Cathy Sison
Art Director & Former Head of Teaching at Shillington NYC
Graphic designer, art director, and calligrapher based in Brooklyn, New York, Cathy is passionate about design, type, and photography. Born in the Philippines and raised in Australia, she is a perpetual explorer and world traveler. Cathy has worked with innovative game-changing brands, such as Thankyou, Frank Green, Lululemon and more. You can find her mentoring new designers or enjoying a quiet moment in a cafe, journaling her thoughts listening to Frank Ocean.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
Teaching design for four years has been incredibly fulfilling. Mentoring the next generation of designers inspires me deeply. I believe in giving back, as my mentors played a crucial role in shaping my career. I’m passionate about challenging the design industry to evolve and improve continually. Accessibility and inclusivity are essential in this journey. I’m committed to mentoring and contributing positively to the growth of the design community.
What was your journey and where are you headed in your career right now?
With over ten years of experience in graphic design and art direction, my career has been a journey of growth and learning. I started in a small agency in Melbourne, then moved on to work in branding design for Hairhouse and Thankyou. After that, I had the opportunity to teach graphic design in New York, where I eventually became Head of Teaching. In that role, I supported and guided both designers and students to help them achieve their goals.
Now, I’m excited to work on my own studio projects and create a platform to mentor junior designers. I believe that design education should be accessible to everyone, which is why I’m passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity. My goal is to create an environment where all aspiring designers feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- The Artist Way – Julia Cameron 100% have read and re-read this so many times
- Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Creative Way of Being – Rick Rubin
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Oprah Soul Sessions: the episode: with Jeffrey Weiner
- Design Matters – Debbie Millman
- Any podcast by Brene Brown
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Compassion
- Diversity
- Kindness
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by such inspiring individuals every day. My mum and sister exemplify selflessness in all their actions, serving as constant sources of inspiration for me. Likewise, my friends consistently offer their support, even in seemingly small gestures that mean the world to me. Their encouragement and positivity fuel my drive to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
Understanding the immense value of mentorship in shaping my own career, teaching design over the past four years has afforded me a deep appreciation for the challenges individuals face in navigating this industry. I firmly believe that even offering a single piece of helpful advice can have a significant impact, potentially leading to remarkable achievements. Mentorship is a collaborative endeavor where both parties have the opportunity to learn from each other, fostering growth and mutual understanding within the design community.
What are the top skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Collaborative
- Confident
- Empathic
- Great listener
- Non-judgemental
- Nurturing
- Optimistic
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD, VIC & NSW – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!