Hi, I’m Vee, and I’ve been in the design industry for almost 20 years. My journey has been anything but linear, filled with twists, pivots, and the occasional leap of faith. If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s this: comfort is the enemy of growth.
The Early Days: From Print to Digital
Let me take you back to the early days. I started my career as a Jr. Designer at a company called Aardvark Tactical. Back then, I was knee-deep in print catalogs, brochures, and corporate identity collateral. It was a solid job—reliable work, steady paychecks, and a clear path forward. But even two years in, something didn’t feel right. I was good at what I did, but I wasn’t growing. I realized that if I wanted more for myself, I needed to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
So, I made my first pivot. I studied Graphic Design at The Art Institute in Costa Mesa (which is no longer around). During my time there, I noticed the print business was starting to fade. Digital was clearly the future, so I dove in headfirst, teaching myself web design, digital banners, landing pages, and email campaigns. I started taking on more digital projects, slowly shifting away from print. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
The Mobile App Revolution: Seizing New Opportunities
By early 2011, I could see another shift happening—this time toward mobile apps. I wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass me by. I started learning UI and UX design specifically for apps. It was like jumping into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim, but I trusted myself to figure it out. And I did. Before long, I was designing apps for Univision, Tracfone, and Verizon. Those projects opened doors for me that I never imagined, leading to a Senior Position with Samsung where I worked on some incredible products within their multimedia ecosystem.
The Mindset of Growth: Never Getting Too Comfortable
Here’s the thing: every time I started to feel comfortable, I knew it was time to move. Whether it was learning a new skill, taking on a new role, or even leaving a job entirely, I made sure to keep pushing myself forward. Sometimes it meant seeking out new opportunities within my current job, and other times it meant stepping into something completely new. But I never let myself stagnate.
That mindset—never getting too comfortable—was the key to my growth. I advanced from a Jr. Designer to a Designer, then to a Sr. Visual Designer, Lead UX, Jr. Director of UX, Sr. Director of UX, Head of Design, and now, VP of Design. It took nearly 20 years to get here, and each step was a deliberate move out of my comfort zone and into the unknown.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Embracing Change and Innovation
But it wasn’t just about titles or climbing the ladder. It was about staying ahead of the curve. While I kept evolving, many of my peers stayed rooted in the same place. We started out together, studied the same things, yet many of them are still working in print, earning less than 40% of what I make today. Now, I’m not saying it’s all about the money, but if you want to be successful in this field, you need to adapt, pivot, and embrace change.
Take, for example, what’s happening now. We’re seeing AI transform design in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. Once again, I’m diving in, learning everything I can about AI-related projects. Why? Because I see the shift coming, and I want to be at the forefront of it. That’s how I’ve always stayed relevant, and that’s how I plan to continue.
The Hard Truth: Comfort Stagnates Growth
If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing. That’s a hard truth, but it’s one we all need to accept. Comfort might feel good in the moment, but it’s a trap that keeps you from reaching your full potential. If you’re not challenging yourself, if you’re not learning, if you’re not a little bit scared—then you’re not moving forward.
Take the Next Step: Unlock Your Career Potential
If my story resonates with you, it might be time to take a hard look at where you are in your career. Are you comfortable, but unfulfilled? Are you staying in your lane when you should be exploring new ones? Are you ready to take the next big leap, but unsure of how to do it?
At C27 Academy, we specialize in helping designers like you break out of their comfort zones and reach their full potential. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance to the next level, our mentorship-driven programs are designed to guide you through every step of your career journey.
Ready to Make a Change?
You have two options:
- Sign Up for the Academy: Join our 10-month, mentor-led program where you’ll master the skills, strategies, and mindset needed to thrive in the UI/UX industry. With personalized mentorship, real-world projects, and comprehensive career support, you’ll be fully equipped to launch or elevate your career.
- Request a One-on-One Career Growth Session: Not sure where to start? Schedule a one-on-one session with me to discuss your career goals and growth path. Together, we’ll map out a plan to help you pivot, adapt, and advance in your career.
Don’t get too comfortable. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s time to pivot. Whether it’s signing up for the academy or having a one-on-one conversation, I’m here to help you take the next step toward a dynamic, fulfilling, and successful career in UI/UX design.
