Elle Bentley—Designer at Smudge Eats

Two months after graduating from Shillington Melbourne, Elle Bentley kickstarted her dream design career at Smudge Eats, a culinary directory for finding places to eat and drink in Australia. Today on the blog, she talks about tackling the art direction and design of a 400 page book, her favourite design websites and why Shillington is one of the best things she’s ever done.

After graduation you started working as a designer at Smudge Eats. Tell us about landing your dream job!

After Shillington finished up, I was lucky enough to take part in a internship program at Smudge Eats, a culinary travel publisher. I was excited to have an opportunity to put myself out there in the design world and be able to work along side a great team of like minded people. After the internship finished up I was lucky enough to be offered a full time poison!

I still pinch myself that I get paid to do what I love every day!

What do you love about being a designer?

There is always something exciting to look forward to, design inspiration is everywhere!

What have you been working on lately? 

We have just finished up working on ‘The Wellness Book Victoria’. This was a big learning experience, working as team to take initial ideas and turning into a beautiful 400 page printed book. During this project I was also responsible for art directing and styling a photo shoot for a bunch of products that are featured in the book – This was overwhelming but very rewarding. I was so thrilled to able to have take on this responsibility in my first month of work!

Smudge Eats Photography by Kaitlyn Wilton.

What do you enjoy about the Melbourne creative scene?

The Melbourne Creative scene is actually really friendly – after finishing up Shillington and beginning the job hunt I reached out to a bunch of Melbourne Studios and Creatives. I was so grateful for the advise and time these people offered me, whether it be a chat over coffee about my portfolio or just a friendly email reply.

Any go-to creative resources?

Pinterest!!!! I also have a ever growing list of blogs that I constantly keep my eye on. Top three favourites would be The Design Files, New Zealand Design Blog and Mind Sparkle Mag.

You were already working in design when you decided to study at Shillington. What made you venture back to the classroom?

My decision to venture back into the classroom was after working in the design field, I felt like a tiny fish in a very big pond.

I knew I needed to upskill quickly to be able to start doing what I love as a career and have the confidence to do.

What were your favourite things about the course?

The classroom set up like a real working studio environment and being treated as ‘designers’ not students was one of many of my favourite things about the course.

What’s the biggest lesson you learnt?

To be organised and have a plan of attack—his will get you a long way and save you a lot of stress!

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

Ask as many questions as you need to and use every minute wisely your three months in the classroom will fly by!

Big thanks to Elle for sharing her story. Check out her website and keep an eye on Smudge Eats to see more of her work.