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

Behind the designer

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

• Music or Podcast? Music.
• Deep sea or outer space? Deep sea.
• Naming layers or Unnamed layers? Naming layers.
• Mac or PC? Mac.
• Light mode or dark mode? Light mode.
• Landing your dream job or winning the lottery? Landing your dream job.
• Morning Person or Night Owl? Morning person.

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

Mansi: As a designer, the one thing I can't live without is my trusty sketchbook. It's not just a physical tool; it's a wellspring of inspiration and a canvas for my creative thoughts.

Whenever an idea strikes or a design concept needs fleshing out, my sketchbook is where it all begins. It's a space where I can freely doodle, brainstorm, and visualize my ideas before translating them into digital designs.

In a world of digital tools and screens, there's something deeply organic and personal about putting pen to paper that fuels my creativity and keeps me grounded in the fundamentals of design. My sketchbook is not just a tool; it's an integral part of my design process and a constant source of inspiration.

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💻 What does your designer toolkit look like?

Mansi:

• Macbook Pro
• Android phone

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

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Mansi: Transitioning from my role as a graphic designer between 2009 and 2012, I observed the evolving landscape of print media.

Seeking a more dynamic career path, I delved into the digital space, where I encountered the intriguing realm of UI/UX design. The process, involving techniques like using sticky notes, conducting research, and crafting screens, deeply resonated with me.

Recognizing its potential, I was instantly drawn to this field and have since remained committed to interactive media, continuously enhancing my skills along the way.

⛔ Before enrolling in Designership's Masterclass, what problem(s) were you encountering in your career?

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Mansi: Before enrolling in Designership's Masterclass, I encountered several challenges in my career that I was eager to address. Firstly, I had a fear of using Auto-layout, which limited my efficiency and effectiveness in designing interfaces.

Secondly, Figma felt like an uncharted territory, hindering my ability to fully harness its potential.  These challenges had a significant impact on my work and confidence. I felt somewhat disconnected from the world of UI design and left behind in terms of current industry practices.

However, after completing the Designership course, I experienced a remarkable transformation. I regained my passion for creating beautiful UI, adopting smarter and more streamlined workflows.

I also gained proficiency in building and working with design systems, understanding the fundamentals of component development, and ultimately, I could proudly identify as a product designer. The course addressed these pain points and reinvigorated my career in UX/UI design.

👀 How did you first hear about Designership's Masterclass(es)? What stood out to you about our course offering/s?

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Mansi: I first learned about Designership's Masterclass from my husband, who had been exploring UI/UX design about 18 months ago. He came across Mizko's content on YouTube and discovered the course. He found it compelling and shared it with me.

Around six months ago, when I was facing challenges in UI design and searching for ways to enhance my skills, I remembered the course he had shown me. It seemed like the perfect solution to address my learning needs and professional aspirations, so I decided to enroll.

The course's strong recommendation from my husband and its reputation for providing valuable UI/UX insights were the key factors that drew me to Designership's Masterclass.

✨What motivated you to enroll in the Designership’s Practical User Research & Strategy Masterclass and The Figma Masterclass?

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Mansi: I enrolled in Designership's Figma Masterclass with the goal of mastering Figma's advanced features and techniques. Before joining the course, I felt a bit overwhelmed by Figma's potential and wanted to gain confidence in using auto-layout, components, and creating a design system effectively.

What stood out to me about the course was its comprehensive coverage of these topics. The course not only addressed my immediate needs but also offered a deeper dive into building a Design System, bridging the gap between UI and UX, and enhancing prototyping and animation skills. This holistic approach made the course stand out from other classes.

Michael Wong's teaching style and attention to detail were also major factors in my decision to enroll. His ability to simplify complex concepts and provide practical guidance greatly appealed to me.

Overall, I entered the course with anticipation and a desire to improve my UI/UX skills, and I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations, equipping me with valuable skills and a newfound passion for Product Design.

💭 What were your expectations going into the course? Were they met or exceeded by the end of the program?

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Mansi: My expectations entering the Designership's Figma Masterclass were centered around gaining a deep understanding of Figma's advanced features and their practical application in UI/UX design.

I was particularly looking forward to mastering auto-layout, components, prototyping, and creating a Design System.  As I progressed through the course, I was delighted to find that each of these expectations was not only met but exceeded. The course offered a structured and comprehensive approach to these topics, making even the most complex concepts accessible and actionable.

The module on building a Design System was particularly insightful and provided me with the skills needed to create harmonious and scalable design components.  Michael Wong's teaching style and the course content went above and beyond my expectations. His clear explanations and practical examples made learning a breeze.

By the end of the program, I not only felt confident in my ability to use Figma effectively but also gained a holistic understanding of UI/UX design principles. The course surpassed my expectations, equipping me with valuable skills and knowledge that have significantly enhanced my design capabilities.

💡 How did the Masterclass(es) help you solve the problems you were facing prior to enrolling into the course?

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Mansi: The Masterclass(es) from Designership played a pivotal role in helping me overcome the challenges I faced before enrolling.

I learned an array of new techniques and concepts that I could immediately put into practice in my design work. The modules on auto-layout and component design, for instance, completely transformed my approach to UI design, making me more efficient and precise in my work.

One of the most significant takeaways from the course was the ability to build a Design System effectively. This not only streamlined my design process but also ensured consistency across all my projects. The course also provided me with a deeper understanding of prototyping and animation, allowing me to create more engaging and interactive user experiences.

Moreover, the knowledge and skills I gained through the Masterclass helped me secure a job in Australia, where the market specifically demanded a UI/UX designer.

This accomplishment was a direct result of the practical and industry-relevant knowledge I acquired from the course. In summary, the course not only addressed my immediate design challenges but also set me on a path toward career advancement, making it an invaluable investment in my professional growth.

🚀 Looking back at your journey from enrolling in the Masterclass(es) to where you are now, what do you think made the most impact on your career or personal growth?

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Mansi: Looking back at my journey from enrolling in Designership's Masterclass to where I am now, the most impactful aspect on my career has been the newfound confidence and proficiency in UI/UX design.

After completing the course, I transitioned into a UI/UX designer role in Australia, where the market specifically demanded this skill set. This transition marked a significant professional milestone for me, aligning my career with my passion for creating exceptional user experiences.  The growth I've experienced has been remarkable.

I now have the ability to tackle complex UI/UX challenges with ease, thanks to the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills I gained from the Masterclass. I feel more confident in my design decisions, and this confidence has translated into better outcomes for the projects I'm involved in.  

Designership's course played a pivotal role in this success. The course content, taught by Michael Wong, provided me with a solid foundation in Figma and advanced UI/UX principles. It equipped me with the skills and insights needed to excel in the competitive field of UI/UX design.

Overall, the course has been instrumental in shaping my career and personal growth, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities it has opened up for me.

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

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Mansi: My ultimate goal as a Product (UX/UI) designer is to create experiences that make a meaningful impact on users' lives. I aim to design products that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also function seamlessly and intuitively, enhancing users' daily interactions with technology.

Beyond that, I aspire to contribute to the larger design community by sharing knowledge, mentoring emerging designers, and pushing the boundaries of design innovation.

Ultimately, my North Star is to leave a positive and lasting imprint on the world through exceptional design that enriches the human experience.

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

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Mansi: One piece of advice for designers: Embrace continuous learning. The design field evolves rapidly, so keep exploring, taking courses, and staying curious. Design is a journey, and every step of learning enhances your skills and creativity.