We recently connected with Alfredo Mercedes and have shared our conversation below.
Alfredo, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is deeply rooted in my upbringing and life experiences. Growing up in the Dominican Republic in a house made of cardboard, I faced many challenges early on. My parents instilled in me the values of hope, hard work, and dedication, teaching me that with these, I could change my destiny.
Living in such humble conditions, I learned to find strength in adversity. Even when the rain would threaten to wash away our home, my family’s laughter and togetherness kept us strong. My father’s stories about overcoming his own difficult childhood and my mother’s unwavering faith gave me the perspective and hope that things could always get better.
As I grew older, I applied these values to my education, determined to build a better future for my family. When I moved to the United States, I faced new challenges as an immigrant, but I drew upon the resilience my parents had taught me. I remembered that life is beautiful because it can be changed, and I set a course to transform my circumstances, step by step.
Today, as a successful UX/UI Designer and Web Developer, I focus on creating accessible and inclusive digital experiences. My journey has taught me that resilience is about never giving up, no matter how many times you face setbacks. It’s about believing in the power of hope and hard work to overcome any obstacle.
In essence, my resilience comes from my life’s journey—from a house made of cardboard to leading a successful career in New York City. It’s a testament to the power of hope, hard work, and the unwavering belief that you can always change your life for the better.
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?
My name is Alfredo Mercedes, and I am a UX/UI Designer and Web Developer based in New York City. I am the founder and CEO of Blue Beacon Creative, a consultancy dedicated to transforming the digital experience by championing website accessibility for all. With certifications in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and Interaction Design from the Nielsen Norman Group, I have made it my mission to ensure that the digital world is inclusive and accessible.
I focus on designing and developing websites that are not only visually appealing but also accessible to people with disabilities. I believe that everyone deserves equal access to information and services online, and my work is centered around making that a reality. This involves a comprehensive approach to UX/UI design, ensuring that every element of a website is user-friendly and compliant with accessibility standards.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the ability to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. When I design a website that is accessible, I am not just creating a digital product; I am opening doors for people who might otherwise be excluded from the online world. This is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in web design.
At Blue Beacon Creative, we are currently working on several exciting projects and launching new services to further enhance digital accessibility:
Workshops and Corporate Training: We are developing a series of workshops and corporate training programs focused on web accessibility and inclusive design. These sessions aim to educate businesses on the importance of accessibility and provide practical strategies for implementing inclusive practices.
Online Courses: We are creating comprehensive online courses that cover various aspects of UX/UI design and web accessibility. These courses will be available to anyone looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in these areas, making high-quality education accessible to a broader audience.
YouTube Channel Expansion: Through my YouTube channel, Accessible Bits, I continue to share educational content on UX/UI design and accessibility. We are expanding the channel with new series and tutorials to provide ongoing value to our audience.
Character Mascot, Lumie: We are introducing Lumie, a blue owl character mascot for our brand. Lumie symbolizes trust, knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendliness, and will feature in various educational materials and promotional content to make learning about accessibility engaging and fun.
This year is full of potential, and we are looking to spread the word about web accessibility as far as we can.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been instrumental in my success: resilience, a commitment to continuous learning, and a passion for accessibility.
Resilience:
Impact: Growing up in challenging conditions in the Dominican Republic and facing numerous obstacles as an immigrant in the United States, resilience has been my cornerstone. It allowed me to persevere through hardships and stay focused on my goals.
Advice: To develop resilience, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with setbacks, reflect on what you can learn from them and how they can make you stronger. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Commitment to Continuous Learning:
Impact: The tech industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and tools is crucial. My commitment to continuous learning has kept me ahead in my field, allowing me to offer cutting-edge solutions to my clients.
Advice: Cultivate a habit of lifelong learning. Take advantage of online courses, attend workshops, and participate in industry events. Stay curious and open-minded, and never hesitate to explore new areas of knowledge. This will not only enhance your skills but also open up new opportunities for you.
Passion for Accessibility:
Impact: My dedication to creating accessible digital experiences has been a driving force in my career. It has given my work a deeper purpose and allowed me to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Advice: Find a cause or aspect of your work that you are passionate about. This passion will fuel your motivation and commitment. For those interested in accessibility, start by educating yourself on accessibility standards and best practices. Advocate for inclusivity in all your projects and strive to create digital experiences that everyone can enjoy.
General Advice:
Network: Build a strong professional network. Connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders who can provide guidance and support. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Be Adaptable: The ability to adapt to new situations and challenges is crucial. Stay flexible and be willing to pivot when necessary. Adaptability will help you navigate the uncertainties and changes that are inevitable in any career journey.
Stay True to Your Values: Your values and principles are your guiding compass. Stay true to them, and let them influence your decisions and actions. Integrity and authenticity are qualities that will set you apart and earn you respect in your field.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Two books that have profoundly influenced my professional development are Brand Brilliance by Fiona Humberstone and Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler. Both have provided invaluable insights into branding and design that have shaped my approach to creating impactful digital experiences.
1. Brand Brilliance by Fiona Humberstone:
Impact: This book has been instrumental in understanding how to create a brand that not only stands out but also resonates deeply with its audience. Humberstone’s approach to branding emphasizes clarity, consistency, and creativity.
Key Takeaways:
– Clarity is Crucial: Clearly define your brand’s purpose, values, and unique selling points.
– Visuals Matter: Choose colors, fonts, and images that reflect your brand’s personality.
– Consistency Builds Trust: Keep your messaging and visuals consistent to build trust and loyalty.
Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler:
Impact: Wheeler’s comprehensive guide to branding has been a cornerstone in my understanding of brand strategy and implementation. Her book offers a detailed roadmap for creating and managing a brand from start to finish.
Key Takeaways:
– Structured Process: Follow a five-phase process: Research, Strategy, Design, Touchpoints, and Management.
– Brand as an Experience: A brand is more than a logo; it’s the entire experience customers have with it.
– Collaboration and Flexibility: Work with others and be ready to adapt your brand as needed.
Advice for Readers:
For anyone looking to delve into branding and design, both Brand Brilliance and Designing Brand Identity are must-reads. These books offer practical, actionable insights that can help you create a brand that is not only visually stunning but also strategically strong. Embrace the wisdom from these books to build a brand that resonates, engages, and endures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluebeaconcreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebeaconcreative/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredomercedes/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BlueBeaconNYC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBbnpYFFPXb4LqTMx7F5tzQ
Image Credits
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