Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ.
Hi CJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Embarking on my design journey 15 years ago in Puerto Rico, I earned a bachelor’s degree in visual design and painting. My initial role at a local print shop immersed me in client relations and the nuances of print design, collaborating with a diverse clientele, including small businesses, restaurants, bars, and more.
Eager to expand my horizons, I ventured into freelancing, partnering with clients across various industries. While I had a notable focus on restaurants and bars, each project was an opportunity to transform initial concepts into impactful visual solutions, deepening my passion for design and honing my ability to translate ideas into compelling visuals.
Seeking new challenges, my wife and I relocated to Austin, a vibrant creative hub. There, I led design at an agency specializing in creating impactful designs for clients’ intellectual properties. This role encompassed projects ranging from developing a complete card game to collaborating with a professional painter, including a memorable project collaboration in Spain.
Subsequently, at an Austin-based print shop and creative studio, I advanced from designer to Creative Director over four years. Collaborating with startups and established companies, I honed my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of business operations.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to pivot into UI/UX design—a chance I was eager to embrace to reignite my passion for design. Enrolling in a boot camp, I faced the challenge of balancing part-time work, freelancing, and intensive study. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in multitasking, time management, and prioritization.
Two months post-boot camp, I secured my first UI/UX Designer role, leading design initiatives and collaborating closely with other designers, developers, VPs, and the CEO. This reignited my passion for design, propelling me from Junior Designer to Senior Product Designer over five years.
Reflecting on this journey, I’m grateful for the solid foundation my graphic design roots provided, underscoring the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth—far from it. But every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into the designer (and person) I am today.
In my early freelance days, one of the toughest parts was pricing. Many clients didn’t understand the value of design or the thinking behind it. I had to learn how to advocate for my work—how to communicate the “why” behind every decision. Another challenge was learning how to truly understand what clients needed, not just what they asked for. That skill—listening, translating ideas, and guiding people through the process—is something that only comes with experience, and I’m grateful I stuck with it.
But the biggest shift came when I transitioned into UI/UX design. I wasn’t prepared for the wave of imposter syndrome that hit me. I had always been confident in my graphic design skills, but suddenly I was in a new space with new tools, surrounded by incredibly talented people. I questioned myself constantly—am I good enough? Did I start too late? Will I ever catch up?
What helped me push through was reminding myself why I made the leap in the first place—I wanted to grow, to challenge myself, to build something new. Instead of comparing myself to others, I started learning from them. I gave myself permission to be a beginner again, and over time, that confidence returned—stronger, because it had been earned in a new field.
Another ongoing challenge in the tech world is simply staying current. New platforms, tools, and trends emerge almost daily. It can be overwhelming—but I’ve learned that the key is curiosity. Staying curious and committed to learning is what keeps me inspired and evolving.
And of course, like many in tech, I’ve faced the reality of layoffs. I’ve been through three, and each time has come with its own sense of uncertainty. It’s never easy starting over—but every time, I’ve landed on my feet. Those moments taught me resilience, and they reminded me that your job title doesn’t define your worth. What matters is how you keep showing up—refining your craft, building relationships, and believing in your value even when things feel uncertain.
I’ve learned that being a designer isn’t just about visuals—it’s about adaptability, empathy, and persistence. The path isn’t always linear, but it’s worth walking. Every twist and turn has brought me closer to the kind of designer I want to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a designer who’s dabbled in a bit of everything—graphic design, branding, UI/UX, and product design. Whether it’s crafting a logo that tells a story or building a user experience that feels just right, I love diving into projects that challenge me to think differently.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with clients in Puerto Rico and Austin, helping companies shape their products and guiding startups as they navigate their go-to-market strategies. It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve cherished every moment of it.
One project that really stands out was when I teamed up with a company looking to revamp their brand and website. They also needed a roadmap for their product launch. In just five months, as the sole designer, I led a brand refresh, redesigned their website to enhance user experience, and developed key screens for their MVP. Although the product faced internal challenges and didn’t make it to development, the journey was incredibly rewarding. It gave me a deeper understanding of business operations and reinforced the importance of adaptability in design. The positive feedback I received was the cherry on top.
What sets me apart? I believe it’s the blend of skills I’ve gathered over the years and my unwavering eagerness to learn more. While some champion specialization, I find that having a diverse skill set allows me to approach problems from multiple angles, fostering creativity and innovation. It’s this holistic approach that enables me to craft designs that are not only visually appealing but also strategically effective.
At the end of the day, I’m just passionate about creating designs that make a difference and resonate with people. And I’m always on the lookout for the next exciting challenge!
How do you define success?
For me, success is a deeply personal and constantly evolving journey. It’s not just about recognition or financial wins—it’s about growing, learning, and creating work that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
I’ve learned that challenges and setbacks are not roadblocks—they’re part of the process. Every stumble has helped shape who I am as a designer. They’ve pushed me to think differently, to dig deeper, and to approach my craft with even more intention. I don’t see failure as the opposite of success—it’s often the thing that leads me to it.
To me, success is about balance. It’s about reaching professional goals while staying true to who I am, continuing to learn, and building genuine relationships along the way. It’s about creating work that not only solves problems but resonates with people—work I can be proud of.
Ultimately, I define success as the ability to move forward with purpose. It’s trying new things, embracing the unknown, and seeing how far I can go—not just for myself, but for the people I create for. Success looks different for everyone, and that’s what makes it powerful. What matters is defining it for yourself, and chasing it with passion and persistence.
Pricing:
- Logo Design – $800 – $3,000
- Brand Identity – $3,000 – $8,000
- Web Design – 1,000 – $15,000+
- MVP Product Design – $5,000 – $12,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://designercj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.designercj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designer.CJ/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/designercj/
