Just Graduated: Marianne Bell.

For many creatives, the path into design isn’t always a straight line. For Shillington graduate Marianne Bell, that path began with studies in Spanish and History of Art, followed by a year in New York working as a nanny until a chance opportunity to design a website sparked her curiosity for design. From there, she explored UI Design, attended design events, and eventually took the leap into Shillington’s full-time course.

In this interview, Marianne reflects on her journey of finding clarity and confidence as a designer. From the collaborative energy of the Shillington studio to the moment her rebrand project brought everything together. She also shares her evolving perspective on design, her love for branding and typography, and her hopes for the next stage of her creative career.

It's only been a few months, but welcome back to Shillington Marianne!

What was your life like before Shillington? What were you doing, dreaming about, or even struggling with creatively?

I studied Spanish and History of Art at university, drawn to the cultural and communicative aspects of both subjects. But after graduating, I wasn’t sure on what direction to take. I spent a year in New York working as a nanny for a friend while figuring things out. During that time, he asked if I’d like to design a website for his company. This was an exciting opportunity that gave me my first real taste of design and encouraged me to see it as a career path worth exploring.

Looking to build on that, I enrolled in an online User Interface course, thinking web design would be a practical way into the industry. However, the course was self-paced which made it quite isolating; I was missing structure and collaboration. Though it brought me closer to a career in design, I still lacked the tools, and the confidence, to pursue it seriously.

Did you always want to be a designer, or did something spark that shift?

I’ve always been drawn to creative paths, but I didn’t initially realise that design could be one of them. I studied Spanish and History of Art at university; both subjects that allowed me to explore culture, communication, and storytelling from different angles. They laid a strong foundation for my interest in design; in how meaning is constructed and experienced. Over time, that curiosity turned into something more focused, and I realised design wasn’t just a passing interest.

What made you take the leap into Shillington's full-time course, and why now?

I started attending meetups and design events to try and figure out how I could break into the creative industry. One of the most influential experiences was volunteering at the INTL festival in Glasgow. It was an incredible few days of listening to inspirational speakers (from global creatives to local designers) and I left wanting to be a part of their world!

I asked the organiser of the festival how someone like me could break into the industry, and straight away, she recommended Shillington. She mentioned that one of the speakers, Joseph Lebus, had studied there and he came from a similar background to me in languages. That made the idea feel much more achievable. Once I looked at the course, it seemed to tick all the boxes! Structured and practical with a focus on collaboration.

Marianne’s Shillington
Company Rebrand project, oObi.

Were there any fears or doubts you had before starting? How did you push through them?

I worried whether I was making the right decision taking time out for something new. But at the same time, the jobs I was qualified for weren’t really what I wanted to do. Investing three months into a career I cared about felt like a necessary risk and I am so glad I made that choice. I learnt so much; not only technically, but in how to think like a designer, work collaboratively, and back up my ideas with confidence.

Let’s talk about those first few weeks. What surprised you most about the course?

Our very first task set the tone. We were all given the same set of assets and asked to create three posters using core design principles. I assumed the outcomes would look fairly similar since we were working with the same materials; but everyone’s work was completely different. It was exciting to see how each person approached it from their own perspective. That variety and originality continued throughout the course and became one of the most inspiring parts of the experience.

How would you describe your teachers in 3 words? Any standout moments or lessons they gave you?

Empowering, Inspiring, Genuine

One standout class was on Concept Development. As a studio, we worked together to develop an idea through rounds of brainstorming - exploring abstract keywords, asking questions like “What would it feel like?” or “What would it sound like?” The more obscure, the better! Everyone was bouncing ideas off each other, and the energy was so uplifting. I loved seeing how a concept could grow into something layered and powerful through collaboration and exploration.

What role did your classmates play in your journey? Any lasting friendships or moments of solidarity?

It was so encouraging to be surrounded by people from different backgrounds, all pushing themselves creatively. Being part of the studio group helped me see how valuable it is to share ideas, learn from others, and contribute your own perspective. I’m excited to see where everyone goes next, I hope to stay in touch with them all.

Shillington is known for its fast-paced, real-world approach. How did that challenge or excite you?

The pace kept us on our toes and pushed us to trust our instincts. It was intense, but also incredibly motivating. There wasn’t time to second-guess every decision, which really helped me gain confidence in my creative voice.

Marianne’s Shillington UX/UI project, Tenzi.

What was your proudest moment during the course?

A real highlight was consolidating the visual identity of the rebrand project. This was when everything I’d learned started to click into place. Having worked as a nanny for a year before the course, I’d gained a lot of insight into children’s branding and always thought it would be such a fun area to work in. This was my chance to explore that properly. It was the culmination of my previous experiences and everything I’d absorbed during the course, and I came out of it with a brand I’m really proud of!

If you could go back and give your past-self advice before starting the course, what would you say?

I’d tell myself to trust the process. You’ll feel overwhelmed at times, but don’t be afraid to ask questions, lean on the other people in your studio, and most of all..enjoy the chaos. It goes by so fast, just go for it!

How has your perspective on design changed since graduating?

Since graduating, I’ve come to understand that good design is rooted in strong ideas and backed by intention. Before Shillington, I often focused on the final outcome without fully appreciating the thinking that leads up to it. Now, I see design as a process of problem-solving, communication, and creativity working together. I’ve learned how to build concepts from the ground up; how to research, question, test, and refine. That shift in mindset has made me feel much more equipped to approach projects in a thoughtful and strategic way.

What areas of design are you hungry to explore more? (Branding, UX/UI, Motion, Type, etc.)

I’m especially drawn to branding, there’s something fulfilling about building a visual identity and shaping how something is experienced.

The history and craft of type also interests me, and I’d love to explore it more in both creative and technical ways.

Any dream clients or projects you’d love to work on next?

Anything with a strong narrative and room for playfulness! Designing an identity or campaign for a cultural event (like the INTL festival I volunteered at in Glasgow) would be fun. That’s where this journey started for me, so it would feel like a full-circle moment.

Marianne's Brand Identity Shillington project, Footnotes Berlin.

How are you approaching your next step. Job hunt, freelancing, passion projects?

I’m keen to do some freelance work to build my experience, but ultimately, I’d love to work in a studio or agency setting and be part of a team, ideally like my Shillington team!

What does "designing your future" mean to you now?

It’s about staying curious. I think traditionally, you decide what you want to do and you stick to it. I think nowadays you need to lean into constant learning and reinvention. Designing my future means carving out a space that reflects my values, interests, and creativity; and being open to where that might lead.

A huge thank you to Marianne Bell for sharing her inspiring journey from languages to design. You can explore more of her work on her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Thinking about starting your own creative career? Discover how Shillington’s graphic design course can help you gain the skills, confidence and portfolio to break into the industry. Just like Marianne did.