How would you describe what you do as a UI designer at Sky?
My role is to support digital projects and help develop big ideas. My day-to-day consists of crafting design assets, helping maintain the asset library, and effectively communicating Sky’s digital design language through our user interface. In simple terms, I make sure that everything you see and interact with on our digital platforms looks great and works smoothly, making it easy and enjoyable for users to navigate our products.

Do you need any specific training for what you do?
I wouldn’t say [not having] any specific training is a deal breaker, but it is definitely important. I started by studying graphic and digital design and communications at university, which gave me a strong foundation in design principles and visual communication. After the pandemic, I took the opportunity to dive deeper into UX/UI design through online courses, which really helped me refine my skills in this area. These courses were essential for learning the tools and techniques specific to UI/UX design.

However, beyond formal training, I think the most essential traits for the role are a keen eye for detail, creativity and a genuine empathy for users. Understanding how users interact with digital products and being able to translate that into intuitive designs is key to being successful in this field.

What’s been your favourite project to work on from the past year, and why?
It has to be redesigning the UI for Sky’s deal page. It was an exciting challenge because it wasn’t just about giving the page a fresh look – it was about completely rethinking the user experience to make it more intuitive and engaging. I got to be hands-on throughout the process, from brainstorming ideas to refining the final design. What really made this project stand out for me was seeing the impact of our work.

After the redesign, we received great feedback from users, and there was a noticeable boost in engagement. Knowing that the changes we made actually improved how people interacted with our platform was incredibly rewarding. It was a perfect blend of creativity and problem solving.

What does a normal day-to-day usually look like for you?
A typical day for me starts off with a quick check of my tasks and any updates from the team. I usually start by reviewing ongoing projects and prioritising my Notion to-do list.

Most of my day involves designing and refining UI elements, like creating mock-ups and prototypes. I also spend time collaborating with developers and senior designers to make sure our designs hit the spot and meet user needs.

I’ll have a few meetings throughout the day – things like team stand-ups, design reviews or brainstorming sessions where we swap ideas and feedback.

At the end of the day, I update any design documentation, write down progress on tasks and get things ready for the next day. This routine helps me stay on top of things and keep our projects moving forward.

What was your journey like when you were first starting out?
Exciting and a bit overwhelming. After completing my degree at uni, I realised that UI/UX design was where my passion really was. Transitioning into this field required some extra bits of learning and skill restructuring, so I took a few online courses to build up my skills. I wouldn’t say I found my feet straight away. It took a bit of trial and error, and a lot of late nights experimenting with Adobe XD and then eventually Figma.

Once I started to understand the process and see how my work could impact user experiences, everything began to click. It was a gradual journey, but each small win helped build my confidence.

How did you go about landing your first few jobs?
Landing my first entry-level job was a bit of an unusual experience. Without any real-world experience, I felt like my portfolio lacked the kind of professional projects that employers might be looking for. Most of my work consisted of what I like to call ‘re-imaginations’: redesigns of well-known websites and branding for established companies. But instead of seeing this as a limitation, I realised it was an opportunity to showcase my critical thinking and design approach.

I focused on highlighting how I broke down and rebuilt these designs, demonstrating my ability to think through the entire design process. Employers aren’t just looking for polished, client-backed projects. They want to see how you approach challenges and solve problems creatively. To get my foot in the door, I proactively reached out to companies, applied to relevant positions and made sure my portfolio told the story of my design thinking.

Networking through LinkedIn and design communities also helped me connect with industry professionals. Over time, as I built up more experience, opportunities started coming my way. In the end, embracing my ‘re-imaginations’ and using them to showcase my design mindset was key to getting hired.

If you could pick three things that you’ve found inspiring to your work or career, what would they be and why?
Figma. This tool has been invaluable for designing and collaborating with my team in real-time. It’s intuitive and powerful, and has become my go-to for everything UI. I always make sure that my proficiency in Figma is 110%, as the platform updates quite often!

Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug is also a must-read for anyone in UX/UI design. It’s helped me understand the importance of usability and simplicity in design.

Then, following designers on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Keeping a finger on the pulse has kept me updated on industry trends and connected me with a network of like-minded professionals. It’s also a great source of inspiration and learning.

Have there been any courses, programmes, initiatives, access schemes or job boards you’ve found helpful or would recommend to get into your sector?
Absolutely. I’d highly recommend any of Daniel Walker Scott’s courses on prototyping softwares. They provided a solid foundation and practical skills that I still use today.

Another great resource is The Interaction Design Foundation. They offer a wide range of courses and are known for their in-depth content.

For job hunting, LinkedIn Jobs has been particularly helpful in finding design roles that match my skills. I’d also suggest attending virtual design conferences and webinars; they’re great for learning and networking.

What have been your greatest learnings with making money and supporting yourself as a creative?
Working in-house has taught me the value of financial stability and the importance of being part of a team. Unlike freelancing, being employed full-time provides a consistent income, allowing me to focus on my design work without the added responsibilities of client management or contract negotiations.

One key takeaway has been the importance of continuously developing my skills. Staying up to date with industry trends and tools is crucial to remain competitive and valuable within the company. Additionally, understanding how to negotiate salary and benefits effectively is important for ensuring that your compensation reflects your skills and contributions.

What’s the best career-related advice you’ve ever received?
This might sound a bit clichéd, but the best career advice I’ve ever received is to just be yourself.

In a field packed with talented creatives, it’s easy to feel a bit intimidated by others who might excel in areas you don’t. But the key is to focus on what you’re good at and let that be your strength. Your unique skills and perspective are what make you stand out. Trust in what you bring to the table and let your true self shine through.

What advice would you give someone looking to get into a similar role?
Never, and I mean never, stop learning. This industry is vibrant, popping and in constant motion with new things. New software pops up left, right and centre, especially with AI now in the picture.

Your fire for learning and curiosity should never ever be dimmed. I work alongside some absolutely incredible designers and directors that would say the same thing.