What gets you out of bed in the morning?
What gets me up in the morning is the notion that every day is a brand-new day, I don’t enjoy a monotonous routine, I’m one who loves to try new things, it could be enrolling myself to learn a new skill or a sport (been practicing golf and chess lately), or working on a side hustle. Being able to wake up, challenge myself, and see the rewards of success is extremely gratifying.
What’s a typical workday for you?
In the current scenario, most of my days start with a cup of coffee whilst organising my work, since I collaborate with different departments, I make sure to keep track of all my priorities and whatever is needed to get done and then dive into it.
In between the day, I would check out what new is happening in the design world, it keeps me inspired as often in the creative roles, it can be very easy to fall into a tunnel-vision mode when working on something. Taking a step back and re-evaluating choices, exploring & experimenting can bring something new to the table.
What are you working on at present?
I’m currently working on the UI design for APEXX Atomic Product Platform, alongside VP Implementation and Product Manager to design a new template for the portal. It is a fun opportunity to gain some tech knowledge along the way.
Also, a new webpage and a campaign revealing our new product, that APEXX is going to launch very soon (I’m sorry I can’t reveal that yet).
You’ve recently been successful with the ‘go live’ of our new website. What’s it’s been like working on it?
I thoroughly enjoyed designing the website and having the brand concept flow across the business as a whole. Implementing the APEXX website was a very exciting experience, it wasn’t just a website re-design but more or less a rebrand as the project unfolded. Our client’s requirements and the solutions we provide now have evolved radically, so our brand needed to do the same.
This project allowed me to develop how I communicate my ideas more effectively, whilst also being able to translate information from various sources and convert this data in a visually appealing product. Collaboration is the key here and it couldn’t have been what it is without our incredible team.
“Well it looks incredible Dee, your hard work has certainly paid off”.
Thank you. It’s a work in progress and it will always be evolving so I’m looking forward to seeing what it looks like next year.
What about your job and working at APEXX is most satisfying for you?
It’s definitely creative freedom and the work culture for me! I joined APEXX straight after my masters and it felt like a huge responsibility when I was asked to design the brand identity from the scratch, the fact that the management team had the trust in me from the get-go, respect for my ideas and ownership of my work, I was confident to deliver and that helped me grow immensely.
What’s it like working remote from India when the majority of the team are based in Europe?
I miss the social element of seeing my peers, taking a break and recharging for the rest of the day. However, we’ve found new ways to do this in these fairly unique circumstances.
The main thing I’ve taken from my time working from home has been how well we are all coping and pulling together some great work of which we can all be proud of.
You were in a different career before working for APEXX weren’t you Dee?
Oh yes, prior to my master’s degree in London, I worked as a Fashion Designer for a Menswear company in India. I knew I wasn’t creatively satisfied and needed a change. I live by the quote “Do more of what makes you happy” so I did. I quit my job with no other prospects, but I knew a career in Graphics was for me, so I landed my spot at the University and moved to London before succeeding into my role with APEXX.
Do you think enough is done to support Women wanting to break into the Tech sector?
In my experience, I’ve seen a lot of companies taking initiative to hire Women into Tech, however, it would be great to see companies doing this more organically rather than just for numbers.
APEXX has amazing female senior management and a great gender balance. It doesn’t feel like I’m a woman in a “Fintech firm”, it feels completely equal.
What does it take to be a Creative Designer?
Curiosity, hard-work (obviously) being inspired & creative fuel for the fire is key. Inspiration can come from a myriad of sources. I always feel inspired by some of my favourite role models like Jessica Walsh. Traveling & architecture is another vital source of my inspiration. Plus, I am forever inspired by the creative process of creating something new, it also excites and motivates me to learn more about all the innovative ideas/products in the business world.
Do you have a favourite Motto or Personal Mantra?
“Do more of what makes you happy”
Great catching up with you Dee. You have certainly inspired me to keep doing more of what makes me happy.
Published by Katie Williams
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