We caught up with the brilliant and insightful CJ Hernandez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
CJ, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives, whether they admit it or not. When I began my journey as a graphic designer, I never even considered the possibility of feeling like an imposter. In the early years, I was shielded from the work of other designers and didn’t seek inspiration from them. I had isolated myself creatively, always striving to create something unique. Looking back, I realize that approach hindered my growth as a designer. I’ve come to believe that every creative individual should look to their peers, learn from them, and find ways to incorporate those learnings into their own work.
Eventually, I changed my mindset and immersed myself completely in the world of graphic design. Seeing the amazing work that was out there made me question my own abilities. I asked myself if I could ever be as good or as successful. It’s natural to compare oneself to others, and if we let it consume us, it can become overwhelming.
Those feelings persisted for a while, but I came to understand that talent develops with practice and success takes time. It was up to me to make things happen and continue learning, always keeping my end goal in sight. I am a naturally competitive person, and I’ve realized that this trait can be harnessed positively. Instead of competing with others, I compete with myself. I strive to show that I can be just as skilled and accomplished. This mindset has helped me overcome the imposter syndrome. I constantly challenge myself to improve every day. Even after 14 years in the field, I still embrace the opportunity to learn and draw inspiration from others.
Four years ago, I experienced imposter syndrome resurfacing when I decided to pivot from graphic design to UX/UI design. Those familiar feelings and self-doubt started creeping in again. This time, I was older, and I began to believe that it was too late to learn something new. However, I had the advantage of prior experience and had already faced similar thoughts before. While I can’t claim that the feeling of being an imposter has completely disappeared, I have learned to leverage it to my advantage. Making that career transition turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I now work as a Senior Designer for a fantastic company and have quickly achieved success in this new field. Imposter syndrome can be overwhelming, but it should never become a barrier between you and your goals. Remember that you have the ability to progress at your own pace, and the words “fraud” or “phony” should never define you. Let go of those words, and embrace your true potential.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an Austin-based creative specializing in Brand Identity, Product, and UI/UX Design. With a career spanning over 14 years, I have consistently crafted designs that solve complex challenges with style and effectiveness. From conceptualizing brand identities to leading art direction, my expertise covers a wide spectrum of design disciplines. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients, ranging from small businesses to unicorn startups and multinational corporations.
What truly sets my work apart is my unwavering passion for collaborative partnerships. I thrive on the excitement of joining forces with clients and brainstorming powerful strategies to elevate their brands and/or user experiences. As a UI/UX designer, I have honed my ability to infuse every project with strategic thinking, placing users at the heart of my creations, and ensuring that the final product resonates with clients and captivates and engages their target audience.
My brand is not just a mere label but a vibrant expression of my creative spirit. An indescribable satisfaction comes from sculpting and nurturing brands and user experiences, watching them flourish into resounding successes. I have always been a tireless worker, constantly seeking new challenges and pushing the boundaries of my craft. Even as a full-time designer, I never ceased building my brand. Whether my ventures thrived or faltered, they represented an extension of my creative identity that remained steadfast.
I recently embarked on an exciting new journey. I have enthusiastically embraced the UX/UI design world, adding a fresh layer of expertise to my skill set and brand. This newfound passion allows me to create extraordinary user experiences that elevate products and try to captivate users with immersive designs that leave a lasting impression.
The Value I Provide
I’m here to offer guidance, strategy, creativity, and, above all, a grounded approach from start to finish.
As a Graphic Designer, I offer:
• Logo design and brand identity
• Print and digital designs
• Product packaging
• Brand social media assets
• Image editing
As a UX/UI Designer, I offer:
• User experience improvement
• Visual interface design
• Prototyping
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe that three important aspects of my abilities are my openness to (constructive) criticism, my determination to prove myself, and my eagerness to continuously learn and acquire new skills.
The advice I offer to those on a similar journey as mine is to continually work on honing your skills. In this ever-evolving landscape, differentiate yourself by staying ahead of the curve and acquiring a diverse range of skills. While “practice makes perfect” may sound cliché, but consistent practice plays a vital role. While perfection may not be attainable, continuous learning remains an essential ingredient. So, never waste time in your quest for knowledge.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I wouldn’t necessarily this is an obstacle or challenge, but in my current job, I have taken on the responsibility of managing all web-related tasks, which includes learning WordPress. WordPress is a web content management system that enables website creation without the need for coding. Although I haven’t used this tool before, I am genuinely enthusiastic about acquiring this skill and expanding my repertoire. It’s particularly beneficial because it fills a gap in my skill set, allowing me to handle all aspects of brand development from inception to completion. I can now not only create a brand and craft comprehensive user experiences for web and mobile platforms but also bring my designs to life by building them with WordPress.
As for addressing this challenge, even though I initially downplayed it, I acknowledge that learning a new skill can always pose challenges. However, I always welcome and embrace such challenges. I intend to tackle this head-on by immersing myself in courses, tutorials, and dedicated practice. I thrive under the pressure of learning something quickly, and this determination will help me stand out at work and make meaningful contributions to the amazing product I have the privilege to work with every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://designercj.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.designercj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designer.CJ
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/designercj/
- Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/designercj-
