Our
Students

Where do you work?
I work for a watch and jewellery company called Timepieces International, based in North London.

What is your role?
I'm an In-house Graphic Designer/Product Photographer.

Did you feel confident about entering the design industry after you graduated?
Yes, I did. You have to just go for it! It is a competitive industry, but if you're confident and passionate you will succeed.

What were you doing before the course?
I completed a degree in film and television production. I was also freelancing as a cameraman and working for a footwear company to make ends meet.

Why did you decide to do the course?
I have always enjoyed design. Both my parents were graphic designers, so it's kind of in the blood.

Having been really into street art and photography, I was after a career path that would satisfy my creative needs and provide a salary! Doing the course at Shillington was a great opportunity to get me up to speed in this field and learn a whole new pallet of skills.

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the course?
I took away many valuable things from Shillington. I learnt to operate InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop to an industry standard and also graduated with a portfolio that I was proud to show clients.

There was a particular brief that involved designing a watch advert. During this brief I learnt how to colour objects, retouch one of my photographs and put the pen tool into practice. It was this portfolio piece that helped to get me the job at Timepieces International and I now use these skills on a daily basis!

Where do you see yourself in 12 months?
The job I have now involves the two things I am most passionate about - photography and graphic design. I still love logo and type design, but I'm really getting into watch photography and retouching.

Although my interests are still developing, I am happy concentrating on these areas for the next year and working on personal projects in my spare time.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It is really satisfying to see your work printed, especially in glossy magazines such as Maxim and Esquire. So much design these days stays digital. It's nice to have something you can actually hold and keep. For me it has always been about getting the work seen. I enjoy knowing thousands of people will see my work in a magazine or catalogue.

But at the end of the day, the client is the most important person. If they're happy then I am happy!