You asked and I delivered...
Live AMAs now on Youtube. Resources for leveling up your product strategy skills. What it's like to be a Lead Designer. Reader Q&A on getting entry-level positions.
Hey design enthusiasts,
I hope you’re surviving another week ok. Summer is coming to an end here in the Netherlands and I’m devastated 😔 so I’m making the most of the warm weather while it lasts.
You asked & I delivered…
I’m now posting my TikTok live recordings over on Youtube. So feel free to subscribe there if want to get notified when I post them.
AMA: UX/Product Design - First one is already up 🎉 I talk about foundational skills, portfolio building, job search techniques, networking and relationship building, leveraging AI tools, balancing education and experience, & overcoming common challenges.
This week!
📣 Still spots open the the Lead Designer / Design Manager Huddle this week! They’ve been such a nice way for designers to talk with like minded designers while we cover topics we’re all curious about ❤️
In case you missed it…
📝 Resources for designers to level up their product strategy skills - Seeing that I live and breath strategy… I found some reasonable resources to help you level up
🎥 What it’s like to be a Lead Designer - The last part in my series for Senior Designers thinking about the next step in their career
Some articles I’m posting soon that I’m excited to share:
The impact of communication on design success - “Whether you’re pitching ideas to stakeholders, presenting your work to a team, or leading a design project, effective communication is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of communication in design and discuss ways to enhance your skills.”
Practical AI in your Product Design Process: Beyond the Hype - There's a billion new AI tools out there but which ones can actually improve your product design process today?
Make sure you’re subbed to me on Medium if you want to check these out when they’re posted.
Reader Q&A
Tailored advice and resources based on the career challenges and skill-building goals you shared in my reader survey.
Your challenge:
“Job opportunities are near obsolete. I applied to 3 apprenticeships on top of countless “entry level” UX roles and was met with rejection after rejection. I’m at the point of giving up. I have a BS in software dev but, chose to go the “self taught” route for UX Design. After obtaining the Google UX Certification, creating a portfolio, and securing my first freelance client I still don’t have the necessary skills to even be considered for entry level UX roles.”
First off, oof, I’m sorry to hear that. I think a lot of people are really struggling right now. The market is not a friendly environment for entry-level designers. I will say it’s very impressive that you secured your first freelance client, congrats on that. I think there is a common thread out there that the Google UX Certificate is enough to break into the field but that just isn’t the case. I recommend checking out my free learning guide since I created it specifically to show what skills designers need to have to get those entry level positions. But I also recommend starting to think about how you set yourself apart from other designers applying for the same jobs. If it’s helpful to know I did the same kind of transition. I was a front-end dev with a BS in Computer Science that transitioned into being a designer. And I did exactly what you’re doing.. freelancing. But it probably took me, hmm, roughly 5-6 freelance clients before getting my full time agency job. So I highly encourage you to stick on that route if design is something you really enjoy doing and use your freelance projects to gain the skillset and experience that companies are looking for.
I hope you find this helpful 💛
Is my content helpful?
Some of you have DM’d me such amazing comments about how my content has helped you and I’m trying to collect that all into one place. If you have found ANY of my content helpful, whether these emails, my videos, or articles. I would love love love if you left me a testimonial letting me know how. It would mean the world 🙏
But wait, there’s more
Like visual content about UX & Product Design? Follow me on Tiktok or Insta
Here are some resources I’ve created specifically for designers
I go a bit more in-depth on specific topics over on Medium and LinkedIn but sub to this newsletter for regular goodies in your inbox 😎