Arianna Malz Portfolio

Navigating the Path from CEGEP Graduation to a UX/UI Design Career

As I approach the final stretch of my CEGEP journey, the question of what lies beyond graduation looms larger than ever before. With a background in graphic design and a clear vision for my future, I’m excited to embark on the next phase of my education and career. My sights are set on the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computation Arts program at Concordia University, a pivotal step toward achieving my dream of becoming a UX/UI designer.

Fusing Creativity with Technology

My journey into the world of design began with a fascination for visual aesthetics and creative expression. During my time in CEGEP, I honed my skills in graphic design, learning to communicate ideas through imagery and layout. However, I discovered that design goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating user experiences that are both intuitive and visually pleasing. This realization ignited my passion for UX/UI design, where technology and creativity converge to craft seamless and user-friendly digital experiences.

Why Computation Arts at Concordia?

Concordia’s Computation Arts program has captured my attention for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes the intersection of art, technology, and design—a perfect fit for my aspirations. Secondly, the program offers a strong foundation in both creative and technical aspects, preparing students to excel in the fast-paced world of UX/UI design. Finally, the university’s vibrant creative community and Montreal’s thriving tech scene offer endless opportunities for networking and growth.

The Path to Freelancing

As I progress through my education, I have my sights set on a future as a freelance UX/UI designer. The allure of freelancing lies in the freedom to work on diverse projects, collaborate with clients from various industries, and have a direct impact on the user experience. Building a strong portfolio during my studies will be pivotal in securing freelance opportunities post-graduation.

The Learning Curve Ahead

The journey from CEGEP to a UX/UI design career is both exciting and challenging. I anticipate a steep learning curve as I delve deeper into programming, user research, and the principles of user-centered design. Nevertheless, I’m prepared to embrace these challenges with enthusiasm and a growth mindset.

Conclusion

As I prepare to leave CEGEP behind, my path forward is clear: I’m committed to pursuing a degree in Computation Arts at Concordia University, where I’ll fuse my passion for creativity with the world of technology. My ultimate goal of becoming a freelance UX/UI designer may seem ambitious, but with dedication, hard work, and the support of a reputable institution like Concordia, I’m confident in my ability to turn this dream into reality. The journey ahead is filled with learning opportunities, creative exploration, and the promise of a fulfilling career in the world of design and technology.

Welcome Back! Today, I want to share my vision for the future, where I see myself in the next 5-10 years.

As I continue to explore my passion for design and technology, I find myself contemplating the path that I’d like to pursue in the next 5-10 years. While the future is uncertain and although I have time before I’m no longer a student, I still have a clear vision of my ideal career, and it’s a journey I’m eager to embark upon.

Entrepreneurial Dreams: Building My Own Empire

In my ideal career, I envision myself as an entrepreneurial leader. I aspire to establish my own design agency or tech start-up, allowing me the creative freedom to initiate exciting projects, shape the company culture, make strategic decisions that define the direction of my business and make final calls (if need be). The thought of entrepreneurship promises a deeply fulfilling and thrilling journey, where I can bring my creative visions to life.

Leading the Way: Head of a Design Department

Simultaneously, I’m also captivated by the notion of leading a design department in a large corporation. As a department head or manager, I would aim to inspire and guide a talented team, fostering innovation and excellence within the organization. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to substantial projects, interact with others and receive input, while also benefiting from the resources and stability of a large corporation.

Balancing Act: Freelancing on the Side

To keep things dynamic and maintain a connection with a broader network of clients and projects, I intend to embrace freelancing on the side, as well. This will provide a valuable creative outlet, enabling me to explore unique design challenges and expand my portfolio. Freelancing offers flexibility and the chance to continue learning and growing, all while keeping my entrepreneurial and corporate pursuits at the forefront.

In my future career, I aspire to be a leader who is always learning and innovating. Whether at the helm of my own company or leading a department, my goal is to create designs that are visually stunning and deeply enriching to the user’s experience. I intend to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and design trends, making a meaningful impact in the design world.

To sum it up, my ideal career path encompasses the desire to lead, innovate, and create while balancing the roles of an entrepreneur, a department head in a large corporation, and a freelancer. While I may not pursue all these paths, I’m drawn to the idea of becoming my own boss as an entrepreneur or taking on a leadership role in a large corporation. On the side, I aim to indulge in freelancing, allowing for a balanced and diverse career journey.

See you soon!!

‘Til next time

Dear readers! This marks my very first blog post, and I’m thrilled to share the next chapter of my design journey with all of you. If you’ve been following my adventures so far, you know that I’m enrolled at John Abbott College, in the Graphic and Web Design program. But there’s a new twist in the tale – I need to apply to university!

The Educational Pursuit:

As I look to the future, I’ve set my sights on extending my stay in school and obtaining a formal education in design. Specifically, I’ve been eyeing fantastic programs: Computation Arts/Media Production at Concordia University and UX/UI Design at Carleton. These programs align perfectly with my aspirations of becoming a designer, and I can’t wait to dive into the world of academia to hone my skills.

The Road So Far:

Before enrolling in university, I had the opportunity to gain professional experience as an intern at Global Vision, a software company, where I was actively involved in the marketing department. The experience proved to be exceedingly valuable, surpassing my initial expectations.

Throughout my time there, I had the privilege of receiving training under the guidance of a talented graphic designer as well as an expert web developer. The opportunity to engage in a dual mentorship provided me with significant knowledge and understanding of the challenges that accompany design and web development.

This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also allows me to walk into a professional workspace confidently. I have gained a glimpse of what to expect walking in and the rapidly evolving and dynamic environment within the design and software sector. My experience at Global Vision has provided me with valuable preparation for future goals and reinforced my determination to pursue a professional path in this field.

A New Beginning:

As I prepare for university, I’m particularly excited about the fresh experiences that await me. I see university as a platform for learning, networking, and personal growth. I’m eager to engage in academic studies that will deepen my design knowledge and expertise, all while interacting with like-minded individuals who share my passion.

The Stage Awaits:

Furthermore, my immediate goal is to secure a stage at the end of this semester. I believe that gaining hands-on experience is crucial to my design journey, and I’m eager to put my skills to the test in a new professional setting. This internship will not only provide me with practical experience but also potentially open doors to a part-time job opportunity for the summer.

So, my friends, as I set sail on this new chapter, I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride. My design journey is only starting, and I can’t wait to share each step of this adventure with you. Stay tuned for more updates and discoveries as I navigate the world of design, education, and, of course, the pursuit of an internship. Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting unknown! 🎓✨