Meet Kristin Pasating

Kristin Pasating is a California-born, New York-based graphic designer. She graduated from #shillony back in 2014, and was featured as a 2015 Student to Watch by GDUSA Magazine. Kristin has freelanced across industries, but now she’s working in-house at Nickelodeon as a digital designer.

Today we learn more about her creative journey, hear why Shillington suited her better than art school and get a glimpse into her life as a designer in New York City.

How did it feel to be named one of GDUSA Magazine’s Students to Watch for 2015?

Being included in the feature was such an exciting and humbling experience. To have people reach out with words of encouragement or wishing to work together is such an incredible feeling. I was definitely a little nervous about it, but the first message I received was from another designer who just wanted to say hello and great work. It was such a kind gesture that set off a really positive experience and it also gave me a little confidence boost!

What have you been up to since graduation?

After graduation I started freelancing. There are so many diverse opportunities out there for designers and I wanted to explore all of them! I’ve worked for a magazine publishing company, on various branding and identity projects and currently work at Nickelodeon as a digital designer.

What were you up to before studying? 

Before I found out about Shillington I was actually studying Graphic Design at another art school. I had been there for two years already and was just completely unsatisfied with the program. It was very slow and I felt like my time was spent more on random classes and “filling requirements” than actually studying design or creating anything. 

I loved that the course was only three months and focused completely on design. At first it sounded a little too good to be true but once I saw examples of student work I was sold. I also really liked that the course was structured more like a studio and students were treated more like junior designers receiving real briefs.

How has your life changed since graduation?

Shillington completely changed my life! When I found out about the course, I had actually been thinking about dropping out of art school because I felt like I was wasting my time and money. I was spending more time on math homework and history papers than anything creative. I had teachers who were jaded and not passionate anymore—which caused me to lose sight of my passion and my drive. I just wasn’t where I needed to be. Studying at Shillington pulled me out of that rut and got me excited again. I was finally in an environment full of creativity where I was encouraged to thrive. Now I’m doing what I love and having the best time doing it!

What do you love about being a designer?

I love that what we create as designers intertwines into everyone’s lives whether they are aware of it or not.

I also love that no two days are the same and that there’s no end to how much you can grow. Every project, every job, every client is different. Some days you have an endless flow of inspiration and creativity and some days you don’t. But each day is a learning experience and an opportunity to be better.

What did you like about studying—and now working as a designer—in New York City?

The energy! It’s hard to sit around and do nothing when there is so much to do and so much going on around you. I feel like you constantly have to test yourself here and push yourself harder because everything moves so fast and there are a bunch of other people who want the same thing you do.

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

Have fun and take risks! Don’t just do what everyone else is doing and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes an accident or a mistake can lead to something great.

Thank you to Kristin for sharing her story! Check out her website and follow her on Instagram to see more of her work.

Want to follow in Kristin’s footsteps? Time is running out—enrol now to study full-time or part-time in New York City—classes start 21st September!