The Beginning of my Design Career
‘You know nothing John Snow’ — I’m neither John nor Snow. I know something.
I just came across an article of Julie Zhuo where she answered about, all that we need in the beginning of our design career. It kind of resonated with me. So here I’m sharing, what I’m upto in my early days at design.
Building a character
This goes without saying, you have to have a character, an attitude to express your thoughts, your work and your design. It’s not difficult to acquire a new skill but its relatively very difficult to enhance or acquire a character which is both pleasing and rewarding.
‘Jack of all trades master of (none) — ONE’.
You have character and you move like ‘Swagger’, that’s cool, but when we talk about skills we should be ready with our drills. As Julie said it’s a disadvantage if we are good with just one part of UX. I do user research, do interaction design and do visual design as well. I’m all up for learning (FED) front end development as well. So I adhere this thought by heart and try to keep getting better at it. Also, I feel that there is no wrong being a generalist but one must always have a core expertise.
Influencing skills
This is one great skill. I believe it can be either influencing others for good or getting influenced by something really good. I’m at that stage of my career where I want to be the least talented or the least smart person in the room. Just to tell you I’m a narcissist, still I would say that. I want to learn and get better and when the right time comes, lead by an example. I go by my own saying — ‘Speak and peak at the right time’.
Self Critique
Another important trait is to understand that there is always some other good way too. It’s good to run your own race with blinkers on, but their is no harm in having a pee-ka-boo once in a while, and appreciating everything that’s good around you. It’s very important to empathise and never get complacent.
Keep it in your head
You think you are better, show it. Good to wait for the right time but a never ending wait kills. Always try and step up your game but not step on someone else’s. Yes, there will be people who will bring you down and will do anything to get everyone’s attention. Let them be, learn from them, how not to be them.
Win or Learn
It’s very important to not win sometimes, you don’t lose but you learn. I have failed many a times and when I look back, those were the times when I learnt more and gotten better. I hate it when I’m not the best or when I’m under scrutiny, I frail but not fail.
FIN
Closing I would say, have fun, relax, chill, be nomadic, ask questions, learn and do some kick ass design.
