Our
Students

Where do you work?
I work at a small graphic design studio in Brisbane called Metara Empresa. Working in an environment that small is great because I get to work on all aspects of each project from conception to completion.

What is your role?
I am a junior to mid-weight Graphic Designer. I work creating concepts in collaboration with my Creative Director, putting all the designs together, and working with printers in preparing and organising the printing of jobs.I work on an array of things ranging from large corporate branding projects that may involve annual reports and web design to working on small business projects that may require some business cards and brochures.

What do you love about being a designer?
I love that each project is so different and each client has such different briefs. No two jobs are ever the same.

When did you graduate from Shillington?
I graduated from the full time course in August 2010.

What area were you working in before the course?
I was a commerical interior designer for 5 years.

Why did you decide to study at Shillington?
I collaborated with various graphic designers during the design process of some of my commercial interior design projects and I thought that their job looked appealing and thought it would be great to do that sort of work myself.

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
Learning techniques for managing my time effectively since deadlines are very tight in the real world!

How did you find the environment, facilities and teaching?
It was just like working in a studio. The design processes undertaken in the classes are exactly what I do day to day. The facilities were top notch and I felt very equiped for using the programs once I started work. The teaching was fabulous. The lecturers are there every step of the way and the amount of one on one time was great for nurturing us budding designers!

How confident did you feel about entering the design industry after you graduated?
I felt quite confident that I could tackle a wide range of briefs and use all the programs.

How long did it take you to secure a job?
I started work exactly one month after I graduated. I was lucky enough to have been offered a job after my first interview.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I don't think I could pick just one. I get a buzz each time something I've worked on comes back from the printers!

Where do you see yourself 12 months from now?
I see myself working my way up into a more senior role and taking on larger projects with a bit less guidance from my Creative Director.

Any advice for aspiring designers out there?
Put every bit of effort that you can into your folio. It really is the key to scoring that dream job. I applied for a mid-weight designers role and due to the strength of my folio I was offered a job over designers that had a few years experience but had folio that didn't have much effort put into it.