Graphic Design Teacher
London

Emma Tobin

Emma Tobin is a London teacher and designer who worked with branding and communication agencies, helping startups and world-class brands solve business challenges. She loves the great outdoors and has worked on the branding for Marathons and Triathlons.

What do you love about design?

That it is everywhere! No matter where you look you are surrounded by design; from the branding on your cereal box to the iPhone in your hand. I love that design helps to lift the everyday mundane; bringing the world to life and helping to solve problems in the most creative ways.

Why do you teach?

Teaching for me is an opportunity to take part in something bigger than just my journey. I chose to teach to help shape, inspire, and nurture a new generation of designers whilst being able to encourage creativity and diversity. I feel privileged to be a part of a student’s journey; supporting them through the tough days and celebrating their success on the good days! It’s a joy working alongside people with such determination, in a creative environment outside of the commercial world—this motivates me and is why I love to teach.

Tell us about your design career outside of Shillington.

My experience as a designer has allowed me to collaborate with a number of fast-paced branding and communication agencies, where I have helped courageous startups and world-class brands to solve business challenges, inspire audiences and gain success. What I have enjoyed the most so far in my journey is working with clients who share a similar passion; one example of this was combining my love for the great outdoors and design, through branding mass participation events such as Marathons and Triathlons.

What or who are you loving right now?

Kelly Anna, a print designer based in London. She has created work for the likes of Beyonce, London Grammar, Nike, Lego and many more. I am a massive fan of her bold quirky style. I am also always in awe of her brave and beautiful colour choices.

If you were a typeface, what would you be?

Acta Display

What’s your favourite blog?

Being a massive branding enthusiast I love the blog BrandNew—Under Consideration. This is a great resource to keep an eye on the latest rebranding projects and be inspired by new and exciting studios. A few other blogs I’m also often found scrolling are It’s Nice That, Creative Boom and Instagram is also one of my go-to platforms for discovering new illustrators.