Start typing here.I heard the quote “You won’t be proud of every work you do” from Tunji Ogunoye around 2020 when we had a call with him and it struck me really deep. I don’t think I have gotten to the roots of the thought yet, especially because of the person who said it.
Tunji is one who I can consider an accomplished designer. He is a partner in one of the leading design agencies in the country and has designed a lot of the popular brands we relate to every day. So hearing that from him was enthralling and at the same time, humbling. I have since meditated on that statement and gotten a lot of insights from it that I think is worth sharing, especially to young UXers.
In a world where Instagram feeds overflow with polished portfolios and success stories, the notion that not every project will be a masterpiece might sound daunting, but it is just the truth. Especially when in your first few years in the profession. There will always be projects that don’t quite hit the mark. So what do you do in that instance?
What I mean by this is not just taking ceaseless courses and stuffing yourself with knowledge, but involve yourself in as many practical projects as possible. What it does is that it helps you gain breath/wealth of experience and learn across board. There are a lot of things you won’t know if you don’t get to practise them.
The beautiful thing about this mindset is that it helps you to be conscious of the growth you are attaining in your career. Once you see every project as an opportunity for growth, you are open to feedback, ideas, things you can do better, etc. Even if the project does not make it to your design hall of fame? They are your mentors, your teachers in the school of real-world UX.
Even though this point seems similar to the previous one, it needs highlighting on its own. This is but a an inner resolve to make sure you are doing better in the current work than the previous one. It’s one of the ways growth can be seen. This philosophy permeates the entire creative process and sets a standard or guiding principle that fuels the engine of creative evolution.
In conclusion, let every project be a canvas, a playground for experimentation and growth. Even though its not something you’re entirely proud of, embrace the imperfections, for they are the brushstrokes of your evolving narrative. The path to becoming a proud UX designer is paved with humility, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of your craft.
Onward and upward!
Cheers.