The road to success is rarely a straight line, and I’m no exception.
Read my story below.
Crafting solutions at Sam's Club:
From being a forklift driver to known as "Crafty Mike," my problem-solving skills earned me a reputation. During my overnight shifts at Sam's Club, I took the initiative to redesign the apparel section. My meticulous organization and attention to detail caught the eye of the vice president, leading to the implementation of my format across all stores in the area.
From liquor stores to film school:
Venturing into different roles, I worked in liquor stores, improving signage and displays with my exceptional handwriting. Despite studying film directing, my journey took an unexpected turn when I delved into the world of screen printing.
Growing design skills through screen printing:
Five years in screen printing became a transformative phase. I taught myself the Adobe Creative Suite, enabling me to take on more responsibilities, including graphics expertise. I identified inefficiencies in the process, mapped out the shop layout, and suggested improvements. Although corporate restructuring cut my tenure short, my ideas were implemented, making the process more efficient.
Teaching and learning in a new print shop:
Moving on to assist a struggling print shop after the owner's passing, I undertook the role of teacher and learner. Navigating different machines, emulsions, and exposure units, I became adept at client communication and meeting deadlines. Little did I know, this experience would open the door to the world of UX.
Discovering UX:
Introduced to UX through friends, I enrolled in an intensive UX bootcamp in early 2023. Learning design theory, wireframing, prototyping, and design sprints, I quickly transitioned from student to coach. My role expanded to facilitating workshops, guiding students in Figma and presentation skills, becoming an integral part of their UX journey.
Board of directors - Digital Media at UXPA-MN:
Elected to the board of directors at UXPA-MN, I became the first Director of Digital Media - Hybrid Events in January 2024. Responsible for ensuring virtual audiences receive an equivalent experience to in-person events, I embraced the challenge of bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms.
Freelancing for a Cause:
Recently, I took on a freelance project for Cause-Cart, originally one of my student group projects, revamping their homepage and enhancing the user experience within the constraints of a limited functionality marketplace builder.
A Continuing Journey:
Today, I continue to thrive as a UX designer, not only shaping experiences but also shaping the next generation of UX professionals. From my unconventional beginnings to my current role, each twist and turn has contributed to my unique perspective and passion for creating meaningful user experiences. The journey continues, and I'm excited for what lies ahead in this ever-evolving landscape.
