Introduction
I stumbled upon Petra's profile on Instagram about a year ago, where she is cultivating a community of junior designers and individuals eager to broaden their understanding of UX/UI. Our paths crossed as Petra actively supports our Devs for Designers project on Instagram, where we strive to bridge the gap between designers and developers through valuable tips and advice. United by a shared mission, we have teamed up to delve deeper into each other's worlds. Join us for our first mini-interview series featuring fascinating personalities from the industry!
What inspired you to become a designer?
I have always been a creative person, constantly exploring new ideas and creating something unique. My journey began around the age of 12-13 when my brother helped me install Photoshop on my computer. From that moment, I was hooked on designing—whether I was bored, inspired, or just eager to learn, I was always creating something. I completed high school as a media technician, gaining skills in various mediums such as TV, radio, photography, and project management. Later, I earned a bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design, which solidified my passion and expertise in this field.
What inspires you in your work?
I draw inspiration from a wide range of design disciplines, including editorial design, cinematography, branding, and architecture. Observing how design flourishes in different mediums and spaces enriches my approach to composition, color, typography, and spatial organization. This cross-disciplinary inspiration fuels my creativity and keeps my work fresh and innovative.
Tell me something about your career goals; what do you want to achieve?
My primary goal is to work on projects that not only make me happy but also contribute significantly to business success by ensuring user satisfaction. I aspire to continue sharing my knowledge, meeting other designers, and fostering a community that values good work ethics, understands their responsibilities, and embodies kindness and professionalism. Ultimately, I aim to create meaningful designs that positively impact users and businesses alike.
Which projects or creations are you most proud of?
One of my most significant achievements is the redesign of a public transportation app in my hometown. This project was a long-time dream since high school. Initially, I planned to undertake it for my master's degree, but my career as a UX designer took off, and I had to set it aside. Amazingly, a year into my job, the opportunity to work on this project came to us. I was thrilled to see my core flows and overall design vision come to life. The timing was perfect, and the experience was incredibly fulfilling, knowing that I played a pivotal role in improving a service that I deeply care about.
What design challenges do you face at work as a freelancer?
One of the main challenges is balancing client satisfaction with maintaining the integrity of the design. It can be difficult to align the client's vision with professional insights and user needs. Ultimately, it's about setting aside personal ego and understanding that you are part of a larger team working towards a common goal. Effective communication and compromise are key to navigating these challenges successfully.
Any advice for other designers?
Don't rely solely on social media as your benchmark for design excellence; much of what you see there comes from enthusiasts or junior designers and may not reflect real-world work. Focus on understanding UI elements and their purpose. Remember, you are part of a team, not the most important person in the room. Develop critical thinking, read extensively about UX, and base your work on solid expertise and arguments. Work hard, keep learning, and never give up—your efforts will always pay off in the long run.
To sum up
Petra's deep passion for design, along with her diverse inspirations and commitment to user-focused solutions, highlights the importance of thoughtful design in improving digital experiences. She advises aspiring designers to develop critical thinking, understand the purpose of UI elements, and maintain professionalism—guiding principles for anyone looking to succeed in the field. Through her community outreach, Petra continues to inspire and educate, showing that exceptional design goes beyond aesthetics to create meaningful and impactful experiences for users. If you want to know Petra better check her Instagram and website.
Natalia Barańska
Marketing Specialist
