"Be Curious, Not Judgemental"
Last updated on 12 Apr, 2025
What books do you recommend?
How did you get started in your role as a designer?
My design journey started early — when I was 5, my mother introduced me to art. That spark of creativity stayed with me, evolving into a passion that now spans multiple design disciplines. I didn’t take the conventional design school route — I studied engineering. But that background sharpened my problem-solving mindset and complemented my creative instincts. In college, I actively sought out design work — branding, print, UI/UX, web. Each project helped me build a diverse portfolio and the confidence to pursue design full-time.
What difficulties do you encounter in your role as a designer?
Coming from an engineering background, one of my ongoing challenges is balancing analytical thinking with creative intuition. But the real complexity lies in navigating the triangle of user needs, technical constraints and stakeholder expectations. Being self-taught, I had to prove myself early on — learning by doing, often the hard way. Over time, that experience became a strength. It’s helped me bridge gaps across teams and speak multiple “languages” in cross-functional settings. When things get tough, I go back to what drew me to design in the first place: curiosity and creativity. That mindset helps me turn constraints into opportunities — which, to me, is the heart of good design.
What advice would you give to your younger self trying to get into the field of design?
Don’t wait for permission — just start. You don’t need a design degree or the perfect setup to begin. What matters is building, experimenting and putting your work out there. Learn to take feedback without losing your voice. Design is subjective and not every opinion is gospel — learn to listen, but also trust your gut. And finally, be patient. Great taste develops faster than great skills. The gap is frustrating, but keep showing up. It compounds.
As a designer how do you stay inspired?
Honestly, I stay inspired by disconnecting. Some of my best ideas come when I’m not actively looking for them — on a walk, while cooking or mid-conversation. Travel is a big one for me. Experiencing new cultures, visuals and behaviours expands my perspective in ways no mood-board can. After 10 years in design, I’ve learned that rest isn't a break from creativity — it’s often the source of it.
