At the end of my sophomore year in college, I learned about a field that combined my interests in design, data, and behavioral science — UI/UX! Determined to develop a new skill, I applied to numerous startups, emphasizing that while I have no prior formal experience, my desire to learn was unparalleled. As a result of these efforts, I had the exciting opportunity to be a UI/UX intern for MakersValley, a startup aiming to democratize the manufacturing process by connecting independent designers with professional Italian clothes manufacturers. Because of the small size of the team, I had the invaluable experience of working closely with the CTO, CEO, and COO, which meant that while my main task was centered around design, I was constantly involved in the business plan as well. Thus, my designs weren't just rooted in aesthetics, but were deliberately placed in order to maximize customer conversion and improve customer experiences.
During my time at MakersValley, I grew proficient with using Sketch and Adobe XD to create mockups. Moreover, I also engaged in a few side projects, such as making icons and a loading screen animation— my very first animation, which you can see below!