Has anyone here moved from an art director role to UI/UX or product design? What was the process like?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Yep, that was exactly my trajectory! About 5 years into an AD career in marketing & branding, I transitioned by going to Flatiron School back when it was a little regional program - even with an AD background, it’s a whole process/perspective shift. Taking the time to do some formal education instead of trying to make a “learn on the job” case gave me really good traction coming out, and already having solid design background gave me an edge on others who try to transition careers via boot camp.

UX/UI is a bit of a misnomer, and not the same as product design - I’d say dig into the differences and define where you want to focus up front. Too many people try to claim unicorn status without earning it - be realistic about what you want to do and you’ll find (and be) a better fit than just saying “UX/UI.” For example as I transitioned I called myself “a UX designer with a visual design background” to make it clear I was looking for a more strategic, user-centric position, but had the design chops in my back pocket. You can always change your mind or push back the other way later.

Always happy to talk with folks about career aspirations, DM me if you want to chat!

likehelpful

Absolutely, always happy to give what advice I can!

Need to learn a lot more about software architecture and system flows. High fidelity doesn’t really come into play until the end of process.

like

If you want to better understand what UX/UI requires, I suggest checking out the Nielsen Norman Group. They are the industry leader and have excellent training.

like

Ohmigosh can we trade places? Haha I only get recruited for UI roles but I thrive being conceptual v technical. Good luck with your move! You’ll get there. Hopefully we both will! :)

like

I’m doing this transition now as a self-taught designer. Traditional AD for 4.5 years, moved to digital/web design 6 months ago. After applying to jobs for 6 months I realized my problem is I’m not showing I know the software/practices in my projects I have on my website, so that’s something I have to work on. I think it helps to take on real-world projects though as soon as possible, even if pro-Bono, so you can get experience and be able to show you understand how the UX process works.

UX Rescue, AngelList, CatchAFire, and LinkedIn are where I’ve had the most luck getting freelance UX/UI opportunities. Also network the heck out of yourself, that way you can get access to jobs before they’re posted.

Related Posts

Deloitte any fish with thoughts or information about the Global Strategy & Innovation team? Interviewing for the Manager level role and want to make sure I know what I’d be getting into

like

Would love to get your input on this but how do you guys feel about consulting, especially with a STEM background? I have worked on studies where we make recommendations that anybody with a basic scientific/engineering knowledge will say “yea, no f-ing sh*t. We want to do that too. But it’s impossible to achieve from technical perspective with the money we have. You don’t think we already thought of that?”

likesmart

Alvarez & Marsal Want to apply for the PEPI Sr Associate position MI&CO. I have 5 YOE experience in Deloitte’s M&A practice (integration and carve outs). I’m currently based in Toronto but happy to relocate. Anyone up to have a chat and refer me? Alvarez & Marsal

3rd cycle A here..... What are the chances for 4th cycle promotion?

Post Photo
likefunny

Hi all! Does anyone work in EY Client Technology (particularly in the Canadian offices)? There is a new grad role that I am interested in and I would like to get to know more about the service line, work and role to see if I/the role would be a good fit.

like

Posted in another bowl but looking for more inputs...how long should I work in Big Law before exiting? Currently at a V10 firm, NYC office

like

Hi, I have been offered 26 Fixed at MC. (Level 8 - Consultant D&S - mostly Analytics) Mastercard is the growth like in the firm? What on an average can I expect 3-4 years down the line! Also, if anyone can comment on learning opportunities/tech stack, that would be helpful. Thank you

like
like

Any advice for someone about to start a new role remotely and how to deal with the long hours? My new role is going to be more demanding and was wondering how some of you deal with the continual late nights.

like

I have an interview for solution engineer role at Salesforce this week. Any advice specific to the role or company on how to nail it? TIA

like

Any advice for senior counsel looking to take career to next AGC level? What recommendations would you give in getting a promotion after 4.5 years of in-house practice + 9-10 years in law firms

like

Good day :) I hope everyone is doing well. I am requesting assistance from anyone in regards to a question that a Recruiter posed to me in a series of questions. This process is not that same that I am use to while working as a Recruiter Coordinator. Nevertheless I really want this job and I know that I can and will excel in the role. Yet can someone assist me one on one with one of the pre interview questions, to help me better understand? I greatly appreciate your feedback, time and support.

like

Looking to leave a govt job for a junior attorney role in a small workers comp defense firm. I have no experience in workers comp. How easy is it to learn the work and make 1850 billable hours? What future opportunities does this experience give?

like

Looking for an entry level remote tech position. Honestly not picky, current TC is 111k anything close to that would be appreciated.

I am looking for referral in Deloitte.

Anyone can refer me to senior international tax position at Deloitte? (Dallas, TX)

like

Has anyone else worked two programming roles at one time?
I currently work as a Contracted Software Engineer and I’m set to finish my contracted time at the end of October. To stay ahead of game I started to move forward in the interview process with another opportunity as an Application Software Programmer and just received notification that I got the position. I definitely could use the extra paycheck to help out with my financial obligations. Just wanted to see if anyone has done this before.

like

what is working at a crisis management firm like? broad question, i know, but i don’t know much about the field! (i currently work at an ad agency, but i’m considering a career pivot.)

like

Hi everyone! I’ve been working as a product manager in an internal consulting department at Kaiser Permanente a on software product that maps and automates clinical workflows. Although my title is a consultant, my role entails the usual responsibilities of a PM (prioritizing builds and features, identifying business requirements, mapping user journeys and stakeholder management). Does anyone have any advice on ways to break into tech or suggestions of companies to look into?

like

Hi Fishes, I would like to know the Designation structure in Infy..which Infy Designation would be the equivalent of Senior Consultant in TCS

More Posts

Are there any good places open for brunch that aren’t freezing??

like

Omg. If you like Brie, check out TJ's mini brie bites. Heaven in a snack pack.

like

Happy reminder, depending on where you live it’s almost that time of the year to fertilize your indoor plants and prune them

like

How are these? Mens Suede Black from Todd’s

Post Photo
like

Hi ,

Looking for a job change and interested to join and explore your career in Qualcomm with below jobs, please DM me.

Post Photo

How would you handle not getting a lunch break when you are a salaried employee treating patients for 40 hours a week? I don’t get documentation time either, but all notes are to be completed the same day. Some of us have reached out to HR and we’re told to discuss it with the regional director, but the regional director says we’d have to come in early or leave late to block out a lunch break. My commute is an hour each way, so I’d prefer not to make my day any longer. Advice?

like

Does anyone know what’s going on with my philodendron? I’ve had this plant for years and just recently got it to start producing new leaves again and all the new ones have these lighter spots, but all the old growth is just a solid dark green like the leaf in the background. Good thing, bad thing, or just a thing that happens? Anyone have some insight?

Post Photo
like

Hi All - My husband has got an opportunity in UK (London) for 75k, and we are planning to move UK. I earn 20 LPA in India. Will I get job easily in London?? Currently, UK firms are not accepting applications since Visa is still in process. Looking for good advises from experienced folks. Thanks in advance.

like

Me: 4.5 years in audit, Big 4, interviewed and accepted an offer in industry. You can let me know if your background differs and I can help tailor my responses to you.

like

In my offer letter it stated a signing bonus to be paid on the first available payroll after my start date. Its been a month since my first paycheck and HR and the Payroll team are incredibly unresponsive to my inquiry on where this bonus is. What’s the next course of action? Legal? I’m not at ACN anymore so not looking for ACN-specific advice.

like

What are some negotiation scripts you people have used to negotiate a higher salary after the initial offer?

like

Alright who’s the highest paid pencil scraper on here? Region, salary, agency size GO

like

Does anyone have an Excel shortcut guide for Mac?

like

I’m looking for a Roche referral for a DC based policy role. My previous experience is global policy at WHO/PAHO & Executive Branch.

like

Any thoughts about Tudor? I like the blackbay 58 but feel like taking off my Rolex to put on a Tudor would be a huge disappointment. Thoughts?

like

Will get COVID vaccine today. That means party is an option at b school?

likeuplifting

Are most bschools not requiring gmat/gre test scores anymore?

like

To HBS admits - any of you thought you didn’t interview well but managed to salvage through the post-interview reflection essay?

like
like

I feel like this also applies to advertising. Thoughts?

Post Photo
likeuplifting

Additional Posts in Designers

Anyone at Nike? What’s the vibe?

like

Any advice on doing pro bono design work for nonprofits? I’m considering offering some work to a local nonprofit I believe in, but I’m not sure what kind of boundaries to set, how to approach them, etc. would love advice!

like

My company is offering to pay for external learning (ie conferences, certifications, training etc) and I’m interested in growing my knowledge in branding. Are there any courses out there that y’all recommend?

like

I quit my old job but am working PT for them till they find a replacement. Apparently they could not get a refund on a flight they booked me and my manager is asking if (not me, but I can see it in Teams) I can reimburse for the ticket. It’s $800, anyone know if this is legal?

like

Anyone out there who left their previous job for a new one have any advice or life experience to share? I’ve been thinking about it for months but currently feel comfortable in my job/the products I work on. I’d say I have a great work/life balance but I do know that I could be making 20-30% more and have better benefits if I left. I also feel a bit stagnant in my job but the job security has kept me put. Would love to hear if leaving a comfortable job for more money is always worth it.

like

Hi all! I’m looking to start consulting for design systems work. Freelancers, I am curious what sorts of admin documents do you prepare for your client during the whole process? For example what type of contracts, statement of work, etc. Thanks!

like

What is it like working as a full-time graphic designer for a company (not an agency/firm)?

like

How do you frame your specialty as a designer?

Trying to emphasize a level of specialization without shutting out too many opportunities.

Curious how far others niche down how they present themselves.

likesmart

Where do you keep your non-library original components in Figma? Do you put them to the side outside of a working frame, within its own “Components” page (like Sketch does for Symbols), or do you keep the original directly inside of one of your layouts?

like

What process do you follow when working with product managers to solve customer pain points or work on new product features? I’m trying to find a better and more efficient way to work with my design team

like

For those of you who are currently working at or have worked in the past in Deloitte, McKinsey, etc - What is it like working at the big 4 consultancy as a UX designer? Do you think you are able to get strong portfolios out of the work? Do you think it would help you career? Asking as someone considering to move from in-house to a consultancy.

likehelpful

How often do you A/B test and how do you conduct it? 

How often do you A/B test to see whether a button should be X or Y color? 

How often do you A/B test to see whether a button should be top left or top right corner? 

Do you wish your company did more of these tests? 

like

Hi! What's the entry level UX designer job pay range realistically? Just trying to gauge a general range (I understand factors such as location play into it big time)

like

Can we get a thread going of Senior Product Designer salaries.

I am currently a contractor and make $65/hr.

like

Any recos on in-person Sketch App workshops in Los Angeles?

How do you handle revisions at a company?

like

Thinking about applying to grad school in Europe for graphic design / branding / visual identity stuff. 1. Anyone know of good schools/programs? 2. How do tuition loans work with international schools? 3. Any tips on applying to a European school as an American? Lemme know!!!!

like

What KPI/OKR metrics are used to measure design efficacy/ROI at your organization?

like

anyone else hype about the new macbooks 👀

already pre-ordered

with apple silicon, adobe better get indesign running faster than i’ve ever seen it.

like

Is front end web dev a lucrative career choice? Currently in the commercial banking industry but don’t enjoy it a ton, enjoy learning basic front end web dev because I like the control and creative aspect of it, was curious if I should just keep it as a hobby and keep a stable banking job or possibly look into trying to prepare to make a switch in a few years. Thoughts?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal