Hear straight from our graduates.
Comparing other school options was not even necessary, as Shillington offered everything I was searching for.
Freelance Designer
Lindsay Koffler
Lindsay Koffler studied at Shillington New York
What were you up to before Shillington and why did you decided to study design?
Prior to my education at Shillington, I worked as a wholesaler for a children’s wear importer. Also, I work professionally as a photographer. In the past, I’ve covered several celebrity red carpet events, and I am currently photographing landscape, travel, stock images, private events, architecture and more.
I’ve always been a visually creative person, a strength that was somewhat limited while working in sales. I applied it when possible, providing vital input to designers creating lookbooks and layouts for my former sales team. This enabled me to teach myself a few of the basics in the design programs which I had never used before. This small sample of work led me to realize that I wanted graphic design to be the focus of my career. Enter Shillington, the perfect school to propel me into my coveted career as a designer. Comparing other school options was not even necessary, as Shillington offered everything I was searching for.
What’s your typical day like at Refinery29?
There is no typical day; every day is different—which I love! I receive daily requests for different projects which have deadlines that range from one hour to a few days. I design graphics for video content on social media, create pitch presentation decks, packaging, logos and so much more.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?
Trust your instincts and never close your mind off to learning more because you will never know everything, therefore ask as many questions as possible! Never take constructive criticism personally; these comments will mold you into a better designer, helping to bring you closer to reaching your full potential.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Speaking from my experience, if you have your heart set on a particular job, go for it! You have nothing to lose by reaching out. I’ve landed many positions simply by contacting employers and sending them my resumé and portfolio.
Visit Lindsay’s website and read her full interview on the blog.
Comparing other school options was not even necessary, as Shillington offered everything I was searching for.
Freelance Designer
Lindsay Koffler
Lindsay Koffler studied at Shillington New York
What were you up to before Shillington and why did you decided to study design?
Prior to my education at Shillington, I worked as a wholesaler for a children’s wear importer. Also, I work professionally as a photographer. In the past, I’ve covered several celebrity red carpet events, and I am currently photographing landscape, travel, stock images, private events, architecture and more.
I’ve always been a visually creative person, a strength that was somewhat limited while working in sales. I applied it when possible, providing vital input to designers creating lookbooks and layouts for my former sales team. This enabled me to teach myself a few of the basics in the design programs which I had never used before. This small sample of work led me to realize that I wanted graphic design to be the focus of my career. Enter Shillington, the perfect school to propel me into my coveted career as a designer. Comparing other school options was not even necessary, as Shillington offered everything I was searching for.
What’s your typical day like at Refinery29?
There is no typical day; every day is different—which I love! I receive daily requests for different projects which have deadlines that range from one hour to a few days. I design graphics for video content on social media, create pitch presentation decks, packaging, logos and so much more.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?
Trust your instincts and never close your mind off to learning more because you will never know everything, therefore ask as many questions as possible! Never take constructive criticism personally; these comments will mold you into a better designer, helping to bring you closer to reaching your full potential.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Speaking from my experience, if you have your heart set on a particular job, go for it! You have nothing to lose by reaching out. I’ve landed many positions simply by contacting employers and sending them my resumé and portfolio.
Visit Lindsay’s website and read her full interview on the blog.
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