Our
Students

Where do you work?
Happiness Brussels. At the recent European Championship of Advertising we were ranked no.1 agency in Belgium for the fourth year in a row and for the second year in a row we appeared in the top 10 of highest-ranked independent agencies in the world.

What is your role?
I'm a Junior Graphic Designer.

What do you love about being a designer?
I love how I look at the world in a different way since completing the course, like everything is a source of inspiration.
I feel like I've discovered a whole new world, not only graphic design, but I've also learned to truly appreciate related fields such furniture or fashion.

When did you graduate from Shillington?
May 2010 after studying the three month course.

What area were you working in before the course?
I graduated as a Master in Communication in 2009 and worked a short time as an Account Manager.

Did you have any design experience before the course?
No, none at all.

Why did you decide to do the course?
Giving briefings to graphic designers was my favourite part of my time as Account Manager and I always felt that I actually wanted to do something creative. As I had already studied for four years I didn't want to study for that length of time again. That's how I found Shillington.

What was the most valuable thing you took away from Shillington?
The mindset of being a graphic designer: to work very hard and always look for a solution instead of giving up but also to enjoy the process and to appreciate all the great design out there. When I take a brief at work I go through the process as we were taught at college, including making a moodboard.

How did you find the environment, facilities and teaching?
Everything was fantastic but I would say the best thing was the teachers. They really prepared us for how it was going to be in 'the real world' and really encouraged us to push ourselves.

How confident did you feel about entering the design industry after you graduated?
I was nervous just because this whole world was new to me. However, one of the greatest things I took from Shillington is being able to see what good design is and why. I think it's one of the most important skills a designer should have.

How long did it take you to secure a job?
It was a couple of months as I had studied the course in Australia before returning to my native country, Belgium.
I actually got the job thanks to the network of friends I had made during my time at Shillington and also the advice of the teachers.
A month after the course ended the old class got together and went for drinks. One of my old classmates, Elisha, said that an agency in Brussels was looking for someone.
I sent them an email right away and when I got back to Belgium I had a reply asking me to come in for an interview. It went really well but it was over quite quickly and I didn't hear from them for a month. I remembered how we learned about looking for a job at Shillington and sent them just a casual email which I hoped would jog their memory. A couple days later they asked me in for my second interview and here I am!
I definitely think it's important not to lose faith. If you look hard enough for a job you will find one.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The coolest thing for me is just to see that I am creating things that are actually real!

Where do you see yourself 12 months from now?
Honestly, I have no idea. All I know is that I will work hard and it will be fun!!!