Our
Students

Where do you work?
SoDUS

What are your roles?
We're Senior Graphic Designers.

When did you graduate from Shillington?
We both did the course together and graduated in August 2008.

How long did it take you to find work?
Jess: About two to three weeks after graduating.
Elisa: It took me two months. Jess hooked me up with a freelance gig at her work which turned into a full-time job.

What were you doing before the course?
Elisa: I was working as an Office Assistant at an accountants' office and then did a bit of traveling before I started the course.
Jess: I left High School in 2006 and spent some time working at a communications office in the accounts department.

Why did you decide to do the course?
Elisa: I loved being creative but I couldn't really work out how to turn it into a job.
A friend recommended the Shillington course to me and it sounded perfect! Exactly what I was looking for in a career.
Jess: I asked friends in the industry about what approach I should take to becoming a designer. I got a lot of good feedback about graduates from Shillington they had hired or interviewed. I knew if I wanted to get into the industry fast, and with all the skills I needed, Shillington's course was the go.

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
Jess: What I really took away from Shillington was good design practice, from concept to production. In terms of practical skills, the most valuable asset I got from Shillington was my knowledge of the programs and, in particular, the keyboard shortcuts. That stuff really saves time!
Elisa: For me it was the skills, inspiration and passion from the teachers. Their love for creativity and the passion they had for design shaped who I am as a designer.

How confident did you feel about entering the design industry after you graduated?
Elisa: I felt really confident. I knew I could do almost anything asked of me. The briefs that we did on the course were exactly like those required in the real world.
Jess: I also knew I was leaving with everything I needed and was confident in my skills and portfolio. It still didn't stop me feeling nervous though.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Elisa: So much! I love getting my work printed; brochures, company manuals, stationery. I designed a bus ad for one client. I love seeing the logos I've designed on winning horse silks or printed as signage.
Jess: It's a toss-up between getting to art direct my first Fitness First cover or designing the invitations and collateral for The Logies (Australian television industry awards). The latter was all done with gold foil and was my first job where the budget wasn't an issue as far as the printing was concerned. I also knew that all the Australian stars would be looking at my design. So exciting!