From Pixels to People: My Journey from Graphic Design to UX/UI
Picture of my office
As a graphic designer with a well-established career, I never imagined I'd find myself pivoting towards UX/UI design. But as they say, change is the only constant, and my professional journey is a testament to that.
It all began when I noticed a shift in the industry. Companies were starting to realize that Figma wasn't just another design tool—it was a powerful collaborative platform that could revolutionize the way teams work together on digital products.
First Steps into a New World
Curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself diving into YouTube videos, learning the ins and outs of Figma. Little did I know, this was just the tip of the iceberg.
My journey was greatly supported by the companies I worked with. Steer Health, Parrot Analytics, and Cheesecake Labs all played a part, but it was GovAssist that truly opened the door for me to begin this transition while still working as a graphic designer.
Immersing in UX/UI
As someone who's always been self-taught, I threw myself into learning everything I could about UX/UI.
Before I knew it, my digital world was completely transformed:
My YouTube feed became a treasure trove of UX/UI content creators
Instagram's discover page filled up with app interface designs
On X (formerly Twitter), I followed countless designers, soaking up their insights and experiences
Formal Education and Skill Development
Realizing I needed more structured learning, I enrolled in a UI and visual design course. This is where I really honed my Figma skills and began to understand the nuances of interface design.
But I didn't stop there. To round out my knowledge, I embarked on the UX Design Professional Certificate from the Interaction Design Foundation (IDF). This comprehensive program helped me understand the crucial 'why' behind design decisions.
The Final Leap
My transition reached its peak when I became the Design and Product Lead at GovAssist. This role allowed me to put everything I'd learned into practice on a grand scale:
Redesigning the company's entire website
Overhauling all of the company's products
Creating a new checkout process
Developing a user dashboard
Each project was a new challenge and a chance to grow my skills further.
Looking to the Future
Today, I find myself diving deeper into UX/UI related topics, always hungry to learn more. But I've also set a new goal for myself: to give back to the community that has taught me so much.
Looking back, I realize that this transition wasn't just about learning new tools or methodologies. It was about shifting my mindset from creating visually appealing designs to crafting experiences that truly serve users' needs.
The skills I developed as a graphic designer—attention to detail, understanding of visual hierarchy, and the ability to communicate through design—have been invaluable in my UX/UI work. But I've also had to develop new skills:
User research and empathy
Information architecture
Interaction design
Usability testing
Advice for Fellow Transitioners
If you're a graphic designer considering a similar transition, here's my advice:
Start with the tools: Familiarize yourself with UX/UI specific software like Figma or Sketch.
Immerse yourself in the community: Follow UX/UI professionals on social media, join online forums, and attend local meetups.
Learn the principles: Understanding the 'why' behind UX decisions is crucial.
Practice, practice, practice: Start applying UX principles to your current work, even if it's just conceptual.
Be patient: This transition takes time. Celebrate small victories along the way.
