What industry thinks: Frost*collective

In our series ‘What Industry Thinks of Shillington’ we reached out to creative industry brains to ask them what they think of our driven, talented and amazing graduates. We hear from creative directors and senior designers, to get an insider view into why they hired our Shillumni and what it’s like to have them on the team.

We sat down with Anthony Donovan, Group Creative Director at Frost*collective about his Shillington hire and some great career advice for recent graduates and junior designers looking to take that next step in their career.

You review many portfolios on a daily basis. Can you tell us what stands out for you?

IDEAS! The good folios shine because of them. The briefs and projects help too. Shillington grads seem to be more aligned to the real world than other colleges.

What's your experience been working with Shillington grads?

In recent memory it’s been Johnny Boardman, Benny Hinman and Abbey Swinn—we love them all, so it wouldn’t be fair to single one out. All have come into our studio hungry to contribute and learn.

Do you think the quality of Shillington portfolios met a standard expected from studios hiring designers?

Yes, absolutely.

Are there any tips you could give to grads going to interviews?

Interviews are a chemistry check. Can we work with this person, and are we the right fit for them? It’s about getting to know as much as possible about someone in 30 minutes. We like to hear their story and the story and process behind the work—so it’s best to come prepared!

And what do you expect to see from an applicant? Any key skills you look for?

Original ideas brought to life with beautifully crafted design! It’s also a big help to have an ‘and’. Design ‘and’ animation abilities, or design and UI etc.

Want to work as a designer in the creative industry? Find more industry wisdom in our archives and learn more about Shillington’s three month full-time and nine month part-time online courses.