🐱 Catt Small 👩🏾‍💻’s Post

We received a feedback from a design expert that the transition from main screen to tracker is drastic. The feedback suggests us to keep it consistent. I kept thinking about it and it kinda made sense that it is drastic. So we discussed this internally and internal team says, it is intended, to take hiring manager or recruiter in a zone. Being an engineer I could relate to this zone comment. Being in zone while working on something improves my attention and accuracy in the work. But that leaves me in a contemplating state. To keep it or to remove it. I tried to convince the team that we could reduce the background area and only apply it to tracker, keeping side and top menu with white background. We have not made any decision yet. Do you have any thoughts?

Why are Designers Always  Prioritized  by Portfolios Over Real Skills? Have you ever met a designer whose portfolio didn’t stand out, but their skills were absolutely mind-blowing? It’s frustrating to see incredibly talented designers always being  overlooked—not because they lack creativity or Critical thinking skills, but because their portfolios don’t align with industry expectations. The truth is  a portfolio is just a snapshot of past work, not a full representation of what a designer can truly do. Real-world design is about solving problems, collaborating effectively, and designing for specific audiences—things that often can’t be distilled into polished case studies. Yet, many hiring managers still treat portfolios as the ultimate dealbreaker. In doing so, they often miss out on incredible skill t by failing to assess what really matters: a designer’s ability to deliver meaningful results under real-world constraints.  Imagine if, instead of dismissing someone for having a “subpar portfolio,” we gave them a real-world task to showcase their skills and thinking process. This approach could uncover unrecognized talent—designers who shine when given the prospect to create and tackle issue effectively  To designers feeling undervalued because your portfolio doesn’t “wow” recruiters: keep going . Keep building your skills and growing. The right possibility will come, and your talent will shine where it truly counts. And to the industry: isn’t it time we rethink how we evaluate designers? The skilled candidate might just have an “Unpolished’’ portfolio What do you think? Should we shift away from portfolios and focus more on real-world skill assessments?

Ever see “2–3 years of experience required” on a design role and feel like you shouldn’t bother applying? Think again. I’ve mentored countless junior designers and career changers, and this is one of the most common concerns I hear: “Should I even try for roles asking for experience I don’t have?” Here’s the truth: those requirements are rarely set in stone. Hiring managers care far more about whether you can do the job than the exact number of years you’ve worked. If you can show solid craft, relevant skills, and the ability to make an impact, you’ve already cleared a huge hurdle. In tomorrow’s newsletter, I’ll share: • How to approach roles that feel “out of reach” with confidence. • Why recruiters and hiring managers say “we went with someone more experienced”—and how to avoid that fate. • Tips for crafting your narrative, showcasing impact, and standing out—whether you’re a junior, career changer, or student. If you’re ready to start aiming higher in your applications, subscribe now (link in my featured section) and join 9.8k+ designers learning how to navigate today’s job market with strategy and confidence. What’s held you back from applying to jobs in the past? Let’s chat in the comments!

Balancing Open Doors alongside a full-time job often prompts the question, “How do you manage without burning out?” The strategy is simple yet effective: rigorous prioritization and meticulous time management. Here’s what I've mastered over time: - The art of saying no. - Committing only to tasks that align with my goals. - Strategizing scalability. - Leveraging asynchronous communication to its fullest potential. My services and guidance operate on an asynchronous model, enabling me to assist as many juniors as possible. While this approach might not suit everyone, it stems from a choice: assist a limited few with higher costs or offer help for more people while keeping it affordable and accessible. As Open Doors evolves, there will be new and also refined services. But one thing remains constant: I’m committed to help junior designers at scale and with a low threshold.

One of my students used my course material to get a new role. It’s not the purpose of the course but…whether you’re: • Trying to get promoted to senior+ roles • Advocating for budget for a project • Interviewing for a new role Many of the communication skills and frameworks are the same: ↳ Connecting your work to business goals ↳ Understanding leading and lagging indicators ↳ Adapting your messaging to stakeholder interests ↳ Using the Problem, Solution, Impact framework for your projects ↳ Making people care about the problem before sharing the solution Ultimately, I'm trying to help designers do meaningful work and get recognition. Using that as my north star, I can help designers thrive in their current role or find somewhere new.

Most hiring managers spend just 7 seconds on your application. How do you make that first impression count? Get your foot in the door with an unforgettable portfolio! More than resumes, your portfolio is what will grab the hiring managers’ attention right from the start to land you that dream job. Let Morgane Peng, Design Director of Societe Generale CIB, guide you step-by-step in creating your very own standout portfolio. Get knowledge on: 🎯 How to create a design that matches industry expectations and gets you hired 💥 Common mistakes and how to avoid them 📐 How to transform your non-design experience into case studies ⚗️ The First Impression Formula: the secret to intros that hook hiring managers 📢 How to present your portfolio to potential clients and employers ... and more! Whether you're new to design or an experienced pro, create a portfolio they can't ignore and stride into your dream job with confidence! Just launched at the IxDF—Build a Standout UX/UI Portfolio: Land Your Dream Job. Enroll today with our link below ⏬ https://lnkd.in/d-s_vVPN #learnwithixdf #uxportfolio #design #careers #transferrableskills #ownyourcareer #careerdevelopment #getthefutureyouwant

Being in the middle of your career as a designer can feel like the hardest place to be. You’re not a junior anymore, soaking in the basics and learning from every project. However, you aren't at that expert level either, where your voice shapes the craft and people come to you for answers. Instead, you’re...in the middle. It’s messy. Imposter syndrome loves to hang out here. You look at the experts and think, “Will I ever get there?” Meanwhile, tech and business priorities keep shifting, making it hard to tell if you’re actually building expertise (or just trying to stay afloat). The worst kept secret? Everyone’s chasing that expert level, but how do you even know when you’ve arrived? Is it when you can predict trends? When you’ve tackled every edge case? When your team starts seeking your advice? The truth is, tech and design move too fast for expertise to ever feel permanent. That’s where the middle starts to feel less like a stuck place and more like a sweet spot. In this phase, you’re learning to tackle ambiguity, balancing creative thinking with business needs, and leaning into collaboration. You’re adaptable, and that’s an underrated skill in an industry that never stays still. So, if you’re in this messy middle: give yourself some credit. Expert status isn’t a destination, it’s a moving target. Maybe, just maybe, you’re already closer than you think.

🌟 Navigating Professional Boundaries and Upholding Professionalism 🌟 In our professional journey, we often encounter experiences that test our boundaries and etiquette. Recently, I've had a few interactions that highlighted the importance of maintaining professional standards on platforms like LinkedIn. I'd like to share these as reminders for us all. 1. Unsolicited Messages: Receiving requests for personal phone numbers or Instagram handles can be uncomfortable. LinkedIn is for professional networking and career development. Let's respect privacy and use this platform appropriately. 2. Random Resume Request: I was approached for my resume without context about the company or position. When I asked for more details, I was met with resistance and accused of "showing attitude." Asking for job details is a reasonable part of the process. Transparency builds trust and ensures a good fit. 3. Unprofessional Address: Being addressed with terms like "dear" is unprofessional. It's vital to use respectful and appropriate language in professional settings to maintain seriousness and comfort. These experiences have reinforced the importance of setting and maintaining professional boundaries. Here are a few key takeaways: 1. Respect Privacy: Avoid asking for personal contact details unless necessary and appropriate. 2. Be Transparent: Provide clear information about the purpose and context when requesting documents. 3. Use Professional Language: Address individuals with respect, avoiding casual terms. By adhering to these principles, we can create a more respectful and effective professional environment. Let's strive to maintain high standards of professionalism and communication in our interactions. #KiruthikaPounniyamourthy #LinkedIn #ProfessionalCommunity #CreativeNetwork #CareerGrowth #CreativeNetwork #GraphicDesign #UXDesign #UIDesign #DesignInspiration #DesignLife #CreativeCollaboration #DigitalDesign #DesignThinking #ArtAndDesign #VisualDesign #CreativeCommunity #DesignersUnite #DesignJourney #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #Networking #IndustryInsights #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WorkplaceCulture #MotivationMonday #BusinessStrategy #TechTrends #Marketing #Sales #CustomerSuccess #JobSearch #Teamwork #Productivity #DesignerNetwork #DesignersUnite #UXUICommunity #CreativeCollaboration #DesignInspiration #CreativeHub #DesignGrowth #InnovationInDesign #UXUIDesigner #UXDesign #UIDesign #UserExperience #UserInterface #DesignThinking #UXUI #InteractionDesign #DigitalDesign #UXResearch #ProductDesign #DesignInspiration #UXDesignerLife #CreativeDesign #UXStrategy #Usability #DesignThinking #UserResearch #DesignCommunity #CreativeCollaboration #DesignGrowth #graphicdesignersgroup #designerscommunity #DesignInspiration #UXDesign

I recently came across an article highlighting five signs that a company values its employees... Seen through the lens of a creative, here's my take on it: 💚 Investment in Your Success: The recruiter and hiring manager actively support your creative journey. They provide insights into the interview process, like expected design challenges or portfolio review criteria, and may even offer tips on what design styles the hiring manager prefers. 💚 Transparency: You're given essential details upfront, such as the salary range, opportunities for remote work or flexible hours, and any other factors that might influence your creative process, like the client roster or project diversity. 💚 Respect for Your Time: After dedicating hours to portfolio preparation and attending the interview, you receive prompt feedback from the recruiter, demonstrating respect for your creative time and effort. 💚 Clear Path for Growth: You receive specific answers to your questions about career advancement opportunities within the creative team, including mentorship programs, skill development initiatives, and chances to lead projects. 💚 Diversity in Creative Leadership: You notice diversity within the hiring and creative leadership team, indicating a commitment to inclusivity and embracing different design perspectives. In the creative industry, finding a company that values you isn't just about landing a job; it's about finding a space where your creativity flourishes, your voice matters, and your growth as a designer is encouraged. #designer #graphicdesign #retaildesigner