Billy Blue academics celebrated in The Design Kids Awards 2024

Robbie Carter and Hannah Schmith were named among the Top 30 Favourite Lecturers. Voted by students, the pair were named among the Top 30 Favourite Lecturers - a testament to their talent, dedication, and industry-connected teaching approach.

This recognition reflects Billy Blue College of Design’s practice-based learning model, where lecturers bring real-world experience into the classroom to prepare students for industry success.

“Hannah and Robbie's recognition in The Design Kids Awards is a true testament to their unwavering commitment to mentorship and personalised support,” said Elicia Simon, Program Director for the Diploma of Graphic Design and Bachelor of Communication Design.

“Their ability to nurture each student’s creative journey, combined with their industry expertise, ensures our graduates leave with not just technical skills but the confidence to thrive in the design world. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact they make at Billy Blue,” said Elicia.

Industry-connected learning

This is Billy Blue College of Design alumnus Robbie Carter’s second consecutive year on the Top 30 list, a clear indication of his ongoing impact as a lecturer and designer. In industry, he is a freelance multi-disciplinary designer and brand consultant working in Gadigal Sydney across all digital and print design, UX/UI, video editing, and social media content.

Well-known as a passionate illustrator and brand ambassador for Copic AU, his eclectic mix of illustrations are similar to his design portfolio, where he challenges himself to try new ideas and tools and chases moments of inspiration.

Hannah Schmith, a Billy Blue College of Design alumna and multidisciplinary graphic designer, has over a decade of design experience spanning publishing, packaging, and identity design with brands such as David Jones, The Iconic and the Global Red Cross and Red Crescent through her freelance design business in Meanjin Brisbane.

As a Senior Learning Facilitator and Subject Coordinator, Hannah is passionate about equipping the next generation of designers with the technical, conceptual, and ethical skills needed to create thoughtful, industry-ready work.

Both academics acknowledge that being recognised by their students is a special honour, both humbling and motivating.

“Helping someone take their first steps into the world of design is an incredible privilege and this is a reflection of the design community we’re shaping together,” said Hannah.

In past years, Melanie Maher, Luis Lobos, Kuen Kam, and Caroline Hunt have also been named in the Top 30 Favourite Lecturers - a significant acknowledgment of the calibre of educators at Billy Blue.

“Being recognised by students for the second year in a row reinforces the importance of staying connected to the industry and constantly evolving as a designer and educator,” said Robbie. “I’m passionate about helping students bridge the gap between academia and professional practice, and this award is a wonderful reminder of that connection.”

“To be recognised by the Design Kids, amongst giants of the industry from around the world is something that still has me shaking in disbelief. It is an amazing and reassuring feeling,” said Robbie. “All I ever want to see is their creativity thriving as they discover who they are as designers. The award is just the cherry on top.”

“Having studied at Billy Blue, I understand the transformative power of design education,” said Hannah. “My goal is to support students with practical skills and real-world insights that prepare them for the realities of working in the design world.”

The impact of recognition

Being acknowledged by The Design Kids - an organisation renowned for bridging the gap between design students and the global creative industry - is no small feat.

“Having industry-connected academics like Robbie and Hannah is central to what we do at Billy Blue,” said Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, Executive Dean of Design and Creative Technology. “Their real-world experience and ongoing practice in the design industry ensure our students are equipped with relevant skills and insights.”

“Recognition from The Design Kids validates the quality of our design programs and our commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to succeed in today’s industry," said Professor Thompson-Whiteside.

Looking ahead

The accolade reinforces Billy Blue’s role as a leader in design education, where students learn from the best - academics who are industry-active and passionately preparing the next generation of creative professionals.