We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Harsha Chathuanga. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Harsha below.
Harsha , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Throughout my career as a UI/UX, web, and graphic designer, I have focused on the continuing process of gaining confidence and self-esteem. Here are some key factors that have helped me build my confidence and self-esteem:
1. Experience and Expertise: Over a decade, I have gathered valuable experience while working on diverse projects and collaborating with clients from various industries. This extensive experience has helped me build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, boosting my confidence in my design abilities.
2. Continuous Learning: As a designer, I recognize the importance of staying up to date with industry trends and technologies. I have expanded my knowledge and expertise by investing time in continuous learning, attending workshops, reading books, and exploring new design techniques. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge has enhanced my skills and bolstered my confidence in my ability to tackle complex design challenges.
3. Positive Feedback and Client Relationships: Positive feedback and strong relationships with clients have significantly boosted my confidence. The satisfaction and appreciation expressed by clients for my work have allowed me to reinforce my self-esteem as a designer.
4. Seeking and Embracing Challenges: Instead of shying away from challenging projects, I actively seek them out. Taking on complex design tasks and pushing the boundaries of my skills and creativity has helped me grow professionally and personally. By embracing challenges, I have proven I can overcome obstacles and deliver outstanding results, contributing significantly to my confidence and self-esteem.
5. Supportive Network: Surrounding myself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and like-minded professionals has boosted my confidence and self-esteem.
In conclusion, my confidence and self-esteem as a UI/UX, web, and graphic designer have been developed through experience, continuous learning, positive feedback, embracing challenges, and the support of a network of professionals. This ongoing process of growth and self-improvement has allowed me to cultivate a strong sense of confidence in my skills and abilities, contributing to my overall self-esteem as a designer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to share some exciting information about myself and my brand as a UI/UX, web, and graphic designer. My name is Harsha Chathuranga and live in Sri Lanka, and I’m passionate about creating captivating digital experiences that help businesses thrive and individuals connect with their target audience. Allow me to spread the word about my brand and the unique value I bring to the table.
🎨 A Fusion of Creativity and Innovation: With over a decade of experience in the design industry, I have honed my UI/UX, web, and graphic design skills. I bring a unique blend of creativity and innovation to every project.
💡 Innovative Solutions for Your Brand: One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the opportunity to collaborate with individuals and companies to bring their brand visions to life. I’m committed to developing a user-friendly website, designing captivating visuals, crafting intuitive user interfaces, and delivering innovative solutions that elevate your brand and drive results.
🌟 Empowering Your Digital Presence: A solid online presence is essential for success in today’s digital era. By incorporating the latest design trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices, I ensure your digital products or websites look visually appealing and engage and inspire users.
🌐 Let’s Connect: Are you looking to enhance your brand’s digital presence? Do you need a skilled designer to create intuitive user experiences? I’m here to help! Let’s connect and explore how to work together to achieve your design goals. Feel free to contact me through www.designerharsha.lk
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As a UI/UX, web, and graphic designer, three skills have been most impactful in my journey:
1. Creativity and Design Thinking: Creativity helps you think outside the box, develop innovative solutions, and create visually appealing designs. Design thinking, a problem-solving approach, helps you empathize with users, define their needs, and develop user-centered designs. To enhance these qualities, engage in activities that stimulate creativity, such as sketching and exploring diverse design styles, and practice design thinking by immersing yourself in user research, prototyping, and iterative testing.
2. Technical Proficiency: Technical skills are crucial in UI/UX, web, and graphic design. Stay updated with the latest design tools, software, and technologies relevant to your field. Continuously improve your proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch. Familiarize yourself with coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to better understand web design and development. Seek online tutorials, attend workshops, and experiment with new techniques to enhance your technical skills.
3. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are essential for a designer. Being able to express your design ideas, present your work, and communicate with clients and team members is crucial.
For those early in their design journey, my advice is:
1. Practice and Experiment: Practice your design skills regularly and explore different design styles and techniques. Experiment with various personal and professional projects to build a diverse portfolio and gain hands-on experience.
2. Seek Feedback and Learn from Others: Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, and online design communities. Learn from experienced designers and engage in discussions to broaden your knowledge and perspectives.
3. Stay Curious and Learn Continuously: The design field constantly evolves, so staying curious and learning is essential. Follow design blogs, attend industry conferences, and take online courses to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices. Also, embrace new challenges as opportunities for learning and development.
Remember that the design journey is a continuous process of growth and improvement. Embrace your passion, be open to learning, and consistently strive to refine your skills. You can thrive in the exciting world of UI/UX, web, and graphic design with dedication and perseverance.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents gave me the necessary resources and opportunities to explore my creative abilities. Their investment in my creative development allowed me to hone my skills and cultivate my passion.
Furthermore, my parents instilled in me a sense of self-belief and confidence. They constantly encouraged me to embrace my unique ideas and express myself creatively. Their unwavering support gave me the courage to take risks, experiment with new concepts, and push the boundaries of my creative abilities.
I am truly grateful for my parents’ impact on my journey as a designer. Their support and belief in me have shaped me into the professional I am today. Their unwavering encouragement taught me the value of pursuing my passions, embracing creativity, and striving for excellence in my work.
To others who may be early in their creative journeys, I suggest seeking support from those who believe in you and your abilities. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage you to pursue your passions. Additionally, believe in yourself and have the confidence to pursue your creative aspirations, even in the face of challenges or doubts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designerharsha.lk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designer.harsha/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Designer.Harsha
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/designerharsha/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/designer_harsha
- Other: Behance – https://www.behance.net/DesignerHarsha
Image Credits
Mr. Shashika Geethapriya