special about design is that the same principles, thinking and process generally apply to most paths so I believe education should never let go of the fundamentals in pursuit chasing tech advancement or tools. It should be a balance. The tools are only as strong as the designer behind them.

What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving to every student?

Try everything, practice and play, collect and be curious, connect with other creatives, put yourself out there in a way that is true to you. It’s a completely different path for everyone, so don’t compare to anyone but yourself, and celebrate your own growth and wins.

What does 30 years of Shillington mean to you personally?

For me personally it’s a symbol and reminder that when people really care great things happen and I love being part of that.

What’s something unique about the Shillington experience that hasn’t changed, and shouldn’t?

The heart and joy of sharing design and the connection and care to the students and between the team. This is a hands-on program where everyone loves design and is eager to share and contribute.

How do you think design education will evolve over the next 30 years?

Not sure on specifics, but if you stick with the principles, the thinking and the people at the core what makes design special and effective will always endure.

If you could describe Shillington in one word, what would it be and why?

Heart. Because everyone cares so much. I feel like everyone here puts their whole hearts into design, creativity, the students, the team and the community.

Thirty years on, Shillington’s mission remains the same: to empower people everywhere to unlock their creativity and build a career they love. Our course was created in 1996, and from our first studio in 1997 to a global network of designers today, we’ve seen thousands of students transform their lives through design.

Whether it’s through our Graphic Design Course or Motion Design Course, Shillington continues to provide a hands-on, industry-focused education that helps students turn creative potential into professional success.

As we celebrate three decades of design, we’re more inspired than ever by the passion, imagination, and ambition of our community. Here’s to 30 years of creativity and to shaping the next generation of designers around the world.