We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krystian Rutledge a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Krystian , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My journey to becoming a Kinder TA and a UX Designer specializing in EDTech has been a transformative one. Reflecting on my past, I wasn’t always driven; school was a challenge, and I barely scraped by in High School, prioritizing socializing over academics in college, leading to academic probation and eventual disqualification. However, a pivotal moment arose when I assumed the role of head manager for a child enrichment program from 2014-2020. Recognizing the responsibility I had for others’ education, I realized the need for a profound change in my work ethic. Being the face of the company, I understood the necessity to strengthen my commitment. Leveraging the family business, I fueled my work ethic, resulting in unprecedented growth and expansion. Simultaneously, I prioritized my own education, completing my degree.
The desire to evolve beyond my younger self propels me. I am committed to continuous learning and growth, persevering and pushing forward. My unyielding work ethic is driven by the vision of building a fulfilling family life with my future wife, creating a lifestyle where happiness thrives through hard work and enduring dedication.
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?
Greetings, I’m Krystian Rutledge, a Los Angeles native and a passionate UX/UI Designer deeply committed to education and the arts. My professional journey encompasses a rich background in working with children, starting as the General Manager at Bricks 4 Kidz-Santa Clarita, where I played a pivotal role in elevating educational standards through innovative robotic enrichment classes. Transitioning into academia, I served as a Kinder TA at Chandler School, spearheading the initiation of an After School robotics program, aligning my passion for education with practical implementation.
This commitment seamlessly flowed into my design career, where I collaborated with Pasadena Party Patrol to optimize entertainment booking for children’s parties. Beyond conventional design, I also devised a system facilitating efficient parent-teacher communication. What excites me most about my profession is the ability to blend creativity with functionality, enhancing the user experience across diverse platforms.
Outside of my design pursuits, I find joy in drawing, exploring the outdoors, and traveling, activities that not only inspire my creativity but also offer a well-rounded perspective. Recently, I’ve ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing KC Designs, a business aimed at assisting others with their design needs. This venture allows me to channel my expertise into a personalized service, offering innovative solutions to individuals and businesses seeking to elevate their design aesthetics. Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about contributing significantly to the advancement and enhancement of the education industry through my design expertise.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities, skills and areas of knowledge I’ll say adaptability, determination, perseverance.
I chose Adaptability:
Adaptability in life is a realization that sometimes, despite intense effort and a strong desire for a particular outcome, the path we envisioned may not unfold as expected. A vivid example from my own journey spans the years 2014-2021, during which I devoted extensive hours daily to honing my art skills, aspiring to be a top artist. This dedication led me to participate in a major webtoon competition in early 2021, where I even illustrated an entire episode. However, the aftermath revealed burnout and exhaustion, prompting a crucial realization that my artistic pursuits weren’t aligning with the lifestyle I desired.
A pivotal conversation with a friend highlighted the importance of shifting strategies to achieve goals. Recognizing the need for change, I decided to explore a more fulfilling path, ultimately transitioning to a career as a UX Designer. This shift not only brought happiness but also allowed me to rediscover the joy of drawing with a liberated mindset. No longer burdened by self-imposed pressure, the act of drawing became a more relaxing and enjoyable endeavor. By adapting to my circumstances and embracing change, I not only avoided giving up on my artistic dreams but also fostered personal and professional growth.
Determination and perseverance are inseparable companions, rooted deeply in my unwavering passion for success. I embody a spirit that refuses to surrender in the face of adversity; I persistently press forward. The essence lies not in the number of times one stumbles but in the resilience to rise each time. I firmly believe that in the realm of challenges, the key is to persist, relentlessly moving ahead despite setbacks. This tenacity has been my driving force, propelling me to overcome obstacles and reinforcing my commitment to continuous growth.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Certainly, I am actively seeking collaborative opportunities. Building a network is a collective effort, and I’m here to contribute and receive support. Whether you require assistance with developing a website or a mobile app for your business, seek advice, or wish to embark on a joint project, feel free to reach out. I am more than willing to share my knowledge to assist you. Let’s foster a collaborative environment and connect for mutual growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: kr-design.net
- Instagram: krystian54rutledge
- Linkedin: krutdesigns
Image Credits
myself, these are all pics of my work
