All of us in creative work know that change is constant. Those of us who work in creative fields understand the importance of being open to change. We can’t take anything for granted, and it’s always better to be ready for new challenges because life often brings us opportunities we didn’t expect.
In my early years in the workforce, I focused on exploring graphic design and its endless applications: branding, editorial design, digital ads, multimedia, packaging, fashion and textiles, event design, and more. However, after four years of developing my skills in this field, I discovered another side of design that felt more current and relevant: UX/UI design.
User experience design completely transformed my professional path. I began focusing on creating products that help people feel comfortable in the digital age—products that are easy to understand and genuinely useful.
Six months have passed since I took this leap, and here are the pieces of advice I would give my past self if I could go back:
1. Recognize The Similarities And Turn Them Into Advantages
Graphic design has much more in common with UX/UI design than it may seem at first glance. Both disciplines share the same foundation: visual communication. The key difference lies in intentionality. In graphic design, aesthetics are often the primary focus, while in UX/UI design, decisions must not only make a product look good but also ensure it works well.
2. Learn About User Research
One of the biggest shifts for a graphic designer transitioning to UX/UI is learning to center all projects around the user and their needs. UX/UI design aims to solve real problems, so it’s essential to become familiar with tools and systems that help you understand those issues, such as design thinking, surveys, or empathy maps.
3. Shift Your Mindset: From “Artist” to “Problem-Solver”
In graphic design, the main goal is often to create visual impact through aesthetics. In UX/UI design, however, functionality and intuition take precedence, always keeping the user experience in mind. This mindset shift can be one of the hardest challenges, but if your purpose is truly to help people interact better with technology, you’ll be able to center your projects on usability.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
As someone once said, “Nobody is born knowing.” It’s vital to surround yourself with people who are part of the UX/UI design community. Don’t be afraid to be the “newbie” or to make mistakes. Everyone who’s an expert today had their first steps too. Embracing your mistakes means embracing your humanity, and that’s exactly what our profession is about: helping people.
Making the leap from graphic design to UX/UI design has been one of the most exciting and challenging transitions in my career. This journey has taught me the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and, most importantly, keeping the focus on people.
If, like me, you’re going through this transition, remember that growth begins with taking that first step. Don’t be afraid to explore new paths—sometimes opportunities come from the most unexpected places.
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