Feb 28, 2022
Hello, everyone! I am here to share my professional journey from Graduating as an Architect and ending up as a UI/UX designer.
So picture this: I started off as an architect, honing my skills and crafting designs that took physical form. But hey, life’s all about surprises, right? Along the way, I found myself venturing into the realms of 3D art and motion graphics design. Little did I know, these experiences would pave the way for my transition into the exhilarating world of UI/UX design.
Why I chose architecture
I have always been fascinated by buildings and spaces since I was a kid. I loved drawing and sketching. I decided to pursue architecture as a career because I wanted to create beautiful, functional and sustainable designs that could improve the quality of living for people and communities.
Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
I spent a good chunk of my life diving into the amazing world of architecture. Five whole years of studying, exploring, and getting my hands dirty with all things architectural! From geeking out over the history and theory to working with practical projects, I’ve had a blast!
During my journey, I had the chance to work on a wide range of projects. I’m talking everything from cozy homes to cool commercial buildings, and even unique designs blending city and countryside vibes. Each project brought its own challenges and delights, and I learned a lot along the way!
Now, let’s talk about my architectural toolbox. I used all sorts of cool tools and techniques to bring my ideas to life. I became a wizard with computer-aided design (CAD), creating digital models that showcased my vision. I also sketched my heart out, capturing my creative thoughts on paper. And who can resist the joy of making physical models? It was a blast to sculpt, cut, and glue, creating mini masterpieces!
Architecture is a team effort! I learned the valuable art of collaborating with engineers, contractors, clients, and users. They all played a part in turning my designs into reality, and their feedback made me a better architect. Teamwork truly makes the dream work!
How I got into 3D art and motion graphics
So, right after finishing architecture school, I jumped into the exciting world of 3D art in an animation studio! It was a job that let me unleash my creativity and dive deep into crafting stunning visuals.
My main part was creating super realistic 3D models and scenes. I worked on all kinds of awesome projects mostly fun games, and mind-bending simulations. Seeing my creations come to life and leaving people speechless was an absolute thrill!
To bring these digital wonders to life, I played around with some amazing software. Think Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, and more! I explored these digital playgrounds, mastering the tools to create mind-blowing visuals that transported people to other worlds.
But wait, there’s more! I also dabbled in a bunch of cool techniques. Lighting? Oh yeah, I learned to set the perfect mood with light and shadows, creating stunning atmospheres. Texturing? You bet! I added all those intricate details that made my models look so real you’d wanna touch ‘em! And let’s not forget about rigging and animating.
Working as a 3D artist was a wild and exhilarating ride. Collaborating with talented folks in the studio, exchanging ideas, and pushing the limits of what’s possible in the digital world — it was a dream come true! Together, we created visuals that left people in awe and sparked their imaginations.
My own studio designed in Blender
So, here’s the lowdown: as I dived deeper into the world of 3D art, I stumbled upon this super cool thing called motion graphics design. It’s all about creating visuals that come to life, telling stories and sending messages through animated text, colors, shapes, and even sound!
I was totally hooked on the endless creative possibilities of motion graphics design. It’s like having a digital canvas where I could let my imagination run wild! I started exploring how to make these dynamic visuals pop.
To bring my ideas to life, I got my hands on some awesome software tools like After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and more! I dove into these digital playgrounds, experimenting and learning how to create eye-catching motion graphics. Talk about unleashing my inner artist!
But, there’s more to this exciting journey! I also learned some techniques to up my motion graphics game. Keyframing became my go-to, allowing me to add smooth and dynamic movements to objects and elements.
Masking? I mastered the art of revealing and hiding elements to create intrigue.
Compositing? I combined different visual elements to make seamless and mind-blowing compositions.
And let’s not forget about effects — those special touches that make my motion graphics truly pop!
This whole motion graphics design job opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. I was blown away by how it combined artistry, storytelling, and technical skills. And guess what? I’m just scratching the surface! There’s so much more to explore, countless captivating visuals to create, and endless stories to tell through motion graphics. So buckle up, because this journey is only just beginning!
Photo by Jacob Miller on Unsplash
For several years, I immersed myself in this dynamic field, crafting captivating projects for a diverse range of clients and platforms. Believe me, it has been an exhilarating ride!
Throughout my tenure, I had the privilege of working on a myriad of projects. From breathing life into logos through mesmerizing animations to conceptualizing impressive intros and outros, I constantly sought to push creative boundaries. Moreover, I honed my expertise in creating informative explainer videos, breaking down complex concepts into visually engaging narratives. The satisfaction of making intricate ideas accessible and enjoyable was truly rewarding.
But that’s not all. I ventured into the realm of infographics videos, harnessing their power to distill information into visually appealing and easily comprehensible forms. Transforming data into visually captivating artwork became a cherished craft, marrying aesthetics with knowledge.
Additionally, I recognized the immense potential of social media as a platform for impactful storytelling. I curated eye-catching motion graphics that captured the attention of online audiences, transcending the limitations of a mere scroll.
Undoubtedly, the experience of being a motion graphics designer has been nothing short of remarkable. Collaborating with diverse clients and platforms, I consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity in each endeavor.
How I discovered UI/UX design
While I was working as a motion graphics designer, I noticed that digital products and services were becoming super popular. It got me curious about how these products were designed and developed. So, I did some online research and found out about UI/UX design. Turns out, it’s all about creating user-friendly and engaging designs for digital stuff. I was intrigued by how UI/UX design was similar and different from architecture. It’s like designing experiences, but in the digital world!
So, I decided to dive deeper into UI/UX, and I gotta say, it’s fascinating! Instead of building physical structures, it’s all about crafting digital experiences that leave a lasting impression. Making things easy to use and creating designs that make people go, “Wow!” It’s like creating an awesome journey for users as they navigate through the digital landscape.
Photo by Faizur Rehman on Unsplash
Alright, let’s talk about some of the cool similarities between UI/UX design and architecture. Check it out:
It’s all about the people! Both UI/UX design and architecture are super user-centered. They’re all about understanding what users want, need, and love, and then creating designs that cater to those desires. It’s like designing spaces or digital experiences that make people go, “This is exactly what I was lookin’ for!”
Let’s get creative! Both disciplines involve a wicked process of research, analysis, synthesis, and ideation. It’s like taking a bunch of cool ideas, mixing ’em up, and finding the perfect recipe for an awesome design. And hey, it doesn’t stop there! We also get to prototype, test, and iterate like crazy to make sure our designs hit the bullseye.
Skills for the win! UI/UX design and architecture both require a killer set of skills. We gotta bring our A-game in creativity, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Oh, and let’s not forget the technical side of things too! We gotta know our tools and techniques like the back of our hand to create designs that work like a charm.
Tools of the trade! When it comes to communicating our designs, both UI/UX design and architecture use a bunch of nifty tools and techniques. We’re talkin’ sketches, wireframes, mockups, flowcharts, diagrams — you name it! It’s all about finding the right visual language to share our ideas and make ’em come to life.
It’s like two creative worlds colliding and bringing out the best in each other. From understanding users to unleashing our creativity, these two disciplines are all about making things awesome.
Alright, let’s dive into the cool differences between UI/UX design and architecture:
Medium Matters: UI/UX design is all about rockin’ the digital realm, while architecture is all about creating real-world physical spaces. We’re talkin’ about designing digital interfaces that users can tap, swipe, and interact with versus crafting awe-inspiring buildings that people can actually walk through. It’s like virtual versus tangible, my friends!
Get Ready to Move: UI/UX design is all about creating dynamic and interactive experiences. It’s like bringing designs to life with animation, sound, and all sorts of awesome interactions. On the other hand, architecture is more on the static and passive side. We create spaces that are meant to be experienced in a more chill and contemplative manner. It’s like capturing a moment frozen in time.
Tech vs. Culture: UI/UX design is super influenced by the ever-changing world of technology and design trends. We gotta keep up with the latest gadgets, software updates, and user expectations. Architecture, on the other hand, is heavily influenced by culture, context, and the surrounding environment. We take into account things like history, traditions, and the local vibe to create designs that harmonize with their surroundings.
Need for Speed: In the world of UI/UX design, things move at lightning speed. We’re talkin’ shorter development cycles and faster feedback loops. It’s all about staying agile and adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Architecture, on the flip side, takes its sweet time. We’re talkin’ longer development cycles and slower feedback loops. We meticulously plan, design, and build structures that will stand the test of time. It’s like a slow and steady marathon, my friends!
From the medium we work in to the pace at which we create, these two disciplines have their own unique flavors. Whether we’re diving into the digital or shaping the physical world, one thing’s for sure: the world of design is an exciting place to be.
How I made the transition to UI/UX design
Once I stumbled upon the wonders of UI/UX online, I was immediately drawn to its immense potential. Recognizing the perfect match for my career aspirations, I decided to transition and pursue it wholeheartedly.
To equip myself with the necessary knowledge and skills, I enrolled in a comprehensive online course that delved into the fundamental principles of UI/UX design. Throughout the program, I delved into various aspects, including user research, information architecture, interaction design, visual design, and usability testing. This immersive learning experience provided me with a solid foundation in the intricacies of UI/UX design.
Beyond theoretical knowledge, I sought to cement my understanding by embarking on personal projects and freelance assignments. By engaging in real-world design challenges, I could effectively apply the concepts I had learned. I discovered that my background in architecture, 3D art, and motion graphics design bestowed me with invaluable assets that seamlessly translated into UI/UX design. It was a testament to the versatility and transferability of skills acquired from these disciplines.
As I dived deeper into UI/UX design, I realized the unique perspective that my diverse experiences brought to the table. The attention to detail from architecture, the creative prowess of 3D art, and the ability to craft captivating motion graphics all converged harmoniously within the UI/UX landscape. This allowed me to create designs that were not only functionally sound but also aesthetically compelling.
Photo by Amélie Mourichon on Unsplash
Alright, let’s break it down! Here are some of the perks that come with a background in architecture, 3D art, and motion graphics design when it comes to UI/UX:
Space, Layout, and Composition: As an architect, you’ve got that special knack for understanding how to arrange elements in a way that’s clear, organized, and well-balanced. Your keen sense of space ensures that interfaces flow smoothly and effortlessly.
Aesthetic Awesomeness: With your background in 3D art and motion graphics, you’ve got an eye for all things beautiful. You know how to play with colors, shapes, and typography to create interfaces that are not only attractive but also consistent and harmonious. It’s like adding a splash of visual magic to the user experience!
3D Wizardry: Thanks to your knowledge of 3D modeling, rendering, and animation, you’ve got the power to bring interfaces to life! You can create realistic, immersive worlds that users can explore and interact with. It’s like taking them on a virtual adventure that they won’t forget anytime soon.
Motion Graphics: Your solid foundation in motion graphics design gives you the upper hand when it comes to creating interfaces that are dynamic, interactive, and full of expression. You know how to add that extra spark to captivate users and make the experience truly engaging.
It’s like having a secret weapon stash that allows you to create interfaces that are not just functional, but also visually stunning, immersive, and downright captivating!
What I love about UI/UX design
I have been working as a UI/UX designer for over a year now and I love it. This profession allows me to craft digital experiences that address genuine user needs, and it’s an absolute delight.
But here’s the crux: complacency has no place in UI/UX design. The realm of UI/UX demands perpetual growth and constant refinement. Every day brings fresh lessons, as I strive to augment my skill set and remain at the forefront of the industry.
Yet, what truly fortifies me on this journey is the vibrant design community that envelops me. These remarkable individuals inspire me, rally behind me, and provide an unwavering support system. They are akin to a fraternity of talented and passionate professionals, propelling me towards my full creative potential.
UI/UX design stands as a harmonious fusion of creativity, logical reasoning, empathy, and technological prowess. It is a vocation that thrives on adaptability, consistently evolving to meet the ever-changing expectations of users and the market. As I look towards the future, I am filled with anticipation for the endless possibilities that await in the realm of UI/UX design. I am poised to make my indelible mark and contribute to the remarkable trajectory ahead.
Conclusion
This is my story of how I went from architecture to UI/UX design. I must admit, it was not without its fair share of challenges. The real-world practice demanded unwavering determination and perseverance. Yet, despite the obstacles, I found immense satisfaction in my pursuit.
Picture this: I embarked on this new path. However, I soon discovered that the path was not paved with ease. I encountered hurdles and acquired invaluable lessons along the way. Yet, the growth and fulfillment I experienced made every challenge worthwhile.
Now, I sincerely hope that you enjoyed reading it and found it useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.