30 Years of Shillington: Michelle Smalley.

After more than a decade working as a graphic designer and successful freelancer, Michelle Smalley found herself craving something deeper: creative connection, collaboration, and the chance to help others find their confidence through design. That search led her to Shillingtonn, a place she’d admired for years, and quickly became a creative home she never expected to find so fully.

In this interview, Michelle reflects on her journey from industry to education, the joy of watching students find their creative voice, and her passion for supporting neuro-diverse designers. Her story captures everything Shillington has stood for over the past 30 years: empowerment, curiosity, human connection, and the belief that creativity can change lives.

Hey Michelle! What brought you to Shillington?

After working as a graphic designer for around 14 years (the last few as a successful freelancer), I’d built a nice rhythm between working independently on client projects and contracting in agencies. I loved that balance of autonomy and creative collaboration.

But during COVID, like so many of us, my work world got smaller. The projects slowed, the isolation grew and I realised I was losing some of the joy I’d always found in design itself. I realised I was craving that connection again: working with people, getting involved in the hands-on, production side of design, collaborating and problem-solving to bring ideas to life.

That time of reflection made me think seriously about teaching. Shillington had been on my radar for years, and when I reconnected with a former colleague, Jaimee-Lee Field, who was teaching there at the time, she encouraged me to apply, saying it would be a perfect fit. I’d also known a few friends who studied at Shillington and spoke so highly of it, which sealed the deal.

What’s kept me here? Honestly, the people. Every single teacher, team member and student I’ve worked with has been wonderful. It genuinely feels like I’ve found my people: a creative home where everyone genuinely cares about design, learning and each other.

How has Shillington changed or evolved since you first heard about us?

A lot has changed in the three (plus) years I’ve been at Shillington and it’s been amazing to grow alongside it. I started out teaching full-time on campus in Sydney, which were long hours, but incredibly rewarding. When we transitioned to online learning, my role evolved too. Moving from in-person teaching to a fully online model has opened up so many new opportunities. There’s now a real sense of flexibility and balance, for both teachers and students.

It’s also allowed us to connect globally, I’ve had the chance to work with incredible teachers and students from all over the world. Despite being online, the sense of community and collaboration has grown stronger than ever.

It’s been exciting to see the course content evolve too. It's always adapting to reflect the latest industry standards. It keeps things fresh for us as teachers, and ensures our students are learning skills that are genuinely relevant.

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

One of my favourite memories is actually from my very first week, when I was still the new kid, technically in training and hadn’t even met my students yet. I was lucky enough to be invited to Shillington’s 25-year celebration at the AGM, where I got to meet Andy Shillington (the founder) for the first time, along with many of the OG teachers and team members from over the years.

It was such a joyful night full of funny stories, shared memories and creative energy. What really struck me was that, even though the industry had evolved so much over 25 years, everyone in that room shared the same passion and purpose: creating the best possible learning experience for future graphic designers.

I remember leaving that evening with a huge smile, thinking, I’ve definitely landed in the right place.

What do you love most about teaching design?

What I love most about teaching design is seeing that spark, the moment when something clicks for a student and their confidence begins to build. Watching them go from uncertainty to proudly owning their creative voice is incredibly rewarding.

I also love the exchange that happens in the classroom. It’s not just about teaching technical skills. It’s about sharing ideas, solving problems together and learning from each other. Every class brings a new perspective, and I often walk away inspired by my students’ fresh thinking.

There’s something really special about being part of someone’s creative journey. Seeing them grow, take risks and realise what they’re capable of. It reminds me why I fell in love with design in the first place.

In addition, as a proud member of the neurospicy club, I’m passionate about supporting neurodiverse students. Early in my career, I saw my dyslexia and (at the time undiagnosed) ADHD traits as obstacles, but over time I’ve learned to see them as creative strengths. That experience helps me recognise when students are struggling with confidence or self-doubt, and I try to offer them patience, guidance and a safe space to learn in a way that works best for them. Not everyone’s creative path looks the same and that’s something to celebrate.

How have you seen design education change over the years?

Design education has evolved so much, it’s no longer about memorising quick keys or being a master of every creative programme. The real focus now is on creative problem-solving, developing ideas with purpose and communicating a unique point of view through strong visual storytelling.

There’s also been a big shift toward flexibility and experimentation. Students are encouraged to question, explore and find their own process rather than follow a single “right” way of doing things. And with the rise of AI, we’re seeing even more exciting possibilities. New efficiencies and creative tools that can support, rather than replace, human imagination.

At its heart, design education has become more about thinking than clicking and that’s a change I absolutely love.

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

I always say progress over perfection.

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make something flawless straight away, but the magic really happens in the exploration. The sketches, the iterations, the “happy accidents”. That’s where ideas start to take shape.

Design is a journey, not a single polished moment. If you stay curious, open and willing to play, the work (and your confidence) will always evolve naturally.

What does 30 years of Shillington mean to you personally?

It’s incredible to think that Shillington has been inspiring designers for 30 years. I’ve been part of the team for just under four years, but I’ve known about Shillington for two decades.

Back when I was living in Manchester, before moving to Australia, I actually considered enrolling at Shillington myself. I’d already completed a three-year design degree and had been working in the industry for several years, but I was eager to rework my portfolio and push my creativity further.

In the end, I took a different leap. I knuckled down, refined my portfolio and moved across the world instead! So to now be part of Shillington’s story feels incredibly special. It’s a real full-circle moment, and I’m proud to contribute to a place that’s been championing creativity for three decades.

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

The values and the passion, without a doubt.

Even as the tools, technology and formats have evolved, Shillington’s core purpose has stayed the same: to nurture creativity, curiosity and confidence in every student. That drive to empower people through design, helping them see what they’re capable of has never wavered.

There’s a shared energy and pride that runs through everything we do, no matter where or how we teach. That spirit is what makes Shillington truly special and I hope it never changes.

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

If the past few years are anything to go by, design education is only going to keep transforming but I think the heart of it will always stay human.

As technology evolves, from AI to new forms of digital media, designers will need to stay agile and concept-driven. I think we’ll see an even stronger focus on critical thinking, collaboration and creative problem-solving.

The tools will keep changing, but the need for smart, curious and empathetic thinkers never will.

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

Empowering. Shillington gives people the tools, confidence, and creative mindset to completely reshape their careers. The students have already taken the leap by enrolling. we’re here to equip them with everything they need to succeed and remind them they’re more capable than they ever imagined.

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.