In 2004, I was just starting my career, working in a local print shop. Back then, my focus was on print design—things like business cards, brochures, and posters. I could never have predicted that years later, I’d be designing digital products for global brands.
The journey from print to digital wasn’t a straight line, and it didn’t happen overnight. It took many pivots, each one teaching me a valuable lesson.
The secret to my journey? Adaptability.
The first pivot: print to web
One of the biggest shifts in my career came when I transitioned from print design to web design. The world of web design was new to me, and it felt like I had to learn everything from scratch. But I stayed curious, diving into learning HTML, CSS, and later tools like Photoshop and Flash.
Looking back, that pivot from print to web was crucial.
It opened up new opportunities and allowed me to offer more to my clients. Instead of being limited to designing printed materials, I could now create websites, helping businesses build their online presence. This was the first time I realized that adaptability was key to growing as a designer.
The second pivot: from employee to freelancer
In 2010, after gaining experience as a designer for various companies, I made another big pivot: moving from employee to full-time freelancer.
This was a scary decision.
The comfort of a steady paycheck was hard to leave behind, but I knew I wanted the freedom to choose my projects and work on my terms.
Freelancing brought its own set of challenges. I had to learn how to manage client relationships, set boundaries, and handle the uncertainty of finding consistent work.
But with every challenge, I learned something new. One of the most valuable lessons I learned during this time was that your current role isn’t your final destination—it’s just a part of the journey.
The third pivot: from generalist to specialist
As I continued freelancing, I realized that being a generalist wasn’t serving me well. I was taking on all kinds of projects—print, web, branding, you name it.
But over time, I discovered my passion for UX/UI design and decided to focus on digital product design. Specializing allowed me to dive deeper into one area, becoming an expert in the field.
This pivot—choosing to niche down—had one of the biggest impacts on my career. It helped me stand out in the crowded design industry, leading to higher-paying clients and more meaningful projects.
The importance of adaptability
Each career pivot, whether it was moving from print to web or from generalist to specialist, has shaped who I am as a designer today.
But the one thing that remained constant throughout was my willingness to adapt.
As the design world changed, so did I. And that adaptability has been the foundation of my growth.
The deeper you go, the more likely you are to discover something of value.
Bruce Mau
I believe that staying curious and open to change leads to unexpected opportunities.
Actionable tips for embracing career pivots
- Stay curious: The design world is constantly evolving. Keep learning new skills, exploring new tools, and staying open to change. What you’re doing today might look completely different in a few years, and that’s okh.
- Embrace uncertainty: Pivoting in your career often means stepping into the unknown. Whether you’re switching roles, industries, or even becoming a freelancer, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
- See every role as a stepping stone: Your current job might not be your dream role, but it’s part of the journey. Every position you hold, every project you complete teaches you something valuable that will serve you in the future.
- Specialize when you’re ready: Being a generalist has its perks, especially when you’re starting out. But once you find a niche that excites you, don’t be afraid to dive deeper. Becoming a specialist can help you stand out in a crowded market.
- Build Resilience: Adaptability isn’t just about changing your skills; it’s about building resilience. The design world can be tough, but those who are willing to evolve with it will thrive in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of a design career is that it’s always evolving. What started for me in a small print shop eventually led to designing digital products for global brands. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but it was always full of learning and growth.
My advice to anyone starting their design career is simple:
Stay curious and embrace adaptability!
Whether you’re transitioning from one medium to another or from one role to the next, be willing to change and grow. You never know where your career might take you next.
