#FridayFive with Shillington Design Teacher Deepa Shanbhag

Inspiration can come from anywhere. So, on the first Friday of each month, we’re sharing some of our Shillington team’s favourite things from the past four weeks. This month, Shillington New York Teacher Deepa Shanbhag shares what was on her radar in October.

1. To Follow: Lili Hayes

Lili Hayes is a woman seemingly living her life to the fullest, with her son by her side. The two make a lot of videos of Hayes dressing up and recreating popular bits from pop culture whether it be album covers or a scene from a cartoon. Highly recommend if you like laughing.

2. To Read: Trust No Aunty by Maria Qamar

Trust No Aunty by Maria Qamar is an old favorite of mine for a couple of reasons. 1) It’s a humorous take on how to navigate life with overbearing aunties (not restricted to blood relatives, in this case) and 2) It’s a perfect example of one of my favorite phenoms: pop culture mashups. In this case, she creates illustrations based on melodramatic South Asian soap operas but in the style of Roy Lichtenstein.

3. To Go Stay Home: Brownie Points for You

I’m a homebody, so I really like decorating my apartment. I decorate my walls with pieces not found at big box stores so I sometimes I have to scour the internet for art. Brownie Points for You is a store that sells all kinds of goods made by Rinny Perkins. Her prints are brightly colored with a 70s vibe design wise, and feature copy like “Don’t Sit On My Bed In Your Outside Clothes” and “I Can’t Believe It’s Not A Relationship”. Definite conversation starters.

4. To Listen: Song Exploder

Song Exploder is as a podcast and a show on Netflix. Each episode focuses on how a popular song was created—from the idea, to the production, to the reaction after it was out in the world. It’s a great listen if you’re anything like me and enjoy listening to talented people talking about the things they are passionate about/made.

5. Wildcard: I May Destroy You

I will sing the praises of Michaela Coel for the rest of my life. She’s a fantastic storyteller that grounds all her work in authenticity supported by nuance. I became a fan years ago when I watched Chewing Gum and couldn’t stop laughing. This summer I watched her latest work—I May Destroy You—and was absolutely floored by how she seamlessly weaved a true tale on a heavy subject with such grace and realness and the surprising touches of humor. If I were to ever write, her work would be the example I follow.

Take a look back at what’s been inspiring our team over the last two years! And for some drool-worthy visuals from our Shillington students, read 16 handmade album covers and 14 app designs.