Meet Kristina Anastasidi: 2025 Scholarship Graduate.

Meet Kristina Anastasidi, the next feature in our Half Scholarship Interview Series. After studying politics and working across corporate and hospitality in NYC, Kristina set her sights on design. She brought a fresh, strategic perspective to creative problem-solving. Her standout, documentary-style video application helped secure a Shillington half scholarship and she joined our full-time course in January 2025.

In this candid Q&A, she unpacks the fast pace of the course (and how she managed burnout), the power of community feedback and why concept and strategy trump aesthetics alone. Kristina also shares portfolio takeaways, what’s changed since becoming a designer, and her best advice for future applicants: tell your story—boldly and honestly.

Welcome back to Shillington Kristina! Let's dive straight into pre-January 2025. What were you doing before studying at Shillington?

I majored in politics, even applied for master’s in international law but didn’t get the scholarship, so I ended up working in corporate. Life took a few unexpected turns and I moved to NYC, where I started working in hospitality. All over the way, I kept asking myself what career path I’d really love to pursue. That’s when I started thinking seriously about design or maybe journalism as a creative path.

What motivated you to apply for the half-scholarship program?

It was my background that pushed me to apply. I felt that my story and perspective could bring something different to the table. Of course, the financial side was also important, working in hospitality and living in NYC doesn’t leave you with much extra. Without the scholarship, I’d probably be working double shifts just to afford the course. But more than that, I saw it as an opportunity to prove that my non creative background could lead to something in design.

Did you have any design experience before applying, or were you starting fresh?

I came from the complete opposite side of creativity: politics, corporate, hospitality. Nothing to do with design directly. But I was always curious about it, playing around on Canva thinking that’s what designers do. I even took a short design course in NYC, but it turned out to be very surface-level and overrated.

How did you approach your creative response for the scholarship?

I love thinking outside the box, so I decided to include a video with my application and tell my story in a memorable way. Instead of a simple talking-head clip, I made a short, documentary-style video showing my life in NYC and answering the question “why design?” through everyday moments. For me, creativity is about standing out and showing who you are, that’s what I aimed to do.

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

I took the application really seriously since Shillington was the only short-term design program that felt right for me. When I found out I’d actually won, it was pure relief and excitement. I remember thinking: “hard work really does pay off, this is just the beginning, keep going”.

What did receiving the half-scholarship mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally, it proved to me once again that dedication, preparation, and strategy really do pay off even when things feel impossible. It reminded me to never underestimate my chances and to always give it a shot. Professionally, the scholarship gave me the opportunity to dive deep into the industry (not just a surface-level education), start in a new industry with confidence, and build my first real creative community.

How would you describe your experience studying at Shillington?

In five words: community-driven, feedback-oriented, supportive, hands-on, and yes, stressful (especially the full-time program). You spend every day in front of your monitor trying to make sense of things that once you did not think about. The first month feels exploratory, but later the pace really picks up. I remember teachers telling us we were taking everything too seriously in the beginning and they were right. I burned out halfway through! So my advice: save some energy for the last month, you’ll need it.

What were the most valuable skills you've learned during the course?

Before Shillington, I knew design wasn’t just about looking nice, but I didn’t fully understand it. Shillington made me a true follower of strategy in design: think conceptually, analyse deeply, and focus on solutions that actually achieve results. Those are the golden rules for designers especially in such a competitive time, when many still believe that Canva or just good taste alone can replace a real designer.

How has the community of teachers and classmates impacted your learning journey?

The community at Shillington is incredible. Honestly, that’s the best part of the whole experience! My group was so open-minded that we quickly became a small design family, even creating a Whatsapp chat we still use to share inspiration and support each other. Regardless of being based in different cities or even countries. During portfolio season, we had off-class Zoom sessions, staying up late to give feedback and keep each other motivated. (big cheers to my teachers and groupmates!) The teachers were equally supportive, always making time to answer questions and offer guidance, even outside class hours. That kind of collaboration and encouragement is something I’ll always remember and appreciate.

Where are you now in your career, and how has the scholarship helped you get there?

After graduation, I took some time to reflect on what kind of designer I want to become. Over the past few months, I’ve been focused on improving my portfolio and building my website. The scholarship supported me through this whole journey from learning and making mistakes to refining my work and aiming for success.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re most proud of since graduating?

Overall, I’m really proud of my portfolio. Thanks to the projects provided at Shillington, I was able to build a diverse portfolio that shows experience across several industries. Since graduating, I’ve been focused on refining those projects and leveling up from student work to professional design. And the foundation Shillington provided was the core reason for my growth.

Has the scholarship opened opportunities you might not have had otherwise?

The scholarship was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to reduce my work shifts, fully dedicate myself to studying, and grow from a newbie to a beginner level designer. Those three months were intense but incredibly rewarding. I finally felt focused, purposeful, and confident in my path.

What would you say to someone considering applying for the half-scholarship?

Take time to unpack your personality and consider what makes you unique, try to connect all the dots. Everyone has a story to say! Don’t overthink it but also take it seriously. Use those moments in your application, show who you are, not just what you can do.

If you could give one piece of advice to future applicants, what would it be?

Take time to unpack your personality and think about what makes you unique, try to connect all the dots. Everyone has a story to tell! Don’t overthink it, but do take it seriously. Use those moments in your application to show who you are, not just what you can do.

And finally, a bit of fun. Since you’ve become a designer, what’s changed?

I’ve become much more aware of design everywhere: noticing what works, paying attention to alignments, thinking about concepts, and spotting the stories behind visuals. Even while riding the subway, I catch myself analysing brand campaigns and thinking, “Hmm, interesting.” I feel more conscious of design around me and confident in understanding it.

Feeling inspired? Our Half Scholarship Program is now open for 2026!

This is your chance to study graphic design at Shillington, build an industry-ready portfolio, and take the next step toward your creative future.

The deadline to apply is 20 October at 5pm EDT.

👉 Apply for the Half Scholarship here