Student Spotlight

Switching career paths: From Graphic Design to UX/UI Design

Kiara Ford
Kiara Ford
UX/UI Designer

When it comes to design, versatility is key. Our first of many success stories revolves around a talented graphic designer, Kiara Ford, who decided to take on the exciting challenge of diving into the world of UX/UI.

Kiara started her career in Graphic Design with the motivation and determination to dive into the UX/UI design industry. Her success story showcases the transformation of a skilled graphic designer to a seasoned pro in user interface and experience design.

Learn about Kiara's path of discovery, growth, and triumph, proving that with a little ambition and the right mindset, even a graphic designer can conquer the UX/UI domain.

✅ Quick facts about designer Kiara!

Check out some fun facts about Kiara!

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Every designer is different in preferences and thought processes. This is why we make it a point to ask some fun questions to get to know them a little better.

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💁🏻This or That

  • Light Mode or Dark Mode? Light Mode.
  • Naming layers or Unnamed layers? Unnamed layers.
  • Mac or PC? Mac.
  • Landing your dream job or Winning the lottery? Landing my dream job.
  • Music or Podcast? Music.
  • Outer space or Deep sea? Outer space.
  • Morning Person or Night Owl? Morning person.

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🤔 What’s one thing you can’t live without as a designer?

Kiara: My Laptop.

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💻 What does your designer toolkit look like?

Kiara:

  • Laptop: Macbook Air
  • Mouse: Logitech
  • Monitor: Ipad Air
  • Sketches: Sketchbook or Ipad
  • Resources: YouTube, Linkedin, or email links to designer websites

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🎧 What is your go-to music playlist to get jamming?

Kiara: I listen to relaxing playlists on YouTube to focus. I sometimes listen to jazz or lo-fi types of music. Rarely is it very upbeat. I also like listening to DPR Ian.

📱What motivated you to become a UX/UI designer?

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Kiara: At the end of a Graphic Design course, it explained different pathways for a career, and UX stood out the most. So here I am starting a career in User Experience.

⛔ What problems were you encountering in your career?

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Kiara: I had just finished the Google certificate program and was lost in a few elements but extremely on UI elements. Google has a VERY basic look on it all and doesn't lead enough to an easy way into a junior position as it advertises.

💼 How did you decide to pursue a course in UX/UI design?

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Kiara: I heard about the class through YouTube as I watched Mizko's videos. The description of this course was everything I was saying to myself that I needed to learn. Honestly was very shocking.

✨ What motivated you to enroll in Designership's Figma course?

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Kiara: Honestly, when I saw designers that were already in the industry were seeing great results from the Designership Figma & UI Design Masterclass, I knew I had to try it out. Besides, the fact that I knew Youtube on its own wasn't enough to keep me accountable to keep studying. This course offered everything I actually wanted.

💭 What were your expectations with the course? Were they met?

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Kiara: My expectations were to not have any, other than to see growth in a noticeable way. And I think it was met greatly.

💡How did the Figma course help you solve the problems you were facing prior to enrolling in the course?

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Kiara: I believe the main two elements to say are Auto-layout and design systems. Though I am not 100% confident in it, I know I am a great step ahead of where I was a month ago.

🚩 What aspect of the Figma course do you think created the most impact on you toward your career or personal growth?

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Kiara: The last couple of videos are very strong in the overall UI process. It's great to see interactive aspects and the process of prototyping correctly. It was amazing.

🌟 What is your ultimate goal as a Product (UX/UI) designer?

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Kiara: To be able to make a good living, have my dream career, and stable life. I want to be creative and independent.

What would be one piece of advice that you would pass on to a designer that’s reading this interview?

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Kiara: Trust the process, what's advertised for this program is definitely in here and more. No matter the level you're at, this is a program to help in at least two different areas. Plus the more you go through, the more it starts to connect and burn into your memory.

Kiara's flight to her <span class="purple-text-clipped">North Star</span>

Kiara's success story is an absolute game-changer for design enthusiasts. From starting off as a graphic designer to becoming a UX/UI pro, Kiara honed her skills, dived into the world of user-centric design, and never looked back.

Today, Kiara's <span class="portfolio-link"> portfolio </span>is bursting with mind-blowing designs and seamless user experiences that make heads turn in the industry.

Kiara's story is proof that you can pursue design at any time. It's all about taking risks, pushing boundaries, and embracing new challenges. Whether you're a graphic designer, a web developer, or a dreamer with a passion for design, you too, can take the chance and become a UX/UI designer.

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