About over a year ago I took the leap of converting to a UX designer from an 8 year freelance graphic design background with immense knowledge in (e-commerce, video editing, motion graphics, broadcast design). I noticed that I lacked UX experience, and initially acquired 2 certifications before starting to “apply for UX jobs”. I had been applying & further enhancing my knowledge in UX, while also connecting the dots with my previous design knowledge. After so much applying, I felt like there’s no chance for someone like me, then I decided to join Pathrise, (which didn’t help me land a job, other than provide me a platform where I can “reach out for help from other experienced designers”). I really thought they had some inner connections to help candidates to land opportunities (while also taking a cut) but it was just a platform where they collect data and help with resumes. 4 months ago, I had convinced a previous client of mine to let me work on their software as a UX designer, he decided to give me a shot - to redesign their website (from 2014), I took less pay and put in more hours than I should have as I wanted the experience fast, and I did an amazing job (as an actual real-life project) After redesigning the website, he entrusted me more to work on his SaaS software as a UX designer. Again, this would be my very first (solo) SaaS Product Design - on an actual running software, working side by side with a highly experienced software developer (intel). At first I felt like this opportunity was going to be challenging but totally worth it. Im not just working on their product but also taking care of overall design, including - email campaigns, website updates, investor pitch decks, and more to come. Again I really thought that the opportunity is worth more than the pay (I feel like I got really lowballed TC wise) but I somehow convinced myself that I just need to do a good job so I can perfectly document it for my portfolio. Even though my TC was extremely low (it’s 10x lower than you’d expect) I accepted as I understood that the software is not producing any value in its current state. But I was adamant about getting funding and discussing a future TC (but without an actual timeframe) I’m at a spot where I’m doing what I love - but also feeling devalued as a future value producer. I want to stick it through just enough to complete the full SaaS Product Redesign - and search for more enriched opportunities after I secure that full experience. But the question is, what type of companies can I expect to want me with this type of experience? And after this, what should be a good Product UX Design TC range (counting total design experience)? And since this is a small SaaS software startup, after completing this project, what level of a designer would I be? (Junior, senior, etc?)
I don’t know why you’re so upset at yourself for the low TC. He took a chance on you — one no one else gave you — and you get a good project for your portfolio, which isn’t easy to find. You can be proactive about revisiting the pay but if it doesn’t change just accept the opportunity for what it is until you find something better. The larger point is that it’s hard for folks with much more experience than you to find anything. You might be resentful of your boss, but it’s really the market you should be mad at. You can’t expect any company to want you after this. You really can’t expect anything. As Google said, really about how you tell your story and candidate -market fit. If I were you I would lean into anything that makes you unique - including your graphic design experience- rather than trying to sound like a generic junior ux designer.
I’m not at a stage where I can be resentful to my boss, I’m highly appreciative for him to provide this opportunity, but also curious on what the market is really like out there. Is it really that bad? I thought it would be terrible / bad for only folks with 0 real experience, but not experienced designers
Yeah the market is really that bad. It’s terrible.
It’s bad timing because recently many UX influencers and big names have begun to specifically call out people who transferred from graphic design into design management/leadership roles. They blame them for why many people don’t fully understand the UX function and the value it brings
Hey OP. I think you are on the right track, gaining actual software development and design experience is really good. I would say really put in hours now to research the best UX design portfolio and interviews you can find. Then when you are still on the project, try to fill as many gaps as possible to build toward a portfolio piece that check all boxes. I will also recommend you to start applying for practice purposes. So you can start to build your sense of “market-portfolio fit”. The market is very tough now like everyone said. But that is something you can’t control so don’t let that be your excuse. Expect weathering the storm, expect longer job seeking, expect more rejections. UX designer in SaaS do value domain knowledge. Understand your current project’s domain and use that in your search. Large public companies are all in hiring freeze now. But for startup which just get funding, there are more chances. Good luck.
It’s a tough market right now even for experienced candidates. Pretty much everyone from a non-UX background is saturating the field so competition is fierce. I suspect that pay will go down as there is an oversupply of talent. Keep working on the product oriented stuff and keep interviewing. From what you’ve stated sounds like you would still be junior designer.
Thank you for your honest response. But even though I’m putting in 10+ hours / day? Is experience based on years or actual time put in? And would any of my previous (8years) of design knowledge count or make a difference? Also, wouldn’t this be an incredible undertaking for a Junior to solely take over a SaaS shop management software project
It really all depends on your portfolio and how well you can tell your story. Maybe you can pass a senior bar. Usually interviewers care more about the quality of your work rather than long hours or YOE. Even with no experience, with an awesome portfolio if you can convince the interviewer you move mountains, you could do well. But like I said, you’re competing with lots of people who do UX product work all day.