Kana Smith: “Trust the Process”.

Welcome back to Shillington, Kana.

It's been 4 years since you graduated, and we can't wait to hear about what you've been up to.

To kick things off, what skill or mindset did you develop at Shillington that you use every single day now?

Trusting the process and enjoying the journey.

Don’t get me wrong, I still find myself getting frustrated when a design isn’t feeling right or inspiration isn’t coming instantly. But the course really taught me the value of experimenting, iterating, thumb nailing and, most importantly, setting a time limit. I can so easily get lost in one layout, and the course taught me to put ideas down and just go and do them. It’s almost like a purge of all your creative solutions to then narrow down from.

This is especially important when working on complex magazine or editorial layouts. Testing different ideas and finding new ways to place assets on a page is the fun of it all. It’s almost like solving a puzzle. At first, a blank page in InDesign can feel daunting, but once you have a notebook full of possible layouts, the task suddenly feels much more manageable.

The more you iterate and experiment, the more you realise that inspiration doesn’t always have to come first. Sometimes, it’s through the process of making, testing and playing with ideas that you find your groove.

What was the hardest challenge you faced during the course and how did you push through it?

Starting completely from scratch and letting go of perfectionism. I had no knowledge of the Adobe programs or graphic design in general. Of course, I knew famous logos and posters, but that was really just surface-level knowledge. I was having to learn a completely new skill and perfectionism had to be thrown out the window, which was hard but necessary. Ultimately, it was what helped me grow and understand which areas of design I came to love.

I remember finding Adobe Illustrator particularly difficult to grasp. But the biggest challenge wasn’t necessarily learning the software, it was not comparing my progress to everyone else’s. Some people seemed to pick things up so quickly, and I had to remind myself that everyone learns differently and at different paces.

That became a really important mindset shift for me. There are always going to be things you find more difficult than others, and instead of getting frustrated, I learnt to focus on the process and find some enjoyment in those moments of difficulty. Looking back, I realise I was often worrying about the small things far more than I needed to, and I wish I’d relaxed a little more and just enjoyed the time I had to explore this subject.

I pushed through by practising, experimenting, asking questions and reminding myself that this was a time to explore! I learnt that not everything has to be 100% perfect, and that the value is in the process of learning, trying things out and ultimately finding the corners of design that you love.

How did the fast-paced, real-world briefs shape your approach to problem-solving or creativity?

The fast-paced environment and real-world briefs taught me not to overthink and to make sure there’s reasoning behind an idea. When you have a limited amount of time to respond to a brief, you quickly learn that you can’t wait around for the perfect idea or for inspiration to suddenly appear. You have to start somewhere, experiment, research and let this guide your creativity.

Luckily, we also had a great process of gathering inspiration and presenting our ideas to our classmates. Hearing other people’s perspectives helped me look at a problem from a different angle and often helped me find solutions I wouldn’t have reached on my own. It taught me that creativity doesn’t always have to happen in isolation. Sometimes the best ideas come from simply talking things through and being open to other people’s points of view. Learning to present ideas and back them up with research gave me the structure and confidence I bring to briefs today.

Has your favourite portfolio project changed since graduating? If so, why and how?

Yes, most definitely. I think it’s as much an appreciation as a favourite. It’s my Parasite poster. I look back and think that the task of creating something off-screen was pivotal in discovering my love for producing something more tangible, made with my hands rather than purely on my computer. I actually went on to create some design materials for a play, and I made sure to create these props by hand as it gave them a much more authentic, human-made quality. Something that design can lack in such a digital world. I’m now someone who enjoys the slight imperfections and textures that come with handmade elements.

What’s something you learned in the industry that you wish you knew while studying?

Time, experimenting and feedback are things you may not have the luxury of in the real world. Quite often, designs are needed within a very small timeframe. I wish I’d known that while I was studying, because the course is a great opportunity to learn from others and try something new. In some roles you may be the sole graphic designer, and bouncing ideas around or getting feedback from another creative isn’t always possible.

Where do you go when you feel creatively stuck? Tools, people, routines or spaces?

Anywhere away from my computer or phone. Art galleries, nature, the cinema or even a stroll through the city. With so much inspiration easily available, I get overwhelmed by all the directions I could take my ideas in. Going outside and letting my mind settle always helps me get out of a creative slump or a sort of paralysis. I love turning to a simple notebook and pen. It feels more focused and intentional. I often reach for a physical graphic design or art book to flip through, as the simplicity of using a book rather than the internet can help inspire and focus my creative intentions.

How has design influenced the way you see everyday life? Brands, objects, cities, culture?

Design has significantly influenced the way I see the world. It’s hard not to once you start noticing it! You begin to appreciate the thought, work and effort that can go into even the simplest things.

I’ll often find myself noticing the design of everyday objects and environments that I might have previously overlooked. Just walk down the street and look at the signage, logos, packaging, shop fronts or graphic T-shirts. It really does surround us constantly. It’s made me much more aware of the choices behind the things we interact with every day, and how those choices can shape how we understand brands, cities and culture.

If a future Shillington student asked for honest advice, what would you tell them that isn’t on the website?

To really try and fully immerse yourself in the course and not worry too much if something doesn’t turn out the way you wanted. I wish I’d taken more time to experiment. The course is such a good opportunity to discover your own style and figure out which areas of graphic design you genuinely enjoy. Some things will come naturally, while others might feel much trickier, and that’s completely normal. Try to release some of that pressure and see the course as an opportunity to explore, experiment and find your own creative spark.

If you could collaborate with anyone (a brand, studio, artist, cause), who would it be and why?

I’d love to explore the world of film through title sequences or type design. Outside my 9-to-5 as a graphic designer, I illustrate, so the opportunity to bring those two sides of my design practice together on a film would be incredibly exciting.

Looking ahead, what kind of designer do you hope to become?

I want to become the kind of designer who never loses the excitement of making things. I want to stay curious and playful, someone who’s willing to take a leap, follow an idea and see where it leads, even if it doesn’t always work out. I don’t want to feel too precious about design. I want to experiment, make mistakes and keep discovering new ways of creating. The world of graphic design is so big and always expanding, so there’ll always be something to explore!

At the same time, I want to keep building my knowledge and create work that genuinely excites and inspires people. I’d love to be a designer that others can come to for advice, guidance or a fresh perspective. Seeing people grow and discover their own creative voice is something I find really worthwhile, and I’d love to be able to support that in others as I continue to grow myself.

You don’t need a design background to start. You just need the willingness to experiment like Kana, make mistakes and trust the process. Over three months full-time or nine months part-time, you’ll learn live online from working designers, tackle real-world briefs and build a portfolio that’s genuinely yours.

Ready to find your own creative spark? Explore our Graphic Design Course and take the first step.