Hear straight from our graduates.
Going to Shillington was the best decision I ever made, it has completely changed my life and provided me with the career and lifestyle I’ve always wanted.
Freelance Graphic Designer, Spotify
Elizabeth Diffey
Elizabeth Diffey studied at Shillington New York
What were you up to before Shillington?
Before Shillington, I worked in Fashion as an Account Manager at a bespoke sunglass design and manufacturing company.
What influenced your decision to take the full-time course in New York?
I had been feeling unfulfilled with my career for many years and was always trying to work out what to do instead, but was too nervous to make the transition. I, therefore, hired a career councillor who performed a psychological assessment and then generated specific career options for me based on my aptitudes, lifestyle and interests. One of the top options was Graphic Design, I immediately researched design schools, went to Shillington and signed up! The reason I chose to do the full-time course rather than the part-time, was because I wanted my focus to be solely on the course without any distractions from work.
What would you say to someone who is skeptical about the Shillington course?
I went to two info-sessions before I decided to sign up, everyone was very helpful and provided me with so much insight. I also reached out to former students to learn about their experience. It’s a big decision to make so it’s definitely worth doing your research. That being said, going to Shillington was the best decision I ever made, it has completely changed my life and provided me with the career and lifestyle I’ve always wanted.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?
Throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. You get as much out of it as you put in. Ask lots of questions and be open to criticism.
What have you been up to since Shillington?
I’ve been a freelancer since I left Shillington, working both in-house and remotely. I have worked with a whole range of companies from global companies like Spotify and The Wall Street Journal to start-ups like Casper. I also landed a few smaller start-up clients through one of the Shillington guest lecturers, she runs her own design agency. I emailed her to thank her for her lecture and tell her how inspired I was, we organised to meet and then she passed on a number of her clients so I could assist with design support.
Tell us about your role at Spotify.
I work with the Spotify for Brands team, which provides listening behaviour information to their partner brands.
From the freelance work you’ve taken on, could you tell us about your most favorite projects?
Casper was one of my favourite brands while I lived in NY, so it was really exciting to get the opportunity to work with them. The team is really fun and innovative. Plus they work with amazing photographers and illustrators to create unique content, so it was an honour to handle those assets.
Stay up to date with Lizzie’s latest projects on her website and follow along on her adventures via Instagram.
Going to Shillington was the best decision I ever made, it has completely changed my life and provided me with the career and lifestyle I’ve always wanted.
Freelance Graphic Designer, Spotify
Elizabeth Diffey
Elizabeth Diffey studied at Shillington New York
What were you up to before Shillington?
Before Shillington, I worked in Fashion as an Account Manager at a bespoke sunglass design and manufacturing company.
What influenced your decision to take the full-time course in New York?
I had been feeling unfulfilled with my career for many years and was always trying to work out what to do instead, but was too nervous to make the transition. I, therefore, hired a career councillor who performed a psychological assessment and then generated specific career options for me based on my aptitudes, lifestyle and interests. One of the top options was Graphic Design, I immediately researched design schools, went to Shillington and signed up! The reason I chose to do the full-time course rather than the part-time, was because I wanted my focus to be solely on the course without any distractions from work.
What would you say to someone who is skeptical about the Shillington course?
I went to two info-sessions before I decided to sign up, everyone was very helpful and provided me with so much insight. I also reached out to former students to learn about their experience. It’s a big decision to make so it’s definitely worth doing your research. That being said, going to Shillington was the best decision I ever made, it has completely changed my life and provided me with the career and lifestyle I’ve always wanted.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?
Throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. You get as much out of it as you put in. Ask lots of questions and be open to criticism.
What have you been up to since Shillington?
I’ve been a freelancer since I left Shillington, working both in-house and remotely. I have worked with a whole range of companies from global companies like Spotify and The Wall Street Journal to start-ups like Casper. I also landed a few smaller start-up clients through one of the Shillington guest lecturers, she runs her own design agency. I emailed her to thank her for her lecture and tell her how inspired I was, we organised to meet and then she passed on a number of her clients so I could assist with design support.
Tell us about your role at Spotify.
I work with the Spotify for Brands team, which provides listening behaviour information to their partner brands.
From the freelance work you’ve taken on, could you tell us about your most favorite projects?
Casper was one of my favourite brands while I lived in NY, so it was really exciting to get the opportunity to work with them. The team is really fun and innovative. Plus they work with amazing photographers and illustrators to create unique content, so it was an honour to handle those assets.
Stay up to date with Lizzie’s latest projects on her website and follow along on her adventures via Instagram.
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