I work in Marketing. While every aspect of this role isn’t typically considered “creative,” I find myself leaning more into the parts that are, such as the types of messages consumers are receptive to and the different ways a brand can put these messages out into the world. When I decided to begin my transition into a truly creative career, I took a step back to consider how my existing skills might translate into UX. Then I started my journey to build role-related knowledge through books and online resources, while finally enrolling in a UX program.

Photography always gave me a creative outlet. When I lived in New York, I couldn’t get enough of the architecture. Then I moved to Los Angeles where the sunsets gave me a sense of peace and perspective as people stop and stare into the Pacific Ocean. More recently, I shifted from landscapes to portraits, and when you have an extremely photogenic subject, it makes my job extremely easy.

It’s simple! Work and life can be busy and stressful, so I prefer a clutter-free space with clean lines and a neutral palette to focus on the task in front of me. I recently built my first mechanical keyboard which makes typing fun and less tiring.

We spend most of our days indoors at work. So to me, there’s no better inspiration than being in nature. On weekends, I’ll either go on a long run or find a trail to hike in Malibu or the Santa Monica Mountains. I also enjoy visiting museums. The simplicity of the space, the focus on different artists’ work, and seeing how people move throughout the space is both relaxing and inspiring.

I’m the most creative when I’m not distracted. I always keep my phone in another room and use computer apps in fullscreen mode to cut out the noise. To set the mood and get motivated, I make myself a cup of coffee or tea, light a candle, and turn on some music; usually Jazz during deep thinking and something more upbeat for wireframing or prototyping sessions.

The Velvet Underground & Nico is one of the best albums I’ve ever listened to, and the first record I ever purchased. The unique sound, Warhol’s art on the cover, and the story of how the record gained popularity and influence decades after its release is amazing.