A career journey based around the user experience

I was 19 when I opened Photoshop for the first time. I had just started working in ministry, and I was told to work in the Media Department, which meant learning how to use Adobe Creative Suite. Though I didn't know it at the time, this was the beginning of my desire to create meaningful user experiences.

While working full-time, I completed my Associates degree in Communications, which gave me valuable insight into how to connect with users effectively through a variety of mediums. I've carried this knowledge throughout my career to center my work on enhancing the user experience in each project.

Over the next five years, I worked my way up to the Head of Post Production. My focus was on video editing and production, but I continued working with print and digital design, specifically with building a brand for our local branch in Charlotte, NC. I not only continued to grow as a designer, but I began teaching others how to design and build brands through social media, classes, and a seminar.

I later branched out and became the Multimedia Designer and Manager at Belmont Abbey College. During my time there, I met several students who had an interest in learning. Our Marketing department consisted of only four people, but we served the entire school. This gave me the opportunity to collaborate with departments all over the school, students, and outside vendors to complete projects. Though my coworkers and I were seasoned in our roles, I saw the need for more help, so I trained 5 interns and work studies in Adobe Creative Suite to assist the Marketing Department with smaller projects. This was a win-win because, not only did we get the help we needed, the interns were able to add more experience and examples to their resumes for jobs.

After making a big move across the country, I decided to transition from multimedia design to UX/UI design. My entire career has been based around providing the best experience for users, and this move opens doors to make a larger impact by creating not only visually appealing solutions, but solutions that make an impact.