As a novice designer keen on UX, I'm intrigued by the lack of specialized education and a background in illustration or art.



Previously, I worked as a management and financial consultant, gaining insights into areas such as loss analysis, effective decision-making, and client-centered focus. My goal is to enhance product quality through this experience.

Although my portfolio showcases three projects, they do not heavily feature UX design. While I have no prior involvement in creating complex projects, I have optimized the sites for user convenience.

Would it be advisable for me to compile a comprehensive portfolio and then pursue junior-level positions or internships until securing a job? I am currently employed part-time and hesitant about freelancing as a designer without substantial experience. Your guidance would be highly valued.

It's commendable that you're eager to transition into UX design despite not having a formal background in illustration or art.
Your experience as a management and financial consultant is valuable, particularly in terms of the insights you've gained into areas like loss analysis, decision-making, and client-centered focus. These skills could be beneficial in UX design, especially when it comes to understanding user needs and optimizing product quality.

While your current portfolio may not heavily feature UX design, the fact that you've optimized sites for user convenience demonstrates your understanding of user-centric design principles. It's essential to highlight these projects in your portfolio and emphasize the UX aspect of your work.

Considering your part-time employment and lack of substantial design experience, pursuing junior-level positions or internships could be a wise step. This would allow you to gain practical UX design experience, mentorship, and feedback from seasoned professionals. It's a great way to bridge the gap between your current skills and the ones you need to succeed as a UX designer.

Freelancing without substantial experience can indeed be challenging, but it could also provide an avenue for you to work on a variety of projects and build your portfolio. However, it's crucial to carefully consider this option and ensure that you have a solid understanding of UX best practices before taking on freelance work.
Compiling a comprehensive portfolio that highlights your UX-related projects and pursuing junior-level positions or internships would be advisable at this stage. Your willingness to seek guidance and learn from experienced professionals is commendable and will undoubtedly contribute to your growth as a UX designer. Remember that every step you take to enhance your skills and experience brings you closer to your goal.

In my experience, I've found that securing employment or an internship after completing online courses is rarely achievable, with only about 10% of cases resulting in success. The demand for positions far exceeds the available opportunities, making it difficult for companies to accommodate the influx of interns and junior professionals. Therefore, advertisements promising "100% internship or employment" following these courses should be viewed as marketing tactics rather than realistic guarantees. Those who do manage to secure a job often already possess a strong background in the field of design or have prior work experience in the industry, perhaps transitioning from a different design profile such as print to web. If you do choose to pursue these courses, it should primarily be for skill development rather than with the expectation of immediate job prospects.

If you have confidence in your abilities, creating 5-6 mock projects at a professional level is a good strategy. Design studios typically value skills and a sense of style over whether the projects are real or fictional. Your portfolio should showcase only your best work, ideally focusing on a specific type of design. For example, if you want to specialize in landing pages, your portfolio should predominantly feature such projects. A well-curated portfolio that aligns with the client's needs can significantly increase your chances of being hired as a junior designer.

It may be challenging for beginners to produce six distinct high-quality projects, so prioritizing one exceptional project and supplementing it with five designed cases is a feasible approach. Additionally, it's essential to present your portfolio in a lively and professional manner. Behance.net is a valuable platform for showcasing your work, as it is widely recognized by designers and potential clients. It's also advisable to focus on creating a portfolio on Behance rather than a presentation, as this platform is the go-to destination for many in the industry. You can even start receiving initial orders through this platform.

For aspiring UX designers, proficiency in Figma (or Sketch), Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential. Figma's adaptability and efficiency in creating adaptive designs make it a crucial tool for UX designers. When it comes to advancing in the field, gaining experience in smaller studios before aiming for positions in larger companies like Yandex can be more effective. In smaller studios, there might be opportunities to work as a UX designer without strict portfolio requirements. In fact, I know a friend who transitioned from a design role in the print industry to developing applications without extensive experience in designing apps.

Firstly, you may consider enrolling in a course. For instance, Netology offers courses in product and graphic design that I can personally recommend based on my experience. Upon completion, many courses, such as Skillbox, Netology, HtmlAcademy, and Geekbrains, may provide assistance with employment opportunities. This option would require dedicating about a year and an investment starting from $500, depending on the chosen course.

Alternatively, you could compile your portfolio independently. Start by mastering the necessary tools for your specialization, such as Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Marvel, and After Effects. Daily, study the best design examples on platforms like Muzli app, Behance, Dribbble, and others to enhance your design perception. Collect at least 5 impressive works for your portfolio, showcasing them in attractive cases. AIC is a great resource to explore excellent design cases that skillfully demonstrate high-quality design principles. Once your portfolio is ready, send out your resume and continue to develop your skills through theory, videos, and daily practice.

Lastly, you could try securing an internship in a company even without a portfolio. While this may seem like a challenging option, it is still achievable – I know individuals who have succeeded in this manner.

Regardless of the path you choose, it's essential to approach your work with confidence and be open to receiving constructive criticism to improve your skills.