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UX/UI Designer of the Month - July 2022

All Notes

29 May 2025

Designer of the Month: Philip's Journey into UX/UI Design

Overview

In this video, Philip, a junior UX/UI designer from Poland, shares his inspiring journey into the design field, highlighting his dedication, motivation, and the rapid growth he experienced. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, feedback, and community support in achieving success in design.

Introduction to Philip

  • Name: Philip
  • Location: Poland
  • Current Role: Junior UX/UI designer
  • Internship: Full-time paid internship at a software house in Cracow

Background in Design

  • Initial Experience: Designed layouts in Photoshop about 10 years ago but paused due to other commitments.
  • Re-Entry into Design:
    • Rediscovered design in December last year.
    • Enrolled in Google’s UX course after receiving a scholarship.
    • Found Michal's YouTube channel, which greatly influenced his learning.

Motivation for Becoming a Designer

  • Desire for Growth: Wanted a job that offered daily learning and growth opportunities.
  • Previous Jobs: Worked as a sales assistant and cashier, found them monotonous.
  • Design Philosophy:
    • Believes every product should be usable, accessible, and profitable.
    • Emphasizes the importance of user experience and frictionless interactions.

Key Skills and Learning Resources

  • UI Design Confidence: Gained confidence through practice and feedback.
  • Initial Challenges: Early designs lacked accessibility and proper alignment.
  • Learning Resources:
    • Michal's YouTube channel and Slack community.
    • Michal's UI Case Study Mini course.
    • Ebook: "Designing User Interfaces" by Michal and Diana.
    • "Refactoring UI" and "Ultimate Feedback Masterclass" courses.
    • Eric Kennedy's UX/UI courses.
    • Other influential designers: Gary Simon, Jessie Schawater.

Job Search Experience

  • Timeline: Took 2-3 months to secure the first industry job after applying.
  • Application Strategy:
    • Sought feedback from peers to gauge readiness.
    • Attended around three interviews, with one being a perfect match.
    • Regularly checked job postings, especially for internships before summer.
  • Portfolio Tips:
    • Ensure it showcases a range of skills and thought processes.
    • Highlight any additional skills, such as motion design.

Advice for Aspiring Designers

  • Seek Feedback: Join communities for constructive criticism.
  • Communication Skills: Learn to articulate design decisions clearly.
  • Avoid Comparisons: Focus on personal growth rather than comparing progress with others.
  • Stay Motivated: Embrace challenges and maintain a positive outlook.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement: Philip encourages aspiring designers to push through challenges and find their inner strength.
  • Community Support: Emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in the design journey.
Key ConceptsDetails
MotivationDesire for growth and learning in a dynamic field.
Learning ResourcesYouTube channels, online courses, ebooks, and community feedback.
Job Search Timeline2-3 months to secure first job after applying.
Portfolio EssentialsShowcase skills, thought processes, and unique abilities.
Feedback ImportanceEssential for improvement and readiness for the industry.
Communication SkillsVital for explaining design decisions and receiving feedback.
Personal GrowthFocus on individual progress rather than comparisons with others.

These notes encapsulate Philip's journey and insights into the UX/UI design field, providing a structured overview for aspiring designers.