From Generalist Guilt to Product Designer: A Career Journey
Embarking on a career in design, I envisioned a path of specialized creativity. However, my journey took unexpected turns, leading me through varied experiences that shaped a unique professional identity.
A 4-Year Design Course: Confusing or Clarifying?
When I embarked on my four-year design course, I envisioned a clear path laid out before me. Yet, as I delved deeper into the foundations of design, I found myself grappling with more questions than answers. Was I destined to be a specialist in one narrow field, or was my curiosity too broad to be confined? The education was invaluable, but it left me at a crossroads, uncertain if the traditional design roles were where I belonged.
The Early Years: A Mosaic of Experiences
In 2006, my career began as a print designer in a marketing agency, marking my first foray into the creative industry. The adventure continued with the opening of my own design studio in 2009, buoyed by securing a significant client. But as time passed, the limitations of relying on a single client became increasingly evident, alongside the realization that my hometown's market couldn't sustain my growing ambitions.
A Pivotal Decision: Seeking New Horizons
Confronted with the need to expand beyond my comfort zone, I made a pivotal decision: to close my studio and seek new opportunities. It was a moment filled with mixed emotions - the pride in what I had built and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. This decision to step into the unknown was driven by a desire for broader professional growth and exposure to diverse design challenges.
New Beginnings in Canada
The move to Canada marked a new beginning and brought me to an animation studio in Vancouver. It was an exciting opportunity, but it didn't take long for a crucial realization to crystallize. The studio, vibrant and dynamic, was in search of a specialist in motion design. As much as I appreciated the art form, specializing in it felt like wearing a shoe that didn't quite fit. My aspirations and skills spanned a broader spectrum of design than what specialization allowed.
Moreover, the studio, being small and driven, required a level of commitment that extended beyond regular hours – a common scenario in many passionate, burgeoning studios. But for me, the balance between work and personal life was non-negotiable. I yearned for a professional environment where I could contribute significantly yet also have the bandwidth to step back, recharge, and enjoy life beyond work. This mismatch in expectations and aspirations made it clear that my time at the studio was a stepping stone, not a final destination.
Embracing the Generalist Within
It was a moment of alignment between my professional goals and personal values. Acknowledging that my heart wasn't in motion design specialization, and craving a broader canvas to paint my career on, I decided to pivot back to my roots as a generalist. This decision wasn't about stepping back; it was about stepping into a space where all my skills could coalesce, where the diversity of my design experience could be fully utilized and valued.
Returning to my generalist foundation, I set out to find a role that resonated with my wide-ranging expertise and my desire for work-life harmony. This marked the beginning of a journey towards a more fulfilling and holistic approach to my career in the tech industry.
My path through the design world has taught me the value of adaptability and the strength of a diverse skill set. Embracing my generalist nature led to a fulfilling career in Product Design, where each past experience found its purpose. In the ever-evolving landscape of design, being a jack of all trades isn't just beneficial; it's essential for innovation and growth.
Designer Life
From Generalist Guilt to Product Designer: A Career Journey
UX & Tech Edges