Hey there, aspiring designers!
I’m a UX/UI designer with over 15 years of experience freelancing in Dubai, and I’m here to tell you: everyone starts somewhere.
When I first began my journey in this vibrant city, I was just as unsure as you might be feeling right now. But trust me, with the right mindset and approach, you can turn that uncertainty into expertise.
The Secret to Success: Just Start
You might be thinking, “Easier said than done!” But here’s the thing: the best way to learn is by doing.
It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.
Paula Scher
In my 15+ years of design career in Dubai, I’ve seen the design landscape evolve dramatically. But one thing remains constant: the need to just dive in and start creating.
So, how do you start?
Here are some simple ideas that have worked for me and my mentees over the years:
- Redesign an app you use every day: Think about an app you love but feel could use a facelift. What would you change? How would you make it better? Sketch out your ideas! When I first started, I redesigned a local Dubai food delivery app, and it taught me so much about user flow and interface design.
- Create for an imaginary client: Pretend you have a client who needs a new logo or website. What would you design for them? This exercise helps you think about real-world design problems. I still use this technique when I want to experiment with new styles or techniques.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you design, the better you’ll get. It’s that simple.
In my early days in Dubai, I would spend hours each night working on personal projects. It paid off immensely in the long run.
Embrace the Learning Curve
Remember, every great designer started as a beginner. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re part of the journey.
Each project you work on, whether it’s perfect or not, is a step forward in your design career. I can’t tell you how many “failures” I had when I first started freelancing in Dubai, but each one taught me valuable lessons.
Keep Going and Growing
As you practice, you’ll start to see improvement. Your eye for design will sharpen, and you’ll develop your own unique style.
But don’t stop there! Keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep pushing yourself.
Living and working in Dubai, a city that’s constantly evolving and embracing innovation, has taught me the importance of this mindset.
The design opportunities here are vast and varied, from traditional Arabic designs to futuristic smart city concepts. Each project is a chance to grow and push your boundaries.
Leverage Your Environment
One piece of advice I’d give to any aspiring designer, especially if you’re in a dynamic city like Dubai, is to draw inspiration from your surroundings.
The blend of traditional and modern architecture, the diverse cultural influences, and the city’s forward-thinking approach can all fuel your creativity and inform your designs.
So, new designers, are you ready to start your journey?
Remember, every pro was once a beginner – even us long-time freelancers. Your design adventure starts now – go create something amazing!
