It's always interesting to see where interns and junior designers end up after their first few experiences working inside a 'real' design studio/agency. In this series we'll be catching up with designers and interns who have worked on various issues of Ligature Journal. Let's see what they've been up to!

Tell us about your background:

Who are you?

My name is Sabrina Carini and I'm a designer, cat enthusiast, creator and lover of the ocean.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Liverpool

How and why did you choose design as a career?

I was always trying to make things when I was younger. I remember spending late nights in my dad's garage spray painting, cutting and making an absolute mess. It wasn't until I was in my final year of high school that I realised I could actually have a creative career. I researched a bunch of different courses and found Billy Blue college of Design. It was was the best decision I've ever made and really solidified my decision to pursue a career in graphic design.

Was there a defining moment in your life that shaped you and your path as a designer? Tell us about it.

Working full time as a designer has taught me so much and has expanded my skills more than I could have imagined. At the same time it's made me realise that I really want to push myself further and pursue my own dreams.

Do you think where and how you grew up affects the work that you do? Why? Western Sydney isn't really known for having a creative community. But I do believe growing up there pushed me go out and explore a lot more. On the weekends I used to drive to the beach or to an entirely new location to seek inspiration. I was always searching for something new.

Tell us about your design education:

Where did you study? Why did you choose to study there, and what was it like?

I studied at Billy Blue College of Design. I was taught by incredible industry leaders who were passionate and always helpful, so I knew I'd always be looked after. It was an intense two years but I loved every second of it.

When did you graduate? I graduated in 2016

Were there other things that you did that influenced your growth as a designer during this time? (side hustles/personal projects/travel etc?)

I've always had side hustles, at the time I was illustrating and selling prints. I had my own website and Etsy store, I've always loved making and selling things.

Tell us about your emergence into the ‘real’ design world:

How did you find life after university/college? Did graduating ‘ready’ you for the real world?

I started working full time straight after uni. I was pretty eager to get my foot in the door and felt an immense pressure to find something right away. Looking back if I had my time again I probably would have taken some time off to figure my next steps. It's okay to take time to reflect on what you really want.

Where have you worked since you graduated? (doesn’t have to be just design studios)

When I was at uni I was working at Ripcurl in Sydey airport which was so much fun! then I went on to working at HOYTS cinemas as a designer which was also great…I got to watch movies basically for free! haha

Tell us about where you work now: what is it like and what do you do?

I work as a designer for Virgin Australia magazine. I focus on designing the magazine, researching and handling the print production. It's fast paced and has taught me a lot about the publishing industry.

Do you do any other design (related) work outside your day job?

I've had a shift in mindset recently and started working on my own clothing and swimwear brand called Her. I'm currently designing the patterns and sourcing manufacturers so I will hopefully have something launched next year which is pretty exciting.

Tell us about your dreams and aspirations:

What do you want your future as a designer to be?

I eventually would love to be living in Byron and working on Her full time. That's my dream!

If you could live the life of another creative person, who would it be and why?

Girl boss and photographer Caitlin Miers is so honest and real. She is someone I personally look up to and is a great representation of someone that supports women and creatives.

Finally, if you could share one piece of advice with a current design student, what would it be?

Don't feel pressured to jump into things straight away. Take some time and assess what really makes you happy.

Sabrina worked with us on Issue zero. You can get a copy of this issue from the Tiliqua Press store. Catch up with other design interns of LJ! Liam Carver