Exploring Art & Design: My 18-year Journey

In an interview for a Sr. UI/UX Designer role, I was asked to share my personality, career story, and portfolio. I also rated my skills in UI/UX Design Tools. Here’s a summary of our discussion:

1. Who is Charity Calderon as a person?

2. Art & Design

3. Work Experience

4. Career Story

5. Personality

6. Portfolio

   
   

Art & Design: A Personal Perspective

Art and design are intertwined for me. They are like a marriage. There is design in art and art in design. A designer can also be an artist. This perspective sparked an interesting conversation with the Technical Director during my interview. We spent a good amount of time discussing this idea.

The Essence of Art & Design

To me, art and design are not separate entities. They complement each other beautifully. When you embrace both, you enrich your work and experience. Being an artist enhances your capabilities as a designer. It allows you to transcend the ordinary and connect with emotions. Ultimately, that’s what we aim to achieve.

Humans buy from humans. While technology can handle transactions, it’s our human side that defines what is valuable and enriching. We feel, we connect, and we decide what makes a good experience.

A Cherry On Top

Being a designer who is also an artist is like having a cherry on top of a delicious sundae. It enriches your work and your output. Art touches the human spirit, and that connection is vital. It’s about creating experiences that resonate on a deeper level.

The Importance of Connection

When we design, we must remember that it’s about connection. Our work should evoke feelings and thoughts. It should invite users into a space where they feel understood and valued. This is the essence of good design.

Diagnostic & Rapid Prototyping

The Ideal: Crafting Visions Together

Everyone has a wishlist. We all envision our ideal version of a project. If you can help others imagine that vision, you can enroll them in your ideas. When clients are on board with your design vision, collaboration becomes much easier.

As a designer, you guide clients through this process. Many clients think they know what they want. It’s your job to help them see the bigger picture. You craft the ideal version of the product together.

Proactive Leadership in Design

Being proactive is essential. You bring your resources, visual library, and expertise to the table. This knowledge may be missing from the other party. By helping clients imagine from the start, you set the stage for a successful collaboration.

Holistic Product Design

Game Development: A Rich Experience

Gamification & Interactive 3D Websites

Sensible Design: Making Thoughtful Choices

Portfolio Showcase: Highlighting My Best Work

Featured Project: OH! Website

I chose this project because it involves teamwork and leadership. My role included Creative Direction, UI & UX Design, Art Direction, and sometimes Technical Direction.

You can view the project on my portfolio site: OH! Website.

Portfolio - Best Work Pt. 1

Portfolio - Best Work Pt. 2

This blog post reflects my journey and insights into the world of art and design. I hope it inspires you to explore your own creative path!