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Pursuing a Creative Career When You Don’t Feel Creative Enough: Our 2021 Scholarship Students Share Their Journeys

We’ve just launched our exciting 2022 Diversity in Design scholarship opportunities—open to aspiring designers from underrepresented groups.

Have you always wanted to pursue a more creative career but never felt creative enough? Read on to hear about the creative journeys our 2021 Scholarship students have taken so far, whilst studying at Shillington.

Andrew McLaughlin, 2021 Half Scholarship Student

Job prior to Shillington?

Content Strategist at Social Garden (Digital Marketing Agency).

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

I moved to Melbourne 3 years ago from Ireland and found it quite difficult to land a role within the industry without a relevant degree. I took it upon myself to rock up to a few agencies’ doors and introduce myself. A year went by with no real success until Social Garden got back to me with an opportunity. I’m extremely grateful for them to trust me and hopefully, it’s paid off. I’ve got to work on some really cool projects that I’m quite proud of.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

My career goal has always been to work as an Art Director. Advertising is a notoriously difficult industry to break into, so I had to get a bit creative to land a job with my Economics degree. When I landed in Melbourne three years I found myself knocking on doors of agencies I wanted to work at, creating videos to introduce myself and messaging just about everyone my basic LinkedIn plan would allow. My approach worked and I got a gig at a Melbourne-based digital marketing agency, Social Garden.

Just recently, I’ve finally hit that career goal and signed a contract as an Art Director for an independent advertising agency here in Melbourne. Despite only being halfway through my course, Shillington was a major factor to getting that role.

Tell us about your creative scholarship submission.

Prior to learning design, video has always been my preferred medium to tell a story. So it only felt natural that I dusted off my camera, cracked my fingers and jumped onto Final Cut Pro to make my scholarship submission.

How did it feel when you won?

It was a pretty surreal moment when I found out I won. It was a complete shock to the system. I had wanted this for so long and I was absolutely buzzing to crack into it as soon as I could.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about studying at Shillington?

Shillington had been in my bookmarks for about two years before I decided to apply. Taunting me every time I open Google Chrome. Having looked through dozens of alternatives I immediately recognised that Shillington just gets it. I could go on and on about all of the different reasons why you should study here but I would most likely max out on my word count and I know there are hundreds of reviews online that can put it into words better than I can. But I will say this, Shillington has a reputation of being the best design school in the industry for a reason. The teachers are world-class, the students are extremely motivated and the portfolio you walk out with will stand out from anything else that’s out there.

Do you think the skills you’re learning during the course are preparing you for the design industry?

From day one you’ll learn to approach a design brief with a step-by-step technique. Within my own work, this has allowed me to tackle any assignment that’s come my way and know that the process will always work out in the end.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?

In the beginning, you can get quite frustrated with yourself and your work. You’ll be battling with some demons telling you that your design isn’t good enough.

Know that you’re in the right place and you have a unique opportunity to make mistakes and explore different design styles from day one. Take your time, don’t get frustrated and make as many mistakes as you can.

What inspires your design aesthetic?

I’m a firm believer that I was supposed to be born in the 1980s. 80’s culture translates into every part of my life from music to fashion. Design is no exception. 1980s design aesthetic is typically characterised by scattered, brightly colored shapes and lines. So far, this aesthetic often permeates its way into my design briefs despite my teacher’s best efforts at pushing me to explore options. That’s the fun thing about the classes, you’ll see your classmates’ design work develop into a unique form that often mirrors their personality.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

An open brief can often be a blessing and a curse. It can feel somewhat overwhelming not knowing where to start and which direction you might take with it. I would try to simplify the brief into five words or less. If you can do this, you’re on the right path.

Cassie Lee, 2021 Half Scholarship Student

Job prior to Shillington?

I was working in a hotel as a night manager/auditor prior to Covid-19, then I was working as a dental administrator.

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

During my university days and full-time work days, I would freelance photography in my spare time- shooting events, portraits and business photos.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

Growing up I’ve always found myself gravitating towards the creative arts and would dabble in different forms of digital media- all self taught. I knew that I still wanted to pursue my freelance photography, but wanted to seek another avenue into the creative job space. After chatting to a friend about his own experience at Shillington, and then being fixated on the ShilloBlog and Instagram for a number of days- I decided it was the right fit for me.

Tell us about your creative scholarship submission.

I wanted to showcase different avenues of digital media that I dabble in that were not just in the photography space. As I have previously done a bit of work in the video and animating space, I opted for a submission that would combine videos, photos and animation. I eventually landed on a short description of my creative journey and the family and friends and pet) that have cheered me on throughout.

How did it feel when you won?

I was shocked (I still am haha). I also remember telling Eden on Zoom that I was on Day 3 in lockdown in Brissie and then her telling me she was on day 40 of her lockdown in Sydney (sorry Eden). After watching submissions from scholarship winners in previous years, I felt that the bar was set incredibly high and that there was just no way. I also knew that I’d spend nights kicking myself if I didn’t at least try- and look at what’s happened.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about studying at Shillington?

Prepare for a course that’s a lot more hands-on and a lot faster pace than a normal university class.

Do you think the skills you’re learning during the course are preparing you for the design industry?

Absolutely. The course has been challenging and fast pace, which I can only imagine has set the scene for what the design industry has in store for me afterward. Having a better understanding of how to interpret briefs, meet clients’ needs and creative idea generation tactics has been useful for creative jobs and projects I work on outside of class.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?

Trust the Process. My tutors have this phrase burned into my brain from day-dot. There have been pitstops through the course where I’ve felt deflated and uninspired, but through the process of experimenting and just sending it, I’ve found myself with final design pieces that I never imagined I could achieve.

What inspires your design aesthetic?

I’m a huge fan of minimalism. I love clean designs with negative spaces. In my submission, I had mentioned that I had found myself returning to Japan numerous times as I was such a fan of their design aesthetic. Design in Japan is something really special and you can notice their aesthetic carries through their fashion, architecture and essentially their everyday life.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

Just Send It. It’s a bit of a cliche, but you’re your own worst critic! Pick out your strengths, and make them shine! I still find myself struggling with second-guessing and thinking my work isn’t good enough, but a lot of the time you really just have to just pick a direction, and send it. And if that doesn’t work, pick another direction and send it again.

Nicola Cook, 2021 Half Scholarship Student

Job prior to Shillington?

Fashion Designer

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing? I’ve been working in the Fashion industry for over a decade, mainly as a Kidswear Designer but I’ve also done Homeware design too. I created collections for Boys and Girls, from the age of newborn to teen and designed across all product categories. I’ve mainly worked in-house for brands but after a big relocation, I struggled to find work and was doing jobs on a freelance basis then the pandemic hit, work dried up and I actually lost a full-time role that I was offered which I was really gutted about. However, during the lockdown, I started a creative project which then turned into my little business selling art prints, stationery and apparel which I’m still doing today.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

I had been contemplating changing careers for a few years and I’ve always loved graphic design and I was curious about UX too. So when I found the course at Shillington which covered everything it was exactly what I was looking for. Time was also another big reason as I had already got a degree a lonnnng time ago and I didn’t feel like I had the time to do it all over again. I looked at the work of previous students and I was blown away by the standard produced in such a short amount of time.

Tell us about your creative scholarship submission.

I knew I wanted to somehow combine my past life working as a fashion designer with my future life becoming a graphic designer. I had the idea for me to have a makeover in a fashion magazine where graphic design and fashion meet perfectly and I knew that I wanted to draw as it is one of my strengths. Each item that was a part of my ‘new look’ either represented what it would mean to me to win the scholarship or why I wanted to study at Shillington.

How did it feel when you won?

I was over the moon!!! I screamed I cried, I was so so happy! After a tough couple of years, it was the best news and a big confirmation that I was making the right decision changing careers.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about studying at Shillington?

Do it! If it’s already on your mind there is a reason why it is and if you’re still unsure, just reach out to previous students or even talk to the Experience team.

Do you think the skills you learned during the course prepared you for the design industry?

Definitely! As well as all of the essential technical skills you really get a solid understanding of the design process and principles and then you apply everything that you’ve learnt by answering a variety of briefs and under super tight deadlines giving you a real taste of what it’s like in the industry.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – no question is a silly one and your teachers are there to support and guide you. Also, use “The Guide” it’s such a fantastic resource to keep referring back to and go over again what you’ve learnt. It’s all in the practice.

What inspires your design aesthetic?

Sooo many things! I’m always drawn to colour and I’m constantly taking pictures of interesting combinations everywhere I go. I love Abstract and Op art too which have always been a big inspiration.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

Your story is your magic superpower and what makes you unique, dive into that and explore all the different ways you can tell it in a creative way.

Layla Wynne, 2021 Half Scholarship Student

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

I was working in the hospitality industry as a bartender.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

I had finished my degree in Film and TV Production in 2018 and after some travel, I started to discover graphic design. I always knew I wanted to work in something creative but Film and Television wasn’t my passion. I began researching and learning more about graphic design and eventually saved up for a MacBook so that I could self-learn the programmes.  I had discovered Shillington in 2019 through a Google search and attended an Info Session in the New York school, it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for; a short time frame and production of high-quality work. I knew I didn’t want to study anywhere else.

Tell us about your creative scholarship submission?

I decided to create a video entry documenting the journey of my relationship with creativity from the start of my life all the way through to the present day. I explained how I came to discover that I wanted a career in design and that Shillington was the obvious choice in making that happen and would be the next stepping stone in my life. I put a lot of time and effort into my video. I didn’t have a clear plan of what I wanted to create but it just came together by itself bit by bit. I think I spent 29 hours in total on a two-minute video. I missed out on a lot of rare Irish sunshine that week but was well worth it.

How did it feel when you won?

I started crying and felt so overwhelmed, shocked and happy. It was something I wanted so bad as I knew Shillington would be difficult to obtain without it.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about studying at Shillington?

I would say if you were like me and considered it for quite some time, just do it. It’s something that is very fulfilling and you won’t regret it.

Do you think the skills you learned during the course prepared you for the design industry?

Yes, I believe so. There are a lot of aspects that we are taught about that give us an edge I have noticed. Such as the high quality and standards we are held to, the intense time frame that we are taught to work in and how practical the course is with relation to the similarity to working life in a studio. We only learned things that we need to know.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?

Soak it all in, give it your all and enjoy every moment as it feels like a fever-dream when it’s over and you will miss it dearly.

What inspires your design aesthetic?

My design aesthetic is largely based on whether or not my work makes me smile and feel happy. I love bold, strong and modern designs but I feel my aesthetic changes a lot depending on different inspirations and how I am feeling.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

Do whatever feels right for you. Make it your own with your own interests and personality. Make sure whatever you create that when you finish it you feel proud and happy of it even if you weren’t to win you know you would still be proud of your creation because you gave it your best.

Anything else you would like to add?

Begin any homework briefs as soon as possible or else you will be spending your whole Saturday in a coffee shop.

Brianne Coglon, 2021 Half Scholarship Student

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

I actually applied to Shillington during my first year of working as a UX designer at Shopify. Prior to this, I was an office manager at Shopify, and prior to that, I was a nurse (I’ve taken a very windy path!). When Shillington started, I was 9 months into a marketing UX design role on the brand and audience expansion team at Shopify. During those 9 months, I was already provided the opportunity to work on brand identity, illustration, print and packaging for various projects. As a self-taught designer, I feel very fortunate that my team at Shopify saw my potential and talent and have trusted me creatively within projects.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

I’ve always loved being creative and making things but was encouraged to follow my interest in science following high school. During my career as a nurse I realized I lacked a passion that I was craved in a career. After joining Shopify as an office coordinator, I was exposed to design and soon became obsessed.

Since I’m currently working in a design role, I wanted an intensive and effective course to fill in some foundational gaps developed from being a self-taught designer. I was first drawn to Shillington from their Instagram, showcasing amazing work from past students. The work from Shillington looked modern, confident and bold. Before applying, I did a lot of research on the course – reading the blog, contacting the Shillington experience team, and talking to graduates. Needless to say, I was impressed and decided to finally apply.

Tell us about your creative scholarship submission?

I wrote out my ‘story’ (ex-nurse to designer), and in each section of the narrative, I assigned different emotions. I then had my partner (what a helpful guy) take photos of me expressing these emotions—smiling, laughing, frowning, thinking. After that, I edited the photos into different duotone colors and created a montage video with a voiceover. I’ve never created a montage video before, so it was fun to put together (though I always feel cringe hearing my voice recorded).

How did it feel when you won?

I felt great! It also helped solidify that applying was the right decision. I had followed Shillington for at least a year before applying, but had hummed and hawed since I was already moving into a design career and didn’t know if it was “necessary”. Additionally, the program is an investment, and paying for more schooling felt daunting. Winning the scholarship was such an amazing opportunity and really helped push me to extend my education in design.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about studying at Shillington?

Do your research! Look at the blog, reach out to Shillington, and chat with graduates (I reached out to someone on LinkedIn). And follow your gut. I would ask opinions from others about whether I should apply or not, but no matter the answer, I always had a gut feeling that I wanted to take the course.

Do you think the skills you learned during the course prepared you for the design industry?

Absolutely. Coming into the program with design experience, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I was challenged throughout the course. The course is fairly fast-paced and is focused on hands-on work, which keeps you on your toes. It provided the structure and program-specific knowledge that I was looking for, and also reinforced a strong design process.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Shillington, what would it be?

Don’t compare yourself to others! There are so many different types of people in this program, with different backgrounds, and different starting off points. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ll make – so focus on learning and pushing yourself creatively.

What inspires your design aesthetic?

So many things! Culture, nature, other designers, my mood. I love playful design, especially when it incorporates illustrations and bright colors.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

Challenge yourself to think outside the box and be authentic. If you’re truly passionate about design and are ready for the challenge, that will shine through your application.

DEADLINE: 28 June, 5pm. Find out more and apply today! 

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