My Journey as a UI/UX Designer
Ever since I was in the 11th standard, I had this gut feeling that I was destined for something creative, something that would allow me to blend imagination with technology. I “manifested” a career in Multimedia and Animation. Growing up in a family full of teachers, principals, and supervisors, it felt almost inevitable that I would follow in their footsteps into education. In fact, I initially enrolled in a BSc B.Ed program — something that seemed natural, given the family legacy. My Nanu (means Grandpa, and he is like any other Indian Grandpas, if you know you know :P ..) nudged me, actually impelled me towards this path, believing that teaching was my calling.
But from day one, I knew it wasn’t meant for me. I struggled with math and physics during mock tests, and I couldn’t see myself pursuing something that felt so disconnected from who I was. I could feel the creative part of me trying to break free.
That’s when the universe gave me a sign to get the ball rolling. During my daily van ride to college, I noticed a girl with massive drawing pads and vibrant art supplies. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation and discovered she was studying MSc Animation. My curiosity deepened, and I asked if there was a BSc Animation course. To my surprise, there was, and in that moment, I realized that was exactly where I wanted to be. It felt like all the confusion had dissipated, and I could finally see the path ahead of me clearly.
I made the bold decision to switch my course. Ofcourse I had the entire family stop me, but I managed to convince them all and I’m pretty sure they’re quite proud of my decision too because from there, everything started to fall into place. By my third year, I had not only taken on the role of class representative, but I had also landed a graphic design job during campus placements, beating out hundreds of other students. To me, this was a massive achievement and a validation that I was on the right track.
Oooh, and also, my sketches got published in the Vels University Magazine too! Below is a picture of it, it’s a lion.
But like any creative journey, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. By 2019, after working for Deloitte as a Graphic Designer, I felt like my passion for design had begun to fade. I found myself going through the motions, and the spark that initially drew me to the field was no longer there. It was during this time that I stumbled upon UI/UX Design — a field that was gaining momentum. It immediately intrigued me, offering something more nuanced than graphic design alone. This wasn’t just about making things look good; it was about crafting experiences, solving real problems, and understanding how people interact with technology.
I didn’t waste time. I dove headfirst into learning everything I could about UI/UX Design. From that point, I was unstoppable. My hunger for knowledge pushed me to complete online bootcamps, earn certifications, and refine my skills.
One of the most crucial phases of my learning process was attending daily Behance challenges, where I explored design projects in a competitive, creative environment. I took them and created soom cool UIs and Graphics.
Links to them:
I also designed an app called “Traffood,” a go-to food app for travelers. I designed the entire app using Figma, and it became one of the highlights of my portfolio.
These projects weren’t just personal wins — they opened doors for me professionally. It was through these daily challenges that I eventually got hired at Netaxis, marking a major milestone in my career.
Fast forward to today, and I’m now a Senior UI/UX Designer and Developer at Insoft, overseeing both designers and developers. I’ve worked on exciting projects, including a US-based one, all while continuing to grow in my role.
Another key moment in my journey was when I transitioned into part-time coaching. I wanted to share the knowledge I had gained and help others start their design journeys. I’ve been teaching part-time at ACTE, providing hands-on experience in UI/UX Design. This coaching role isn’t full-time — it’s more of a way to give back and prepare myself for a larger vision I’ve been working on.
In fact, I’m currently developing my own UI/UX Design course, which will be launching on Udemy and Skillshare soon. It’s been a passion project, and I’m excited to release it by Saturday, September 21st, 2024. Hopefully my online course helps me reach a broader audience, empowering aspiring designers with the skills they need in this ever-growing field.
Below there are a few testimonials from my students, find them all on my website: mariamparvez.in
If I could summarize my journey, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to pivot when things don’t feel right. Sometimes, the career you envision at the start isn’t the one you’ll end up thriving in. It’s crucial to listen to your inner voice and take risks, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. Growth comes when you’re willing to push beyond your comfort zone. I’ve seen this in my own life, and I’ve watched people I admire — like Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif — do the same. Their resilience and constant reinvention inspire me every day.
Looking back, the decision to switch from BSc B.Ed to Animation, from Graphic Design to UI/UX, and eventually to part-time coaching, wasn’t always easy. But each step was necessary for my growth. If you find yourself in a similar position, feeling stuck or uninspired, know that it’s okay to move on. Sometimes, you have to outgrow a space to truly flourish.
And funny enough, I’m now doing exactly what my Nanu always wanted — coaching. I guess teaching was always in my blood after all!
Key Takeaways from My Journey:
- Trust your instincts — when something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to make a change.
- Take risks — growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.
- Keep learning — whether through formal education or self-study, stay curious and keep pushing the boundaries.
- Know when it’s time to move on — growth sometimes requires leaving behind the familiar.
So, if you’re reading this and wondering if it’s time to take that leap, don’t hesitate. Trust yourself, take the plunge, and who knows — you might just find your true calling along the way.
Or hit me up for a quick chat on this topic! Connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter . Also view my work on Behance and Dribbble. Show some love there :D !!
