π 14. Findings of the week
How to start UX freelancing with no prior experience, AI for junior designers, a free collection of UX ressources...
Read time: 5 minutes.
Hi π
In this week's findings, we'll focus on AI and freelancing as a junior UX designer as it's a topic that interests you.
For those who just joined the news, we invite you to send us your questions or resource requests and we will be happy to share them in other findings.
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Break into UX π»
How to start UX freelancing with no prior experience?
Some of you are asking us how to start as a freelancer if you don't have much or any experience in UX? We found an interesting article to guide you. The author gives us practical advice on the portfolio, how to find clients and how to market yourself. Here are the key points:
Step 1: be ready. Before contacting a client, make sure you have your portfolio ready and that it highlights your skills. Then, approach your potential clients. You can find templates on Google or with the help of GPT Chat but make sure it is really personalized. Here is an example of a prompt given by the author: βWrite <email/LinkedIn message> template to reach out to clients for <a single design service>.
The template must have an area <value addition section>.
Also, the template should be very short and to the point. It also needs to sound humble and respectful.β
Then optimize your social networks. Create a clear description of what you do and a CTA that encourages people to get in touch with you.Step 2: attracting your first client. Once you have your portfolio and social media ready, here are some ways to find your first client: contact potential clients in your industry with the message previously written. Remember to focus on the value you will bring. You can also find your first client through freelancing platforms or on social media, including Twitter and LinkedIn. On social media, type in "Looking for Freelance Designer" and you will see several posts, all you have to do is contact the person directly. Finally, another tip we used is to attend events to expand your networking.
Step 3: building trust and presence. By creating an online presence, you build your legitimacy little by little and you will be able to attract more paying clients. To do this, the author suggests: create content on social media to show your knowledge of the field, join design communities and be active to build your legitimacy, share your designs and finally, attend design events or conferences.
Step 4: widening lead generation. Additional ways to find customers include Dribbble and Behance, writing articles on Medium or creating free products for your audience.
Step 5: repeating and upskilling. As a freelancer, it is important to stay consistent in order to get clients on a consistent basis. To do this, organize yourself so that every day you can: find time to contact potential clients and learn new skills.
A concept explained βοΈ
How to design for AI as a junior designer and why itβs important?
AI is taking more and more place in our society, although we are not specialized in this sector, an article seemed very interesting to share with you. It talks about its importance as a junior UX through the example of Google. Here are the key points:
The role of UX designers is evolving with the rise of generative AI. Previously, designers focused on crafting interfaces for users to navigate existing content, but now they must design interfaces that facilitate interaction with the creation of new "smart" content.
To pursue a UX role in this field, it is essential to gain real hands-on experience with AI products. Similar to other emerging technologies like AR/VR design and web3, building AI product experience is crucial.
βAcquiring foundational knowledge in AI is critical for UX designers. This includes understanding machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. Podcasts and articles on these topics can be helpful resources to start with.β
UX designers should concentrate on designing interfaces that enable interactions with AI-generated content. Participating in programs like UXGO's advanced courses, which partner with Harvard Business School clients to design real AI-powered products, can provide valuable hands-on experience and allow you to build relevant UX skills.
Itβs also worth looking for unpaid positions, internships, or AI design positions to gain practical experience with AI-driven products. Building real hands-on experience with a good AI-driven product is key to preparing for future opportunities in this field.
Cool tools for you β¨
#1 A free collection of UX/UI ressources
If you are looking for free UX/UI resources, we have found this gem for you!
#2 Streamline the production of design specifications
Weekly inspirations β‘οΈ
#1 Srijanβs portfolio
#2 Product selection
Hushl is a creative AI platform that helps business owners, freelancers and professionals create content that drives organic growth - in less than minutes a week. Ideation, creation, programming and deep analytics - all on one easy-to-use platform.
Juniorβs jobs
Europe π
UI/UX Designer - Evolution - Riga, Latvia
UX/UI Designer - Accenture - Prague, Czech Republic
America π
UI/UX Designer - Moxe, Boston (Hybrid), USA
UX Dseigner - American auto Shield - Brandon, FL, USA
Asia π
UI/UX Design - PwC -Mainland China- Hong-Kong
UI/UX designer - Reckonsys Tech Labs, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Africa π
UI designer - Bashr Consulting - Johanesburg, South Africa
UXUI Designer - Snaphunt Remote, Congo
Thatβs all! Thank you for reading.
If you have a question, weβll answer it in the next newsletter. Feel free to ask it here.
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See you on the next news,
Mialy and Michel