4 years since Shillington: Liana Muller

Liana graduated from Shillington in 2021, where the journey to becoming a graphic designer began with dreams of the spotlight and evolved into a passion for crafting visual stories behind the scenes.

During this interview, Liana shares how her early love for theatre and making things by hand grew into a design career grounded in curiosity, exploration, and self-belief. From her decision to study at Shillington, Liana talks about what it really means to grow as a designer and where she hopes the journey will take her next.

Nick Smith:

Welcome back to Shillington Liana, it's been 4 years since you graduated! But let’s go right back to the beginning. What did you want to be when you were little?

Liana Muller:

I’ve always had a passion for creating. As a child, my heart was in theatre and I dreamed of becoming an actress or a musical star. Looking back, it’s funny to think about that, because now the idea of being on stage makes me cringe. I no longer want to be in the spotlight. That said, I still enjoy performing a dramatic monologue from time to time, just for myself.

NS:

I’d love to hear more about what you were into as a teenager whether it was at school or in your spare time.

LM:

Apart from design, I’ve always been drawn to a wide range of creative pursuits. Between the ages of twelve and sixteen, I was deeply involved in theatre, but I also enjoyed singing, baking, cooking, and learning new skills. Whether it was making beaded animals, knitting, or crafting jewellery from polymer clay, I loved teaching myself something new. Curiosity, experimentation, and hands-on creativity have always been a core part of who I am.

NS:

But when did you KNOW you wanted to go into a creative field?

When I realised that acting wasn’t the right path for me, it happened to coincide with the time I needed to choose a field of study. I wasn’t entirely sure what direction to take, but I knew it had to be something creative. My brother was studying media design, and that immediately caught my interest—so I decided to give it a try. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to become a graphic designer, and that feeling never really went away.

NS:

So before Shillington, what were you up to?

LM:

After completing my design studies, I began working as a graphic designer at a marketing and design agency. I stayed there for a year and a half. It was a solid first job, but I quickly realised it wasn’t the right environment for me to grow. I also knew I didn’t want to commit to another four-year program at an art academy. I was looking for something more intensive—an experience that would challenge me and accelerate my development in a shorter time.

NS:

What actually made you decide to study at Shillington? Did you have a eureka moment?

LM:

While searching for a new challenge, Shillington kept popping up. I had come across it before while browsing online and it was something I had bookmarked but never seriously considered. At first, it stayed in the back of my mind, but once I started looking into it more deeply, everything just clicked. The idea of dedicating three months entirely to design, in another country, surrounded by like-minded creatives, really appealed to me. Every time I saw work from Shillington students, I felt a small sting of jealousy—not in a negative way, but in a way that made me think, I want to create that. I know I can create that. I had made up my mind. But then the pandemic hit, and travelling to the UK was no longer possible. Still, I couldn’t let go of the idea. Toward the end of the pandemic, I told myself, It’s now or never. I took the leap and that was the start of a whole new chapter.

NS:

How did you decide between the 3 month full-time and the 9 month part-time course?

LM:

The idea of spending three months dedicated to graphic design sounded exciting. I wanted to step away from my everyday routine, immerse myself in a different culture, and connect with people outside my usual circle. I also knew I wanted the most focused version of the course—no distractions, just three months of intense, full-time design. It seemed like the best way to get the most out of the experience, and for me, it truly was.

NS:

Can you tell me about how you found the experience? I want the gory details...

LM:

At Shillington, it truly felt like living inside a creative bubble. I was surrounded by people who were just as passionate about design as I was, and it was incredibly inspiring to share ideas and grow together.

I was a little nervous at first, having already studied and worked as a designer. I worried I might not learn anything new, but I was wrong. The course started with the basics and quickly progressed to areas like design thinking and concept development, which I hadn’t really explored before. It wasn’t just about how something looks, but about the reasoning behind every choice, the bigger idea. That completely shifted the way I see design.

There was so much freedom to experiment, push boundaries, and find your own voice. Sometimes ideas didn’t work out, and that was okay. Ultimately, it was about returning to the core: What do you want to say? What makes this brand or message unique? And how do you express that clearly?

It was intense. When you're immersed in it every day for three months, you want to give everything you’ve got and create your best work which can feel overwhelming. Everything feels personal, like those three months will define your entire future. I definitely cried a few times. But looking back, I realise it wasn’t as dramatic as it felt. I wish I could’ve told myself then: Be proud. Look at what you’ve created. It doesn’t all have to be finished—you can keep building later.

NS:

Do you have any particular fond memories from the course?

LM:

There are so many, but one of the strongest memories is the moment when everyone finally finished their portfolios. Every person in my class, including me, had been struggling and working incredibly hard. We kept bouncing between “I hate my portfolio” and “I love it.” But in the end, we were all genuinely proud of one another. It was a bittersweet moment too, because we knew it was almost over. We were about to leave the creative bubble and return to everyday life without each other.

NS:

Would you do anything differently if you could do it all over again?

LM:

Yes, I would definitely sketch and iterate more! One moment that still stands out clearly is when I thought my design was finished and showed it to my teacher. He looked at me, laughed, and said, “I’ve never seen a student finish early.” Then he sent me back to keep going. He meant it in the best way, and I’m grateful he did, because it taught me how important it is to keep pushing, to go beyond the first idea and see what more is possible.

NS:

Had you done any other studies before Shillington? If so, how did it compare?

LM:

Before Shillington, I completed a four-year design program, which included two six-month internships. I learned a lot through hands-on experience during those internships. However, Shillington went much deeper into concept and strategy. We worked on multiple projects simultaneously, just like in a real job. The feedback was constructive and thought-provoking—not just technical tips, but also questions about the reasoning behind our design choices. That experience helped me become a more thoughtful and intentional designer.

NS:

Do you still have a favourite piece from your Shillington portfolio?

LM:

Yes, one of my favorite projects was a magazine spread for an article about punk culture. We were given the text in advance and tasked with reading it, finding inspiration, and developing a concept. By portfolio time, my final design ended up being completely different from my original version, and that’s what made it valuable. My first attempt was too soft and cautious, it wasn’t bold enough. I think I was holding back. But the feedback from my teachers pushed me to take the concept further. They encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. In the end, the final version was much stronger. It may not be for everyone, but it perfectly captured the story. And to me, that’s what great design is all about.

NS:

What are you doing for creative inspiration at the moment?

I find inspiration in all kinds of things. Sometimes it is just a walk or a quiet moment that gives space for ideas. I also love looking at the work of other designers and seeing how they think and approach things.

I often get inspired by small, unexpected things too. A fun fact, a strange detail, or something I read that sticks with me. Something I know I will use in a concept later. For me, inspiration is really about curiosity. About people, the world, stories. If you stay curious, the ideas will come.

NS:

Looking forward—do you have any goals for the next year?

LM:

In the last few years, I have learned a lot about design. How to create, how to ask better questions, how to translate strategy into visual work. I have learned from others and shared what I know too. Of course there is always room to grow, but I feel confident in the basics.

Now I want to develop more as a creative leader. In the future I would like to be an art director. But I do not want to only give instructions. I want to stay part of the creative process. To me, leadership is not about being the ‘boss'. It is about knowing what someone needs. Sometimes that means giving direction, sometimes it means giving space. I want to get better at finding that balance.

NS:

Do you stay in touch with your fellow classmates?

LM:

Sometimes I see updates on social media or LinkedIn, which is always nice! But I still keep in regular touch with one classmate in particular. During the course, we became close. We spent a lot of time together—laughing, crying, talking about life, and giving each other honest feedback on our work. I’m really grateful that Shillington brought us together.

NS:

If you could dream up your perfect creative brief what would it be?

LM:

If you had asked me this a few years ago, I would have said something bold for a hospitality brand or a project in the arts. But now, I think it’s more about having creative freedom and trust. The type of product or service doesn’t matter to me. I enjoy variety, doing the same thing repeatedly or always working within the same sector wouldn’t suit me. What excites me is delving into a story, shaping a strong idea, and creating something that truly fits.

NS:

And finally, let’s think 5 years into the future – you’re living your BEST creative life... what are you up to?

LM:

I’m working on brands that challenge and excite me, alongside a creative team where trust, fun, and sharp thinking are essential. I blend strategy with concept and design, taking responsibility for the bigger picture while staying involved in the details. Whether or not I become an art director, I aim to be someone who helps other designers grow, keeps ideas sharp, and constantly seeks that unexpected angle that makes a project truly come to life. No day is ever the same, and every project feels right.

NS:

It's been great to chat Liana, thanks so much!

Check what Liana's up to on her Linkedin!