We were lucky to catch up with NATALIA TSYBINA recently and have shared our conversation below.
NATALIA, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I wish I could share a story of having a clear calling since my early years, but that wasn’t my reality. My journey to finding my purpose began just about five years ago, and before I delve into that, let me take you through my narrative. I was born in Siberia and was often advised that pursuing a career as an accountant was the path to financial stability. In those early years, my passion lay in all things beautiful, and envisioning a suitable career seemed elusive, given that many artistic roles often carried the stereotype of financial struggle. Consequently, I chose a career in hospitality management, finding solace in being surrounded by aesthetically pleasing interior designs daily.
As time progressed, life’s twists and turns led me from Siberia to New York City. Armed with a second Master’s in Hospitality from NYU, I embarked on a fulfilling career, contributing my skills to renowned properties like The Waldorf Astoria, Princeton Club, and Trump Soho hotels. Despite the satisfaction of my roles, I always sensed an abundance of untapped creative energy within me, eager to break free.
It was during my time at The Mill that I was reminded of my teenage dreams, reigniting my passion for a more creative profession. I found myself truly excited and invigorated, eager to start each day at The Mill, driven by the potential to unlock and unleash my artistic potential.
Around five years ago, my husband and I relocated to Miami, and serendipity smiled upon me. My husband encouraged me to take a break from my hospitality management path and explore a profession that truly resonated with me. I embarked on a thorough search, undergoing psychological assessments, inspirational training, consulting life coaches, and delving into meditation—anything to find that meaningful calling.
During this soul-searching phase, I envisioned a life where I could make a substantial difference while finding utmost happiness, accomplishment, and fulfillment. My love for beauty and style, coupled with a proven work ethic and a knack for problem-solving (honed during my years in hospitality management), became my guiding light. It was during this relentless pursuit that I discovered the field of creative UX/UI design. I immersed myself, honed my skills, and immediately founded NT Designs after graduation. Yes, a brand-new career at the age of 34!
I began working with numerous startups, discovering the boundless avenues to channel my creativity and assist my clients beyond just enhancing the aesthetics of their websites or mobile apps. I ventured into solving intricate architectural and user flow issues with their websites, contributing significantly to boosting their web traffic and revenue streams.
And so, my journey towards embracing my true passion has culminated in a fulfilling career as a creative UX/UI designer. Today, I am living my dream, each day bringing new opportunities to combine my love for beauty and style with problem-solving skills, all while making a meaningful impact on the digital landscape. My path may not have been a direct one, but the winding roads and unexpected turns have shaped me into the passionate creator I am today, grateful for every step that brought me here.
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?
In parallel to my endeavors at NT Designs, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to contribute my creative expertise at Stryker for the past three years. As part of a globally renowned medical device powerhouse, I am fortunate to collaborate with some of the brightest minds and most talented individuals in the industry. Presently, my focus lies in crafting User Interface designs for a range of robotic applications, each intended to assist surgeons in intricate procedures such as Shoulder or Hip replacements.
The realization that my work, albeit indirectly, influences the outcomes of surgical procedures, is undeniably the most exhilarating and gratifying aspect of my current role.
Furthermore, in recent projects with NT Designs, we had the pleasure of developing a compelling website for a prominent fashion law firm. Simultaneously, we are deeply engrossed in reimagining the entire architectural landscape for an ambitious financial startup—an exhilarating work in progress, indeed.
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?
Reflecting on my journey as a UX/UI designer, there are three areas of knowledge that stand out as being most impactful:
Empathy and User-Centric Focus:
Understanding and empathizing with the end-users needs, motivations, and pain points is at the core of UX/UI design. This involves actively listening to users, conducting user research, and using empathy to inform design decisions. Developing this skill is crucial for creating designs that resonate with the intended audience. To improve in this area, immerse yourself in user research, engage with user feedback, and participate in usability testing to gain a deeper understanding of how users interact with products.
Strong Design Fundamentals:
A solid foundation in design principles, including color theory, typography, layout, and visual hierarchy, is essential for crafting visually appealing and effective designs. Invest time in learning and mastering these fundamentals, as they provide the backbone for all your design work. Experiment with different design tools, keep up with design trends, and seek feedback from peers or mentors to enhance your skills.
Effective Communication and Collaboration:
UX/UI designers often work in multidisciplinary teams, requiring effective communication and collaboration skills. Being able to clearly articulate design decisions, rationale, and solutions to stakeholders, developers, and other team members is crucial. Additionally, being open to feedback and incorporating it into your designs is key to continual improvement. To enhance your communication and collaboration skills, engage in team projects, actively participate in design critiques, and seek opportunities to present your work and receive constructive feedback.
Advice for those early in their journey:
Stay curious and never stop learning. The field of UX/UI design is constantly evolving, with new tools and technologies emerging regularly. Engage in online courses, workshops, webinars, and industry events to broaden your knowledge and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in the field.
Build a Diverse Portfolio. Work on a variety of projects to showcase a diverse range of skills and experiences in your portfolio. Include personal projects, freelance work, or contributions to open-source projects to demonstrate your versatility and passion for design. Each project should tell a story about your process, problem-solving abilities, and the impact of your designs on the end users.
Last but not least, seek mentorship. Build relationships with other designers, both within and outside your organization. Networking can provide valuable insights, opportunities for collaboration, and mentorship from experienced professionals. Seek out mentors who can guide you, share their experiences, and provide constructive feedback on your work, helping you grow as a designer.
By focusing on empathy, constantly improving your design skills, and effective communication you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in UX/UI design.
How would you describe your ideal client?
For me, the perfect client embodies a clear vision of their objectives, maintains reasonable expectations regarding deadlines, and stands as the antithesis of a micromanager. This type of client offers creative minds the freedom to venture beyond conventional limits, resulting in the creation of something sophisticated, beautiful, and effortlessly user-friendly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ntdesigns.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliatsybina/
