Hear straight from our graduates.
Shillington is so much more than just a design school, just let them prove it to you.
Freelance Graphic Designer/ Junior Designer at NRMA
Lauren Stevens
What were you up to before Shillington?
Before Shillo, I’d spent most of my professional life doing what was easy, possible or safe. I’d been working as a project coordinator and brand guardian with some copywriting on the side for about 5 years before a restructure offered me a position with a little more risk – one involving graphic design. As soon as I started, I knew I wanted become a designer and do this for the rest of my life. The only problem was, I didn’t know where to start.
Why did you decide to study design at Shillington and what made our design course stand out from the rest?
I committed myself to learning more about design, taking as many courses as I could through sites like Skillshare and Udemy—but it felt like I was missing key pieces of the puzzle. So, I began investigating study options, something that would fit in with full time work but also not take 4 years to complete. I asked my colleagues and almost every one of them had one word to say—Shillington. It’s reputation, among professionals already in the field, is second to none. I did my own research, but it was the information session that really sealed it for me. The warmth and enthusiasm of the teacher broke right through the last of my reservations. Within days, I’d signed up. For me, what really sets Shillington apart from other design schools is it’s approach. It’s intense, but never too much. Each night, we had a lecture and then worked on a brief that related to the lecture. Being able to put everything into practice, almost immediately, really helped me understand that design is a methodical process that can be worked through. It’s not magic, even if it ends up looking that way.
How does the remote course compare to the in-person experience?
After being in the classroom, I was worried at first. I’d taken online courses before and had come away feeling as though I had missed something. But again, Shillo’s dedication to us as their students shone through. I never felt like I was in the dark or left adrift, my teachers were with me every step of the way. If anything, I came to prefer it. I felt I had more time to work on everything, more space to think. I loved being in the classroom, being in the flow with your classmates around, but sometimes I did need a bit of headspace and a bit of quiet to really think something out. I felt that I had more control over my time, my energy and my outputs – there was less to worry about and I had no issue with staying late after class to chat to the teachers instead of needing to run for a train home.
What were the most positive aspects of the online course?
There were a heap of positive aspects, but the teachers were an absolute beacon. Down-to-earth, experienced, engaged—they created an atmosphere that was both comfortable and encouraging. For me, there was a point of tension when I started out, a gap between what I could do and what I wanted to do. It was disheartening to have such a clear vision after your ideation and yet what ended up on the screen looked nothing like that vision. But the teachers never let that gap feel too wide. They were always constructive, always engaged. It was really encouraging at times to watch them try to puzzle something out on my screen. It really helped me understand that design is always a process, to matter your experience and the answers aren’t meant to be easy.
How were you able to structure your time learning from home?
Thankfully, I finish work at 4:15 so I was able to hop onto the night’s outline almost as soon as it came out at 4. I’d read through the outline and make a point of watching the first video or so listed, just so I had time to take notes and look up The Guide article as well. I was able to stretch what once was 3.5 hours of learning out to 5, using my excess time to think things over, deep dive into ideation and really refine my mood boards. It generally meant that I was prepared for anything the night threw at me, I was in the design headspace as soon as class kicked off and generally was able to have some pretty nice pieces to show by the end of the night. If anything, some of my projects came out better for having that space. My handmade project turned into something that was bigger than Ben-Hur and I struggle to see how I could have done it in the same way if I had been in the classroom!
If someone was considering an online learning course option, what would be your main piece of advice?
Be open and bring your passion! Squeeze as many seconds as you can out of your hours and know that—online or in person—you’re still getting the same stellar Shillington education from the same stellar Shillington teachers. Even digitally, you can still “turn up” and “get amongst it”!
What would you say to someone who is skeptical about studying at Shillington?
If you’re not sold by the professional recommendations or previous students’ work—go and talk to them. It’s what sold me; having a teacher and a team who are just as invested in your dream as you are. Attend an information session, take a tour of the school, talk to student service staff, bring your questions and your scepticism and get it all ironed out. Shillington is so much more than just a design school, just let them prove it to you.
Check out Lauren’s website and stay up to date with her work.
Shillington is so much more than just a design school, just let them prove it to you.
Freelance Graphic Designer/ Junior Designer at NRMA
Lauren Stevens
What were you up to before Shillington?
Before Shillo, I’d spent most of my professional life doing what was easy, possible or safe. I’d been working as a project coordinator and brand guardian with some copywriting on the side for about 5 years before a restructure offered me a position with a little more risk – one involving graphic design. As soon as I started, I knew I wanted become a designer and do this for the rest of my life. The only problem was, I didn’t know where to start.
Why did you decide to study design at Shillington and what made our design course stand out from the rest?
I committed myself to learning more about design, taking as many courses as I could through sites like Skillshare and Udemy—but it felt like I was missing key pieces of the puzzle. So, I began investigating study options, something that would fit in with full time work but also not take 4 years to complete. I asked my colleagues and almost every one of them had one word to say—Shillington. It’s reputation, among professionals already in the field, is second to none. I did my own research, but it was the information session that really sealed it for me. The warmth and enthusiasm of the teacher broke right through the last of my reservations. Within days, I’d signed up. For me, what really sets Shillington apart from other design schools is it’s approach. It’s intense, but never too much. Each night, we had a lecture and then worked on a brief that related to the lecture. Being able to put everything into practice, almost immediately, really helped me understand that design is a methodical process that can be worked through. It’s not magic, even if it ends up looking that way.
How does the remote course compare to the in-person experience?
After being in the classroom, I was worried at first. I’d taken online courses before and had come away feeling as though I had missed something. But again, Shillo’s dedication to us as their students shone through. I never felt like I was in the dark or left adrift, my teachers were with me every step of the way. If anything, I came to prefer it. I felt I had more time to work on everything, more space to think. I loved being in the classroom, being in the flow with your classmates around, but sometimes I did need a bit of headspace and a bit of quiet to really think something out. I felt that I had more control over my time, my energy and my outputs – there was less to worry about and I had no issue with staying late after class to chat to the teachers instead of needing to run for a train home.
What were the most positive aspects of the online course?
There were a heap of positive aspects, but the teachers were an absolute beacon. Down-to-earth, experienced, engaged—they created an atmosphere that was both comfortable and encouraging. For me, there was a point of tension when I started out, a gap between what I could do and what I wanted to do. It was disheartening to have such a clear vision after your ideation and yet what ended up on the screen looked nothing like that vision. But the teachers never let that gap feel too wide. They were always constructive, always engaged. It was really encouraging at times to watch them try to puzzle something out on my screen. It really helped me understand that design is always a process, to matter your experience and the answers aren’t meant to be easy.
How were you able to structure your time learning from home?
Thankfully, I finish work at 4:15 so I was able to hop onto the night’s outline almost as soon as it came out at 4. I’d read through the outline and make a point of watching the first video or so listed, just so I had time to take notes and look up The Guide article as well. I was able to stretch what once was 3.5 hours of learning out to 5, using my excess time to think things over, deep dive into ideation and really refine my mood boards. It generally meant that I was prepared for anything the night threw at me, I was in the design headspace as soon as class kicked off and generally was able to have some pretty nice pieces to show by the end of the night. If anything, some of my projects came out better for having that space. My handmade project turned into something that was bigger than Ben-Hur and I struggle to see how I could have done it in the same way if I had been in the classroom!
If someone was considering an online learning course option, what would be your main piece of advice?
Be open and bring your passion! Squeeze as many seconds as you can out of your hours and know that—online or in person—you’re still getting the same stellar Shillington education from the same stellar Shillington teachers. Even digitally, you can still “turn up” and “get amongst it”!
What would you say to someone who is skeptical about studying at Shillington?
If you’re not sold by the professional recommendations or previous students’ work—go and talk to them. It’s what sold me; having a teacher and a team who are just as invested in your dream as you are. Attend an information session, take a tour of the school, talk to student service staff, bring your questions and your scepticism and get it all ironed out. Shillington is so much more than just a design school, just let them prove it to you.
Check out Lauren’s website and stay up to date with her work.
Matt McKay
Designer at Kensa Creative
Kinda Savarino
Designer at Billion Dollar Boy
Chantel Charchalis
Marketing and Content Creator at The Dog Mum
Tom Noon
Freelance Graphic Designer
Lauren Danger Koste
Studio Manager at The Design Kids
Karina Aslikyan
Freelance Graphic Designer
Robyn M-C
Freelance Graphic Designer
Lauren Stevens
Freelance Graphic Designer/ Junior Designer at NRMA
Karen Liang
Learning Experience Designer at Standards Australia
Ayesha Mansour
Freelance Designer, Aah Yes Studio
Anna Dai
Freelance Graphic Designer
Georgia Latham
Intern at Imagist
Natasha Michels
Designer at Nine Publishing and Creative Director at Sweaty City magazine
Mary Lin
Graphic Designer, Colette Werden
Carla Zimbler
VJ and Designer, Tszuj
Wyatt Welles
Freelance Graphic Designer
Laura Welch
Enviromental Designer at Sundance Film Festival
Sophie Bo Schmidt
Senior UX Consultant at PeakXD
Sivim Ly
Junior Graphic Designer at Loeffler Randall
Ben Thaler
Junior Designer at Common
Rosylvia Wang
Design and Brand Officer at Historic Houses UK
Liam Speranza
Associate Design Manager at Tushy
Em Storey
Junior Designer, NU Creative
Natalie Taylor
Designer, Mobkoi
Ella Caseley
Winner of the Shillington x Champion Agency Scholarship
Oyinkan Karunwi
Founder at Aseda Design Agency
Sylvan Hillebrand
Midweight Creative at HarrimanSteel
Maria Vazquez
Freelance Designer and Art Director
Alessandra Conti
Designer, RAPP
Elizabeth Diffey
Freelance Graphic Designer, Spotify
Majo Crespo
Co-Founder and Strategic Designer, Facético
Lorenzo Mengolini
UX Designer, AKQA
Abbey Swinn
Designer, Frost*collective
Angeline Chan
Communications Specialist, The University of Melbourne
Julia Hoolahan
Art Director, Home Beautiful
Seyi Ogunlade
Freelance Graphic Designer and Photographer
Rory Knibbs
Designer, The Midnight Club
Jess Goodall
Digital Designer, Pistachio Design
Stephanie Halovanic
Creative Producer, &Walsh
Megan Voo
UX/UI & Content Designer, Ignite Online
Gerald Torto
Strategist, Re Agency
Eman Abdallah
Graphic & Experience Designer, KAIRO
Ariana Villegas
Designer, Simplecast
Ray Wong
Designer, Oink Creative
Johanna Hagenauer
Brand / Product Designer, Rexlabs
Kris Klein
Experience Design + Videography at AKQA
Emily Campos
UX Designer, Wix
Rawin Keo
Lead Graphic Designer, Dermalogica
Mark Osmond
Designer, Thumbs Up!
Vanessa Bertagnole
Graphic Multimedia Designer, Surf Life Saving Queensland
Araki Koman
Freelance Illustrator and Designer
Arwa Al-Salam
Designer, Human Appeal
Benny Hinman
Designer, Frost*collective
Em Stokes
Junior Designer, MOO
Veronica Humphris
Digital Designer, Mapway
Leila Bartholet
Designer, Chandelier
Jared Worthington
Designer at Media Playground
Alexandra Francis
Designer, Flow Creative
Benjamin Ngooi
Graphic Designer, Cox Architecture
Sophie Lord
Creative Director, Hello May
Khadijah Adbul Nabi
Freelance Graphic Designer
Frankie Young
Founder, Studio Neubau
Ella Donald & Charlotte Carnegie Brown
Co-Founders, Studio Duzi
Amy Forsyth
Graphic Designer, Alfresco Emporium
Jaira Adlawan
Senior Visual Designer, Sephora
Jamie Krups
Creative at Stab Magazine
Keiran McCann
Graphic Designer, Victoria’s Secret
Greg Bemis
Creative, Nike
Anastasiia Vinnichenko
Designer, ToyFight
Lori Beth Kaye
Senior Product Designer, The Iconic
Megan Dweck
Visual Designer, McKinsey & Company
James Freebairn
Junior Graphic Designer, Dark Mofo
Irina Manning
UX Designer, Manning Labs
Shannon Gordon
Designer, R/GA
Sinead Murphy
Freelance Graphic Designer
Lauren Koste
Freelance Designer and Craft Beer Specialist
Ani Monteleone
Designer, The Wall Street Journal
Caitlin Clancy
Designer, The New York Times
Miwako Suzuki
Integrated Creative Director
Linda Gao
Designer, HBO
Rachel Urquhart
Founder, Pony Gold Studio
Will Batrouney
Graphic Designer, Ignite Online
Ellie Pinney
Freelance Designer
Katie Lodge
Business Development Manager, Frost* collective
Joseph Lebus
Designer, Made Thought
Jordan Demetriou
Junior Designer, Principals
Hamish Snow
Product Designer, Rexlabs
Emily Somers
Founder, Bravery Co.
Eleanor Robertson
Designer, Paul Belford Ltd
Estefi Panizza
Junior Designer, Design Bridge
Erin Gale
Designer, Target
Kylie Meller
Founder, duosista Web and Graphic Design
Yarron Frauenfelder
Design Director
Bianca Chu
Senior Designer, eBay
Bianca Oggiano
Designer, FutureBrand
Alexander Rog
Junior Designer, oOh!
Christopher J Porter
Designer, I See Sea
Babeth Olde Hanter
Junior Art Director, SOV
Chrystal Christie
Photographer/Graphic Designer, One Round Entertainment
Tally Thompson
Graphic Designer, Awesome Creative
Dominika Stanczyk
Designer, Open Water
Lindsay Koffler
Graphic Designer, Refinery29
Amee Wilson
Art Director, Clemenger BBDO
Lily Moore
Designer at Sotheby’s
Braden Floris
Designer, GoFundMe
Ashley Ronning
Illustrator and Founder of Helio Press
Tahmena Lutfi
Digital Designer, Qantas and Jetstar Hotels
Anara Davletaliyeva
UX Designer and Developer, Appliances Online
Tiffany Yee
Designer, Forever 21
Amy Sheehan
Art Director, Insider Inc.
Emma Ladlow
Designer, University of Nottingham Students' Union
Alexis Waller
Design Director, R/GA
Halah El Kholy
In-House Designer, Brew Tea Co
Jess White
Junior Graphic Designer, Just Media Design
Bobby Hendry
Designer, Brilliant Logic
Jessica Bakker
Junior Graphic Designer, Beyond Communications
Lauren Dannenberg
Designer, Mary's Group
Arnold Omanyo
UX/UI Designer, Digital on Demand
Dawn Moloney
Founder, A Making Life
Miranda Mayne
Freelance Graphic Designer
Caroline Keefe
Freelance, Nickelodeon
Paul and Amoni Liddell
Graphic Designers, Westpac CX and Feel
Meredith Wallis
Designer, King & Partners
Ocki Magill
Founder, Letter Bug Studios
Victoire Scherer
Junior Graphic Designer, Neoscape
Anika George
Designer, AKQA
Liana Modolo
UX Designer, Rex Software
Kelly Hansen
Graphic Designer, Amazon Books
Mikel McCavana
Designer, Moment
Alexander Wu-Kim
Concept Creative, ANDPEOPLE Australia
Jing Ong
Designer, Autumn
Kirsten McColl
Designer, WH-O
Nicole Rogers
Designer, Birchbox
Pooja Dharia
Branding Designer, FCB Health
Erin Donati
Founder, Harley Quinn & Co.
Jackson Todd
Art Director, Van Der Zwaag
Andy Vargas
Designer, Bitâcora
Moshe Bien
Designer, Nucleus
Crystal Lin
Designer, DNA Design
Stephen Grace
Designer, Christopher Doyle & Co.
Eleanor Rogers
Letterpress Printer, Chapel Press
Andy Tharagonnet
Designer, ThumbsUp
Ben Peters
Freelance Graphic Designer
Brad Holten
Designer, Big Idea
Natalia Baker
Freelance Graphic Designer
Molly Sitter
Studio Designer, Spring St. Social Society
Guy Pittard
Freelance Graphic Designer
Bea Sambalido
Freelance Graphic Designer
Peta Harris
Graphic Designer, Macquarie University
Oceane Combeau
Designer, Fernand et Firmin
Anna Mullin
Illustrator, Sneaky Racoon
Theo Witrylak
Visual Designer, EPAM
Stephanie Antill
Founder, St Clement Creative
Paul McKie and Myles Sharpe
Directors, Autumn
Pete Conforto
Designer, For The People
Roo Cassels
Designer, Big Fish
Nicol Reid
Founder, Little Creative
James Birks
Freelance Illustrator and Designer
David Scott
Designer, The Mix
Jane Durlacher
Graphic Designer, Paper Stone Scissors
Rachel Lee
Freelance Graphic Designer
Janno Saft
Founder, frank wo
Sean Raynor
Designer, Watermark Studio
Vanessa Burgess
Graphic Designer, Tritium
Olivier Adam
Freelance Graphic Designer
Cari Sekendur
Art Director, LMNOP Creative
Alexandra Menzies
Freelance Graphic Designer
Margherita Baldi
Freelance Visual Designer
Tim Jones
Brand Experience Director, venturethree
Carla Scotto
Freelance Graphic Designer
Meg Walker
Designer, Milkshake
Christina Capetola
Designer at Wayfair
Louise Hamer
Design Lead, We Are Empire
Ina Estrada
Founder, Par Vous Designs
Sam Jacobs
Senior Designer, Time Inc.
Ulrika Johnson
Designer, Fantasia Accessories
Henriette van Baren
Graphic Designer, ABC Carpet & Home
Charly Tudor
Graphic Designer, Holdens
Lola Irwanto
Graphic Designer, Princess Polly