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Watch Kirsten McColl’s Shillington Portfolio


Before Shillington, Kirsten McColl had no design experience—she studied International Affairs and Spanish at Florida State University, taught abroad as an ESOL teacher and worked as an community organizer. Since graduating from the Shillington design course in New York and currently working as a designer in New York City. 

What were you up to before Shillington?

I had been all over the place since finishing undergrad, most recently I was abroad for over a year teaching English and traveling in South Korea and other parts of Asia.

Graphic design was an interest and a hobby for years. I decided it was finally time to make it a priority so I could be in a job that I felt passionately about.

When I researched certificate programs, Shillington had great reviews and I knew NYC was the place I wanted to be for the field.

What was your favorite brief during the course? 

The packaging brief was probably my favorite because I got to dream up this whole brand and product that I’d actually want to see on shelves. Also, it involved working with physical materials, rather than just being on the computer.

What would you say to someone who is skeptical about the Shillington course?

Shillington was 100% worth it to me because portfolios that come out of it are remarkable.

I feel a million times more confident applying for jobs and going into interviews.

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

You’ll only get as much out of the course and you put into it. Work your ass off!

Thanks to Kirsten for sharing her Shillington story! Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.

Want to kickstart your creative career? Study design 3 months full-time or 9 months part-time at Shillington in New York, London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane –> shillingtoneducation.com

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