Designer Talk Recap: Designing in Web3 — Opportunities for Freelance Designers

First of all, we want to start by thanking the 220+ creatives who tuned in to the second episode of our Designer Talks Twitter Space. Your participation made this an engaging and lively event, and we’re excited to see you all at our next session! (full recording here)

In this episode, we heard from three incredible female creatives from the U.S., Dubai, and Nigeria who gave us a glimpse into this new world of Web3 and how freelancers globally can take advantage of and dive into utilizing this new technology. If you couldn’t join us live, here’s a recap of the wonderful discussion we had with Rebeca, Aymun, and Chisom!

Nowadays, not only do freelancers have direct social media channels like Twitter and LinkedIn to discover clientele, but there are new innovative technologies like Web3 that equip freelancers with a variety of tools that empower them to enjoy secure, transparent, and efficient transactions without the hefty fees imposed by traditional payment systems.

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Now, let’s dive into the highlights of the discussion.

Introductions and Backgrounds

Rebeca, co-founder of Sprintfolio, a design agency and AI-powered career accelerator, has over 10 years of professional experience in the startup landscape. Currently, she works as a UX designer, transforming the user experience in the Web3 space. Prior to her debut as a UX designer, she led creative teams as a marketing professional, advocating for the crucial role that women play in the tech industry.

Aymun, a Web3 product designer hailing from Dubai is a distinguished Web3 designer working for a crypto-blockchain-based company. Beyond her design work, Aymun is also dedicated to building educational platforms that demystify the world of cryptocurrency, empowering users to navigate this exciting digital frontier with confidence.

Chisom, CEO and founder of Felbeth, an innovative ed-tech platform dedicated to empowering young Africans with essential Web3 marketing skills and decentralized financial literacy. Under her leadership, Felbeth is experiencing rapid growth, with plans to expand next year to include a school of product, offering lessons in product design, product management, and product marketing.

A Glimpse into the World of Web3

Misconceptions about design in Web3

Rebeca reflects on her journey from Web2 to Web3 design, noting a common misconception that Web3 design is exceptionally challenging. She states that while Web3 technology is more advanced, the core principles of design remain unchanged because designers are still working for the same users. To ensure a smooth transition, she suggests leveraging Web2 experiences and drawing inspiration from successful Web2 practices.

Biggest challenge when transitioning from Web2 to Web3 design

Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 design initially presented a significant challenge for Aymun and she recounts the shift as daunting as the complexity of Web3 seemed to demand a deeper grasp of its intricacies. For a smooth transition, she recommends designers build on Web2 design principles and gain experience with concept projects related to Web3, such as NFTs or crypto applications.

A piece of advice for freelancers entering the Web3 space

When it comes to educating new creatives who join this landscape, Chisom mentions that the most valuable piece of advice is to engage in hands-on projects. She emphasizes that practical experience is crucial for truly grasping Web3 concepts. Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration can significantly enhance this process. Specifically, she advises new students to seek out mentors who have navigated the Web3 landscape, join relevant communities, and participate in collaborative projects.

Tips for Freelancers Navigating the Web3 Landscape

Tip 1: Sometimes all you gotta do is ask

When marketing yourself to Web3 clients, Rebeca stresses the importance of referrals and first introductions. She mentions that about 95% of client acquisitions come through referrals. It’s essential to leverage social media not just to showcase your role but to act as a content creator, sharing your work and insights.

Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals from friends, family, and professional connections. Even if it feels uncomfortable, reaching out for referrals can lead to unexpected opportunities and help you build a strong client base in the Web3 space.

Tip 2: Approach complex designs with a beginner’s mindset

When designing for Web3 projects, it’s valuable to understand blockchain technology to create impactful and user-friendly products. However, Aymun mentions how it’s also important to consider the benefits of seeing the project with fresh eyes and without preconceived notions. Ultimately, combining technical insight with a fresh perspective allows designers to create innovative solutions while keeping user experience at the forefront.

Tip 3: Even veterans started somewhere, so why not start now

With educational Web3 platforms and online resources expanding daily, diving into new topics and learning at your own pace has never been easier. At Felbeth, Chisom fosters a beginner-friendly environment designed to help individuals quickly acclimate to technology through structured entry-level classes.

Recognizing that learning preferences vary, she encourages newbies to explore different learning styles — whether it’s reading materials, visual aids, or interactive elements — to find what works best for them. Embrace the opportunity to ease into Web3 technology now, without the need to master complex jargon upfront.

Rapid Fire Round

Biggest myth about web3?

• Rebeca: It’s only for coders.
• Aymun: It’s only for tech people.
• Chisom: That women can’t be Web3.

Something that has inspired you recently?

• Rebeca: A portfolio that I really liked from a designer called Saloni Joshi.
• Aymun: MuseMind or you can say HELLO Labs.
• Chisom: What’s really inspiring is seeing someone go from beginner to pro.

Favorite sorbet or ice cream flavor?

• Rebeca: Passion fruit.
• Aymun: Acai Bowls.
• Chisom: Chocolate or vanilla.

Full Recording available (here)

In closing, we want to extend our gratitude once again to Rebeca, Aymun, and Chisom for sharing their invaluable insights and experiences. Your contributions made this space incredibly enriching. And to everyone who joined us, thank you for being part of our second Designer Talks Twitter Space. We look forward to hosting many more sessions and continuing these important conversations.

Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming beta release, and make sure to sign up to experience Sorbet’s seamless global payment solution. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in growing our creative businesses.

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