Why Did You Choose Design? Hear From Our 2021 Scholarship Students

We’ve just launched our exciting 2022 Diversity in Design scholarship opportunities—open to aspiring designers from underrepresented groups.

It’s time to follow your creative dreams—but how do you know if you really want to study design? Our 2021 scholarship students share with us how they knew they wanted to pursue a creative career.

Emily Toaza, 2021 Half Scholarship Student

Job prior to Shillington?

eCommerce Coordinator

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing

If my scholarship entry is anything to go by, I was having a bit of a quarter-life crisis… In the last 5 years, I studied in Chile, interned in Spain and picked up DJing and ceramics! I mostly worked random jobs so I could keep traveling but since keeping my feet grounded, I’ve spent most of my time working in the arts and not-for-profit spaces.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

I’m incredibly passionate about arts and culture and the power creative spaces have to propel positive change. I wanted to contribute in a better way but lacked the digital skills necessary and the state of our weird world, only elucidated the idea further.

I knew I needed to upskill and I was blown away by the standard of work produced at Shillington. Shillington was actually recommended to me by a friend and the deeper I delved into the archives and testimonies, the more connected I felt to the people and shared similar experiences. Design is a universal language and I wanted the option to travel and work anywhere in the world still doing something I enjoy.

How did it feel when you won?

I was absolutely elated! I couldn’t believe I won. It was the first time I was able to express myself authentically and wholeheartedly so it was a rewarding feeling knowing it was well received. It also boosted my confidence and reassured me of my decision to embark on this creative journey.

Do you think the skills you’re learning during the course are preparing you for the design industry?

Undoubtedly! It’s remarkable to think about how much I’ve learnt in such a short time. My classmates and I are already at the point we’re feeling confident enough to start marketing our skills. It’s been so nice seeing everyone grow each week.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

I know it’s an overworked phrase but be your true, authentic self and let your personality shine through. Create something you’re passionate about and talk about the things that really mean something to you.

Anything else you would like to add?

Shillington has been one of the best education experiences—I’m truly grateful for my wonderful teachers and classmates. It’s such a positive and nurturing environment and I’m forever thankful for the opportunity.

Mishalia Birch, 2021 Half Scholarship Student 

Job prior to Shillington:

Marketing Manager

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

Pre-Shillington I was working in marketing and responsible for developing marketing and communication strategies to promote key services, build brand engagement and deliver events. Since then I’ve transitioned into a Government and Public Relations role working with business units across the organisation to manage strategic approaches to government.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

Graphic design has always been a skill I’ve wanted to learn. Even in my previous reporting roles I’ve always looked for ways to present large sets of complex data in a more visual and digestible way.

Once I’ve built up my technical skills and experience I’d love to eventually own my own creative studio, specialising in culturally appropriate communication and design that is inclusive of Torres Strait Islander narratives. One of the main reasons I was so eager to study at Shillington was seeing the incredible standard of student work produced after only a few short months. I’m currently half way through the course and have been blown away by how much I’ve learnt already!

How did it feel when you won?

I went through a whole rollercoaster of emotions! After seeing the winning submissions from previous years I honestly didn’t think I’d get a look-in and dismissed any notion that I’d get a call. I hadn’t demonstrated any design ability in my application. A few days later I did my interview with Shillington and was given it on the spot. It was a huge validating moment for me.

Do you think the skills you’re learning during the course are preparing you for the design industry?

Absolutely. Shillington is no joke, be prepared to get put to work! It’s so much more than just learning a few design programs. The teachers are intentionally rotated to give you exposure to different ways of thinking about and approaching design, you are taught to break down the design process, establish an effective workflow, identify gaps in client briefs, ideate SUPER fast, think strategically about design and so much more.

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

Stay organised! Currently we have about four design projects on the go at any one time with a new brief given to us every week. Sometimes the workload can get a bit overwhelming! Staying on top of things, saving and naming files properly, keeping all your notes and thumbnails in one place, having a folder of go-to resources etc means less time spent worrying about the little things and more time for getting your briefs done.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

Don’t overthink it. Be genuine, let your personality shine through and have fun with it!

Lizzie Riach, 2021 Half Scholarship Student 

Job prior to Shillington?

I was a Marketing Manager for a medium-sized agency.

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

Before Shillington I did a biology degree, Science Media Masters, then spent 4 years working my way up in the marketing industry to become a manager. My role was to grow the team revenue, optimise ad spend, make creatives & write copy to make the ads perform better. I’d used a bit of Photoshop & After Effects to create ads, but had never learned shortcuts properly.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

Even through my science degree & full-time job, I never gave up drawing, printing or doing odd design jobs for friends—I’d even started an art club at work to share my love of making things.

During the pandemic, I realised that I’d never be truly satisfied until I worked full-time in the creative industry. Shillington seemed like the best way to lay that foundation, and I was blown away by the high standard of portfolio.

How did it feel when you won?

It was amazing! It gave me a confidence boost that I was making the right decision, as well as relief on the cost side. It was also just nice that someone other than my mum actually appreciated my work…

Do you think the skills you learned during the course prepared you for the design industry?

For sure. The Adobe skills are one thing—you learn all the tips, tricks and shortcuts that you need to work efficiently under time pressure. However it’s the emphasis on concept, research and breaking down the brief that I think prepares you to show workings behind ideas that make this course special. Ultimately, this is what you need to succeed in the industry—conceptual understanding rather than just ‘make this look pretty’.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

I’d say your submission should really be a reflection of your personality. Tell your story the way you want to. It’s scary being such an open brief, but it’s also a chance for you to learn something new, or challenge yourself with an idea that’s a bit out there. Also just start early so you’re not stressed by the deadline!

Natalia Romero, 2021 Half Scholarship Student 

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

Prior to Shillington, I had dropped out of college the year before and was working full-time at a bagel shop. Most of my days were spent working but I made sure to pour the rest of my time into my many interests to try to figure out what I wanted to do. This included film, photography, reading, writing, drawing, and learning new languages. It was during this confusing period of time in my life that I found Shillington and it became clear to me that design was what I was looking for.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

I’ve always been fascinated by art and its many mediums but doubted myself and my abilities too much to genuinely consider becoming a designer. That was until I came across Shillington and saw all the amazing work past students made in just a few months and the wonderful things they had to say about the course.

Several students also didn’t have any previous design experience but still ended up creating designs just as incredible as the rest of the students in their class. This made me realize just how much I had wanted to become a designer & how excited I was at the prospect of taking Shillington’s online course. It pushed me to put all my worries aside and apply!

How did it feel when you won?

I honestly didn’t expect anything once I submitted my application. After looking at a bunch of past submissions on Shillington’s website, they were all so great that I think I subconsciously assumed I wouldn’t win. I was truly shocked when I found out I did! Not only was I ecstatic to be granted the opportunity to attend Shillington’s online program at half-price, but I was also incredibly relieved. Without the scholarship, I would’ve had to work through another semester to be able to afford to take this course. I wanted to attend Shillington as soon as possible so I’m very grateful I was given the means to take my first step in becoming a designer.

Do you think the skills you learned during the course prepared you for the design industry?

Yes absolutely! As I’m writing this, I still have three months left in the program and I already know I’ll feel prepared to enter the design industry when I graduate. Doing so would be completely nerve-racking and I still have so so much to learn, but I’m not worried so much about it anymore. I’m confident in my understanding of design principles and all the technical skills I’ve acquired during my time at Shillington and I’m certain I have the resources to get better with practice and hone my skills even further in the future. I feel fully-equipped with the tools I need to advance as designer and I can’t believe I feel this way when I remember how lost I was trying to design a poster on Photoshop last year without having a clue where to start. Kind of mind-blowing just thinking of how much I’ve improved since then!

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

Try to put as much of yourself into it as possible! I feel like that should really be your priority: to make your submission feel like a kind of digital introduction to who you are in a sincere and imaginative way. Best of luck!

Dougal Grey, 2021 Half Scholarship Student

What were you up to before Shillington and what kind of work were you doing?

I’ve always enjoyed doing lots of different things simultaneously. I’m a music producer and performer; a private tutor and mentor; and I used to be a strategist at an advertising agency in London.

Why did you want to study design and what made you decide on Shillington?

During the pandemic, the live music industry practically shut down for over a year. Similarly, the advertising industry faced a crisis of its own and I lost my job. It felt like an appropriate time to try something new.

I made a long list of things that I value across my different interests and realised that design played a role in all of them.

We released an album over lockdown and a talented designer (Fred Trevor) created the artwork and general aesthetic. He studied at Shillington and I became uncontrollably envious of his skills. I really have him to thank for encouraging me to take the leap.

Tell us about your creative scholarship submission. 

I wrote a song called Ode to Shillington which I sincerely hope never sees the light of day.

How did it feel when you won?

Happy and confused in equal measure.

Do you think the skills you are learning during the course prepared you for the design industry?

I’m yet to graduate and take over the design industry, but I can say that I feel I have so many different options ahead of me.

We’re opening up our half-scholarships again this year, what advice would you say to someone working on their scholarship application?

Find something that makes you unique and run with it. Honestly, if my song could win it, then anything is possible. Genuinely.

DEADLINE: 28 June, 5pm. Find out more and apply today!