Levelled Up in Motion: Mim Chadwick.

Welcome to the second instalment of our Levelled Up in Motion series, where we spotlight Shillington graduates who have expanded their design practice into motion.

This time, we’re catching up with Mim Chadwick, a designer whose creative journey began with Shillington’s Graphic Design course and recently evolved through the Motion for Graphic Designers course. Mim reflects on the early influences that sparked her love of design, what motivated her to return to study, and how motion has opened up fresh opportunities to bring her ideas to life.

A double Shillington graduate! Welcome back once again, Mim. Let's jump straight in.

Let’s rewind a little… What first drew you into the world of design?

I've been drawn to art for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always creating. Drawing, making things, experimenting and luckily, my parents really encouraged that creativity. That love for arts and crafts naturally grew during school, especially when I started taking art more seriously around the age of 16. Studying Art A-Level was a turning point for me, it was the first time I really began to understand and explore the world of design and that’s when I realised it was something I wanted to pursue further.

Can you remember any early influences or moments that shaped your creative direction?

A big influence on my creative direction came from school, where I was introduced to a wide range of art and design styles, as well as the historical context behind them. I loved learning about figures like Frank Lloyd Wright, his blend of architecture and nature really stood out to me. Also Picasso, whose bold use of shape and form fascinated me. I was also drawn to street photography and artists who captured everyday life in such raw, expressive ways.

On a more personal level, my dad has always been really creative, and some of my favourite memories growing up were weekend creative workshops we’d do together! Those moments gave me a huge introduction to the world of design and really helped drive my passion for it.

What was the turning point that made design your career path, not just a passion?

After studying Art & Design at Leeds University, I graduated knowing I wanted to be in the creative field, but I wasn’t entirely sure where I fit in. I knew fine art wasn’t the right path, but I was really interested in graphic design. What stood out to me was the combination of using practical software skills with the problem-solving involved. Both on the computer and through exploring references, trends, and concepts. That balance of creativity and strategy made graphic design feel like the perfect direction for my career.

What kind of work were you doing before you decided to explore motion?

Before diving into motion design, I was working as a designer at a branding studio. I kept coming across motion design in the projects and references I was looking at, and it really caught my attention. I’d heard more and more about it, and the idea of combining design with movement seemed like a natural next step. That’s when I found the course online, and I knew it was the right opportunity to explore this new direction.

Why did you choose to return to study and why motion, specifically?

I loved my time at Shillington the first time around. It really gave me the jumpstart I needed in my career, so when I saw the opportunity for the motion course, it felt like a natural next step. Working in a small branding studio, I realised that motion design was becoming an essential skill for designers, and I wanted to stay ahead of the curve. The course seemed like the perfect way to build on my existing skills and dive deeper into a new area of design.

What made you choose Shillington’s Motion for Graphic Designers course over other upskilling options?

As I mentioned, I did the Shillington Graphic Design course and I really enjoyed it. I landed a job as a junior designer shortly after, which was an amazing opportunity. So when I saw the Motion for Graphic Designers course, I knew it would be a great way to build on what I’d already learned and expand my skill set. Since I'd had such a positive experience with Shillington the first time around, I trusted that this course would offer the same high-quality, hands-on learning experience I was looking for.

How did you find balancing the course with your existing professional and personal commitments?

Balancing everything was definitely a challenge (I became a bit of a social recluse), but knowing the course was only 3 months made it easier to commit fully. I stayed focused during that time, prioritising the course to make sure I got the most out of it. It wasn’t always easy juggling work, life, and study, but I was determined to dive in and make the most of the learning experience.

What surprised you most about the learning experience?

What surprised me the most was how much I knew by the end of the course! Initially, understanding aspects like graphs and timing felt really overwhelming, but the teachers kept reassuring us that it would all come together, and they were right. By the end, I was amazed at how everything clicked, and I developed a much stronger grasp on the technical side of motion design than I had expected.

Were there any standout moments, breakthroughs or challenges that stuck with you?

One of the biggest challenges for me was working with 3D within the motion space. The concept of playing with the x, y, and z axes was a lot to handle, especially within such a short time frame. But it really pushed me to think differently and expand my skills in ways I hadn’t expected. Even though it was tough at times, it ended up being a bit of a breakthrough moment once everything clicked.

How did the pace and structure of the course fit into your working life?

It worked well! It was definitely intense, but if you dedicated a solid chunk of time over the weekend, it made it easier to go into the weekly lessons feeling confident and prepared. The structure allowed me to manage my time effectively and still keep up with both work and the course.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice before starting, what would it be?

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed or stressed the moment After Effects opens! Trust the process and know that it’ll all start to come together as the weeks go on. It’s easy to feel lost at first, but with time, everything will fall into place, and you'll feel much more confident.

Did you consider self-teaching or other platforms before committing to a structured course?

Yes, I did look into other courses and even considered self-teaching, but I quickly realised that I’d do best with the structure and support Shillington offers. Having gone through the Graphic Design course with them, I knew the hands-on, guided approach would be the most effective way for me to learn motion design as well.

How did this learning experience compare to any other training you’ve done in the past?

I’ve done some other online training before, but it wasn’t as task-based, and I’ve always found that harder to apply when it comes to real-world projects. The hands-on, project-focused approach at Shillington made a huge difference. It helped me build practical skills that I could immediately apply, which I found much more effective in preparing me for actual work.

Has your perspective on motion design shifted since starting the course?

Absolutely! Before, motion design seemed like something only "motion designers" could do, almost out of reach for me. But now I realise it’s such a valuable skill to have, and that anyone (especially designers) can learn it with the right approach and practice. It’s much more accessible than I had initially thought.

Which moment in your Motion Major Project are you particularly proud of and why?

One moment I’m really proud of is seeing my personal project on women’s football come to life. I chose to rebrand SheKicks, a magazine that produces amazing content on women’s football, and it was incredible to see all the elements I selected for the rebrand come together in a cohesive, dynamic way. Seeing the bento box of brand elements I’d designed align and animate felt like a true accomplishment. It was exciting to see everything I’d worked on finally come alive.

Where are you looking for inspiration now that you’re thinking in motion?

I’m really drawn to work that brings things to life through motion. I’ve realised how important it is to have a solid brand concept and design foundation before adding motion. The way motion can amplify and enhance a brand’s visual language is something I find really inspiring. I now look for work where motion isn’t just added as an afterthought, but where it really elevates the overall concept and tells a more dynamic story.

How do you see motion design fitting into your creative practice in the next 12 months?

I’ve recently transitioned from a branding studio to working in the world of sporting bids, and while it’s not certain yet, I’m excited about the potential for motion design to play a role in that space. I’m hoping to bring motion into some of my passion projects and also into the small prints brand I set up in 2024. Whether in client work or personal projects, I see motion as a way to add more impact and energy to my designs.

Have you stayed connected with others from your cohort or found new creative collaborators?

I haven’t kept in touch much, what with us being from over the world, but I’ve been keeping up with everyone’s updates on LinkedIn. It’s been nice to see how everyone’s applying their skills and progressing in their creative journeys.

Mim’s journey is a brilliant example of how building on your design foundations can open up new creative directions. At Shillington, we offer two courses designed to help you take the next step in your career:

If you’re new to the industry and want to kickstart your creative journey, check out our Graphic Design Course. Perfect for beginners ready to transform into working designers.

If you’re already a designer and keen to expand your skills, our Motion for Graphic Designers Course will help you level up and bring your designs to life through movement.

Wherever you’re starting from, Shillington gives you the tools, support and confidence to grow as a creative.