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Meet the Shillumni Panelists for the 2021 Diversity in Design Scholarship!

We’re so thrilled to have launched our new and exciting 2021 Scholarship opportunities! When gathering a selection panel for our Diversity in Design Full Scholarship + Mentorship, we thought who better to get on board than people who have studied at Shillington themselves.

Read on to hear from our 2021 Shillumni Panelists from New York (Catherine Addo and Nneka Njoku), London (Inez Padiachy) and Sydney (Lucy Zhang and Darsh Seneviratne)—check out what they’ve been up to since Shillington, their experience studying with us—hear what they’re looking for in an application and what Diversity in Design means to them.

1. Catherine Addo #ShilloNYC

Let’s start with a bit of Shillington history. When and where did you study at and can you tell us about your time at Shillington?

I studied in NYC from 2014 to 2015. I originally enrolled because I was:

1) doing marketing at a music startup with no creative support to make assets that I was really proud of, and
2) having a ball experimenting in Illustrator, designing things like flyers or invitations for myself and my friends.

Another Shillumni with a similar background to mine had sung the praises of the school, and I followed in his footsteps. I am so glad that I did! It was an amazing experience. Every single class was illuminating and inspiring, and it was so affirming to go from an abstract interest and “knack” for design to learning how to develop an eye, use programs, and develop concepts. My instructors were thoughtful, helpful, and talented (those would be Tim Hucklesby and Michael Sharp, with plenty of moral support from Holly Karlsson). I also made one of my best friends through the class, who’s now a designer at Hearst.

Where are you working now? Where did your creative career take you—post Shillington?

I am working at a mission-driven agency called Purpose. The twist is that I am now on the Strategy side of the creative process! After my Shillington graduation, I continued designing all of the assets for the startup I worked for, even some album artwork and designs for our office in Tribeca. I also did some freelance branding and web design work. Over time, I realized how much I loved thinking through the positioning and conception that takes place just before the design process starts in earnest. So I took (another) leap and transitioned into strategy, which is amazing, because I get to be very hands-on in laying the foundation of a project, and then collaborate with a team of designers, copywriters, and developers on the other side to bring it to life.

As you know, we’re thrilled to have you on board. Can you tell us why you decided to apply to be a Shillumni Panelist?

I always appreciate how consistently and meaningfully Shillington cultivates community and knowledge-sharing opportunities for its alumni. It’s really impressive, and much appreciated. Over the past four years or so, a lot of my work has involved promoting racial equity in how brands and organizations approach everything from their programs to their creative content, so the fact that Shillington is also focused on diversity caught my attention and earned my respect.

What are you looking for in an application?

I have respect for these aspiring designers for just being who they are! It can be tough to navigate an industry when you’re trying to carry an entire worldview to the table with you, on top of just gaining your own foothold. So I’m rooting for all of them, in this process and beyond. For the written submission, I’ll be interested to see how the designers think about opportunity, whether it’s the literal opportunity they have in front of them through this scholarship, or a role they can see their work playing in the world if given the right platform. In terms of their creative submissions, I love ideas that are simple, yet strong. I also love when designs and storytelling are so thorough that they become immersive, where you get to experience all the little stones that the designer’s turned over– the textures, the movement, the space—

to bring you into the world they’ve created. To me, that means that the designer has both vision and attention to detail, which are important gifts to nurture in this work.

And finally, can you tell us what Diversity in Design means to you?

I think of the word ‘more’ — as in, more space, more platforms, more opportunity, and more recognition, for more people!

I also think of design authority and ‘legitimacy’ being expanded to include almost infinite lenses and contexts and expression of craft. I think of moving away from our default tastes and expectations to intentionally seek out new creatives and ideas in our daily lives.

And, I think a truly inclusive and equitable design culture will go beyond the aesthetics of diversity to set a new standard of fairness, so that whenever a reference or an artist or a movement or an asset is incorporated into someone’s work, the complete scope of contributors will be appropriately credited, compensated, and celebrated. Often, diverse creatives aren’t actually underrepresented in terms of who puts amazing work out into the world—they’re just under-compensated and under-empowered when it comes to the industries and systems that make doing so a sustainable and profitable practice.

2. Nneka Njoku #ShilloNYC

Let’s start with a bit of Shillington history. When and where did you study at and can you tell us about your time at Shillington?

I studied at Shillington New York from September 2019 – July 2020. Studying at Shillington was quite the journey- I started out working full time and attending class after work, and ended the program with a virtual graduation in the midst of the global lockdown. It was quite a whirlwind thinking back on it now and it’s honestly hard to remember all of the ups and downs in detail almost a year out. What I do know is that I’m so glad I took the chance to study at Shillington! I have no regrets.

Where are you working now? Where did your creative career take you—post Shillington?

I currently work at a global design studio called frog. Post Shillington, I went through a period of deep transformation along with the rest of the world.  With everyone at home and online, it was a very unique (to say the least) landscape to navigate, entering into the design world.  Shortly after graduation, I became a co-founder of a design studio called Penny Magic based in Minneapolis, MN (where I’m from, in part) and attempted to start freelancing.  A few months after graduation, I left my job in Communications to fully lean into a design career.  In between leaving my old job and starting at frog, I did a couple of freelance illustration gigs, learned a little bit about entrepreneurship through building Penny Magic (it’s hard!), and learned more about myself and what I want and need as a designer (community support and lots of rest being high on the list).

As you know, we’re thrilled to have you on board. Can you tell us why you decided to apply to be a Shillumni Panelist?

Thrilled to be here! I wanted to be a Shillumni Panelist because this program/scholarship is so needed.  As a Shillington partial scholarship recipient, I know that without it, I wouldn’t have been able to study at Shillington. Then, upon graduating from Shillington, I learned that in order to gain a solid footing in the design world, it’s very helpful to have a community of not just your peers, but also those who have come before you and have been through it. I found myself doing my best to find that community and mentorship on my own, virtually, with everything in flux. It was a lot.

The Diversity in Design program provides the two aspects- financial support and mentorship in one beautiful structure.  It’s something I would’ve loved to see when I first started this journey and I’m so happy that it exists for the BIPOC community now.  I knew that I wanted to be a part of building a resource that is so needed and beneficial to people who look like me that have so much to offer the design community at large.

What are you looking for in an application?

This is a really good question.  Upon reflecting on this, I’m looking for someone who has a good heart that shines through the application (as corny as that may sound).  There are so many talented people out there and design skills can be taught/learned so I’m looking for something beyond that- a person who is honest, earnest, cares deeply about the world, is passionate about how they can build a better one as a designer, and has a vision of how they can (or hope to) do so in their own unique way.

And finally, can you tell us what Diversity in Design means to you?

Diversity in Design means honoring and elevating many different world-views, perspectives, and cultures in the design landscape. It means collaborating and learning with and from people who think differently and live differently than the “standard” that has had such a hold over the industry for too long.

3. Inez Padiachy #ShilloLDN

Let’s start with a bit of Shillington history. When and where did you study at and can you tell us about your time at Shillington

I was part of the September London 2020 Full-time course. I loved every minute of Shillington, it was the first time I had been given the tools and encouragement to use my creativity for a purpose. It formed me as a designer and gave me the confidence to dive head first into the world of design.

Where are you working now? Where did your creative careers take you—post Shillington?

I’m currently working for a studio called Roundtable which has the desire to create beautiful work within a community that places a high value on relationship and work that positively impacts the world around us. It is a great fit for me not only as a designer but also as a person. My teachers at Shillington really encouraged me to find a studio that was the best fit for me, so even though that meant holding out for the right job and going freelance for a while I’m really glad I did. I also do lots of animations/illustrations when I have free time!

As you know, we’re thrilled to have you on board. Can you tell us why you decided to apply to be a Shillumni Panelist?

I’m half South African Indian, half English ( a bit of a mouthful I know!).

We moved to England when I was 11 and my academic background is in social sciences specialising in racial inequality and what it means to ‘belong’ so I’ve been passionate about diversity and its impact on society for a long time. Over my time at Shillington I saw how every designer’s unique experiences and personalities mould and shape each step of the design process.

I believe strongly that we need a diverse range of voices impacting our designs to create deeper, richer, powerful and more accessible design.

What are you looking for in an application?

I’m not looking for the finished product, that’s why you’re going to Shillington! But I do want to see personality, tell me what it really means to you, don’t just give us stock answers!

And finally, can you tell us what Diversity in Design means to you?

Diversity in design to me means showing up to the conversation, working to stop our industry from becoming an echo chamber and recognising that design holds power. We need to keep pushing for increased accessibility and giving each individual designer the tools to harness their creative voice because it’s so valuable – which is why this scholarship is so great!

4. Lucy Zhang #ShilloSYD

Let’s start with a bit of Shillington history. When and where did you study at and can you tell us about your  time at Shillington?

I studied part-time Mondays and Tuesdays at Shillington, Sydney, throughout 2020—mainly remote due to the  pandemic. When I look back on it, I realise it was an incredibly formative time because it’s essentially launched the  career change I wanted. I think I knew if I put my all into the course, it could lead somewhere, so I got pretty  obsessive working on the briefs (and because they were genuinely fun to work on). My teachers Olivia Chen and  Julia Stinson, and guest teacher Clare Terry, were amazing—they fostered a safe space where trial and error was  encouraged. I felt like I could try anything, and they would give me great feedback on whether something was or  wasn’t working. Their different design styles were complementary, so I experienced this rounded partnership guiding  me to do my best work. I lucked out with my class too—everyone was warm, supportive, and helped each other  out. Because we mutually wanted to make the most of the course, class momentum was high and I think we  achieved some pretty dope portfolios. PTMT 2020 represent!

Where are you working now? Where did your creative career take you—post Shillington?

I have just joined R/GA as a junior visual designer, which I’m very excited about as they work at an interesting  intersection between advertising, design and technology. I’ve started working on their Google account and I can’t  wait to get stuck into more projects. Post Shillington, I gradually transitioned out of my main role in digital media at  Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery. My first job was freelancing for podcast production agency The Peers Project, creating cover  art and motion for their brand collaborations, which has been invaluable client-facing experience. I ultimately  wanted a role at a studio so I emailed a list of my favourites with my portfolio attached. Fortunately, Love + Money  Agency replied, and after a successful interview they offered a two-month remote internship, which was paid  according to the Never Not Creative standards. I supported the team across all stages of their process, and got to  steer art direction for one of their projects. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with LAM as they are  exceptional at what they do and are really generous with their knowledge and time. The internship bolstered my  professional experience, so I was able to land a role at R/GA shortly afterwards.

As you know, we’re thrilled to have you on board. Can you tell us why you decided to apply to be a Shillumni Panelist?

I’ve been fortunate to receive a lot of help, advice and guidance from my Shillington teachers, my peers, and  creatives that I’ve worked/connected with. There’s a real sense of camaraderie in this industry, which feels great to  be apart of. I wanted the opportunity to pass on what I’ve learnt so far to a fellow creative starting on their journey.

Additionally, as I’ve gotten older it’s hit home how crucial it is to see diversity in the industries you aspire to work in.  Knowing that I share a similar background to others who are at the top of their game boosts my confidence in how  far I can go.
It was inspiring to have Olivia as my mentor in this sense. In a space where there aren’t many Asian  female designers at the forefront, she’s unapologetically herself and is doing incredible things.

I also felt Olivia could  inherently bring out what I was aiming to create, not only because of our similar sensibilities but because of our  mutual cultural experiences. I hope I can offer that kind of support and understanding from my experience as a queer POC designer.

What are you looking for in an application?

My advice is to write honestly and openly for your written responses, and play to your strengths in the creative  submission—chances are, you have a unique voice that you’ve been honing, and it’ll set you apart from the others.  Enthusiasm is also infectious, so a demonstrated willingness to learn and dive in is just as important.

And finally, can you tell us what Diversity in Design means to you?

Diversity in Design means more diverse representation in our industry, which I really want to see! It means more  voices being heard, a stronger community that can push for change, and inevitably more exciting movements in design at large. I also think it ultimately means a better cross-section of society in leadership positions, so we can have an industry that is truly accessible and speaks to/for everyone.

5. Darsh Seneviratne #ShilloSYD

Let’s start with a bit of Shillington history. When and where did you study at and can you tell us about your time at Shillington?

I studied 2019—2020 at Shillington Sydney.

Where are you working now? Where did your creative career take you—post Shillington?

I’m working at Canva as a designer within one of the education teams! It has been a whirlwind past half a year, first working with Canva as a contractor and then coming on board in a new full time role.

As you know, we’re thrilled to have you on board. Can you tell us why you decided to apply to be a Shillumni Panelist?

Diversity is crucial to the design industry in bringing fresh perspectives and expanded understanding to the table. This will promote creativity and open dialogue, which are really the cornerstones of the design industry. I wanted to get involved as a Diversity in Design advisor as I believe that I have the knowledge and empathy to consider multiple applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, and how their needs and requirements may differ. On a personal level, this opportunity would be one that I would tackle with enthusiasm; I’ve always felt our actions will instigate substantial change where words aren’t enough. Shillington is a dynamic and progressive institution and it’d be an honour to help shape future students and creative thinkers within the design industry. As a mentor I’d be able to support and nurture a budding designer, drawing on my own lived experiences as well as my own positive involvement with mentorship through my own Shillington teachers.

What are you looking for in an application?

I’m looking for an application that evokes emotion and tells a story. We all lead lives as complex and intricate as one another, and I think it is important to genuinely feel why an applicant thinks this scholarship is right for them.

And finally, can you tell us what Diversity in Design means to you?

Broader swathes of designers with newer, different ideas. Constantly evolving trends influenced by all aspects of culture and society.

Not long left! Deadlines for our 2021 September Scholarships close 19 July, so show us your passion for design and apply now!

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