Learn from designers with industry expertise.
Being able to give back to the creative community and help them pursue their passions is a joy
Graphic Design Teacher
Sydney/Warrang
Michelle Smalley
Michelle Smalley is a multidisciplinary graphic designer, passionate about creating brands that contribute to better business. Having worked for a number of boutique agencies and leading digital media companies, she has 15 years experience across a range of clients operating in fashion, technology, not-for-profit, travel, hospitality, food and beverage. As a creative problem solver, she combines design and marketing ideas, which result in well formulated brand solutions.
What do you love about design?
I love the research and problem solving. Discovering different ways a client or brand can best position themselves in the market to communicate their vision. I also feel extremely lucky to have a skill that allows me to work from anywhere in world remotely. I just need my laptop and ideas.
Why do you enjoy working in design education?
I’m naturally motivated by supporting others, so being able to give back to the creative community and help them pursue their passions is a joy. It also allows me to continue my learnings and constantly be surprised and inspired by new ideas.
What keeps you busy outside of Shillington?
My cat. Seriously, she’s a terror who keeps me occupied during the wee hours! I’ll jump on any opportunity for a road trip. I love to peruse a gallery or market of a sunny afternoon, followed by a brewery bevy.
What or who are you loving right now?
Benito Martin is one of my favourite Sydney-based photographers in the food and beverage space, I love everything he puts his lens to. Mr Bingo, British illustrator/artist, is always good for a laugh. The Young Jerks, NY based brand and packaging agency. I can’t go past their typography and iconography for Mr. Black. Also, YUM! Mash, SA based multisensory branding specialists. Think Packaging for packaging/product solutions. Artist Grayson Perry ticks a lot of boxes for me, combining my love of ceramics, bright colours and good old fashioned British eccentricity.
If you were a typeface, what would you be?
Good Sans by Good Type Foundry, nice and simple ?
What’s your favourite blog?
It’s Nice That, Creative Boom, WePresent, The Honest Designers Show (podcast) lovely to have on in the background on those WFH days, to make you feel like you have some studio buddies ?, OMGLORD (Gabby Lord’s epic newsletter).
Being able to give back to the creative community and help them pursue their passions is a joy
Graphic Design Teacher
Sydney/Warrang
Michelle Smalley
Michelle Smalley is a multidisciplinary graphic designer, passionate about creating brands that contribute to better business. Having worked for a number of boutique agencies and leading digital media companies, she has 15 years experience across a range of clients operating in fashion, technology, not-for-profit, travel, hospitality, food and beverage. As a creative problem solver, she combines design and marketing ideas, which result in well formulated brand solutions.
What do you love about design?
I love the research and problem solving. Discovering different ways a client or brand can best position themselves in the market to communicate their vision. I also feel extremely lucky to have a skill that allows me to work from anywhere in world remotely. I just need my laptop and ideas.
Why do you enjoy working in design education?
I’m naturally motivated by supporting others, so being able to give back to the creative community and help them pursue their passions is a joy. It also allows me to continue my learnings and constantly be surprised and inspired by new ideas.
What keeps you busy outside of Shillington?
My cat. Seriously, she’s a terror who keeps me occupied during the wee hours! I’ll jump on any opportunity for a road trip. I love to peruse a gallery or market of a sunny afternoon, followed by a brewery bevy.
What or who are you loving right now?
Benito Martin is one of my favourite Sydney-based photographers in the food and beverage space, I love everything he puts his lens to. Mr Bingo, British illustrator/artist, is always good for a laugh. The Young Jerks, NY based brand and packaging agency. I can’t go past their typography and iconography for Mr. Black. Also, YUM! Mash, SA based multisensory branding specialists. Think Packaging for packaging/product solutions. Artist Grayson Perry ticks a lot of boxes for me, combining my love of ceramics, bright colours and good old fashioned British eccentricity.
If you were a typeface, what would you be?
Good Sans by Good Type Foundry, nice and simple ?
What’s your favourite blog?
It’s Nice That, Creative Boom, WePresent, The Honest Designers Show (podcast) lovely to have on in the background on those WFH days, to make you feel like you have some studio buddies ?, OMGLORD (Gabby Lord’s epic newsletter).