30 Years of Shillington: Nick Smith.

As Director of Curriculum, Nick Smith has spent the past eight years helping shape the creative education experience for students around the world. With a long background in design agencies, in-house teams, and his own studio practice, Nick brings real-world experience to the studios where he blends industry relevance with Shillington’s signature passion for purpose-driven design.

In this interview, Nick shares how Shillington has evolved over time, what makes its approach to design education so unique, and why he believes simplicity, strategy, and empathy will define the next generation of designers. His reflections capture the essence of 30 years of Shillington: design with meaning, confidence, and heart.

So Nick, what brought you to Shillington and what’s kept you here?

I had been in the design industry for a long time, having worked within agencies, in-house teams and as my own independent company I needed some fresh incentive. Shillington offered an opportunity to put my industry experience into something really positive, design education. Everyone in the team is passionate about using design for good and to be part of this is inspiring every day. Things never stand still and we always strive for better.

How has Shillington changed or evolved since you joined?

Shillington is constantly evolving. It has changed how people can access design education, it is ruffling feathers in the industry, it is disrupting what people think design education should be. It has adapted and led the way in how people learn and work day-to-day, adapted to new technologies and leading the way in developing the skills of a new generation of designers

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

It is a recurring instance, but the relationships that develop in class. Seeing the students develop from first day anticipation and nerves to the confident, solid collective they become.

What do you love most about teaching design?

I love seeing the students confidence and belief grow during the course and then how that further translates into their career. Some of the students I have taught have become agency owners, directors in design, successful freelancers and industry thought-leaders.

How have you seen design education change over the years?

Design education is becoming much more accessible and democratised, where University isn't the only route. Some University experiences haven't changed since I did my degree over 20 years ago. We also know anyone can find a TikTok or YouTube video to find how to do a certain technique and up-skill that way. But there is a shortage of places/platforms that show how to learn and apply practical design skills. For example, how to work with a brief and develop design concepts, how to working within a studio eco-system, with multiple projects and tight deadlines. These are the things that make Shillington unique.

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

Keep things simple. Don’t throw everything at a design because you've seen it elsewhere and want to do it. Everything needs to have a reason or earned its right to be on a design.

On a more practical level, speak out loud. Too many times students have never spoken a concept out loud, or vocalised a rationale until they're, perhaps, presenting their idea in a pitch or interview.

Articulating something out loud in your natural tone and cadence, without trying to be too clever with word play helps you understand the nuance of an idea, how it actually sounds and how it may land with who you are presenting to.

What does 30 years of Shillington mean to you personally?

Shillington gave me real pride in the work I do and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives.

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

That everything is routed in a concept. If there is no concept or strategy then it is simply subjective design that looks nice or follows a trend. Shillington is design with purpose and reason.

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

There will be a constant adaptation to technology but I think the focus will turn to strategy where human nuance, intellect and empathy can really define stand out. Design education will become cheaper and more accessible to many more people throughout the world.

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

Life-changing.

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.