What UX/UI Designers Do — And How to Start a Career in This Growing Field
In today’s digital-first world, every interaction a customer has with a brand—whether on a website, app, or digital product—comes down to one essential thing: experience. That’s why UX/UI design has become one of the most in-demand creative careers across industries.
If you’re curious about what UX/UI designers actually do, the skills they need, and how to break into this exciting field, this guide is for you.
As a creative staffing agency with 40 years of experience, icreatives works with companies nationwide seeking talented UX/UI professionals. So whether you’re starting from zero or transitioning from another creative discipline, you’ll find a clear roadmap here.
What Is UX Design? (User Experience Design)
UX design focuses on how users interact with digital products and how those experiences feel. A UX designer’s mission is to make processes simple, intuitive, efficient, and even enjoyable.
Key Responsibilities of a UX Designer
- Conducting user research
- Creating personas and user journeys
- Developing information architecture
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Usability testing and iteration
- Collaborating with product managers and developers
UX designers blend empathy, analytical thinking, and creativity to shape experiences that solve real problems.
What Is UI Design? (User Interface Design)
UI design focuses on the visual layer—the interface users see and tap, scroll, or click through.
Key Responsibilities of a UI Designer
- Designing layouts and screens
- Choosing typography, color palettes, and visual styles
- Creating components and design systems
- Ensuring accessibility and consistency
- Delivering developer-ready design assets
UI designers bring the UX blueprint to life through visually compelling and user-friendly interfaces.
UX vs. UI: What’s the Difference?
Although many job listings combine both roles, UX and UI are distinct disciplines:
🧭 UX = how it works
🎨 UI = how it looks
While UX focuses on usability, structure, and problem-solving, UI is responsible for beauty, interaction, and visual harmony. Together, they create the experience customers love (or don’t).
Why UX/UI Design Is in High Demand
Several industries are experiencing rapid digital transformation, from healthcare to e-commerce, fintech, education, and entertainment. This growth fuels demand for professionals who can design seamless, user-centered experiences.
Companies of all sizes—startups, agencies, and Fortune 500 brands—are hiring UX/UI designers to:
- Maximize user engagement
- Improve accessibility and inclusivity
- Increase conversions and retention
- Build strong digital brand experiences
- Stay competitive in an increasingly digital world
At icreatives, we’ve seen a consistent rise in openings for UX researchers, UI designers, product designers, and hybrid UX/UI roles. This is one of the fastest-growing creative paths today.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a UX/UI Designer?
Whether or not you come from a design background, you can build the skills needed to succeed in UX/UI.
Core Hard Skills
- Wireframing & Prototyping (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure)
- User Research & Testing
- Information Architecture
- Visual Design Principles
- Component Libraries & Design Systems
- UX Writing (basic level)
- Interaction Design
Powerful Soft Skills
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Soft skills are especially important—many employers value them as highly as technical ability.
Some Essential Tips to Help You Get Hired
As a creative staffing agency, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with securing a position in the creative industry. Whether you’re a designer, writer, or any other type of creative professional, standing out in a competitive job market requires more than just talent. Here are some essential tips to help you get hired:
1. Build a Compelling Portfolio
Your portfolio is the cornerstone of your professional presentation. It should not only showcase your best work but also demonstrate your ability to solve problems and execute projects effectively. Include a variety of samples that show your versatility and adapt to the specific job you are applying for. Make sure your portfolio is easily accessible, well-organized, and updated regularly.
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Generic resumes and cover letters are easy to spot and often don’t make it past the first round of reviews. Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to make it past automated screening systems.
3. Network Actively
Networking can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Attend industry meetups, seminars, and workshops to connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers. Don’t underestimate the power of social media platforms like LinkedIn for making professional connections. Engage with content, share your work, and participate in discussions to increase your visibility.
4. Stay Updated with Industry Trends
The creative field is constantly evolving, with new tools, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. Staying updated with these changes not only makes you a more competitive candidate but also shows potential employers that you are passionate and proactive about your profession.
5. Demonstrate Soft Skills
While technical skills are crucial, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important. Creative roles often require collaboration and the ability to think on your feet. Highlight experiences where you have successfully worked as part of a team or led a project to its completion.
6. Prepare for Interviews
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their products, services, and the markets they operate in. Be ready to discuss not only your past work but also how you can contribute to their future projects. Practice answering common interview questions, but also be prepared to show your thinking process with practical examples or even a short presentation.
7. Follow Up
After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you fresh in the minds of the interviewers.
8. Consider Freelance or Contract Work
If full-time positions are scarce, consider freelance or contract work. Many companies are open to working with freelancers or contract-based creative professionals. This not only helps you build your portfolio but also expands your professional network.
9. Learn from Rejections
Rejection is a part of any job search. Instead of getting discouraged, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. If possible, ask for feedback on your interview or portfolio and use this information to improve.
10. Stay Positive and Persistent
The creative industry can be highly competitive, but persistence and a positive attitude go a long way. Continue to refine your skills, update your portfolio, and apply for jobs. Your perseverance will pay off.
By following these tips, you’ll enhance your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers and ultimately securing a position that fits your skills and aspirations. Remember, every application and interview is a step forward in your career journey.
How to Start a Career in UX/UI Design
Here is a clear, strategic path to launching your UX/UI career:
1. Learn the Fundamentals
Start with online courses, bootcamps, or self-paced resources. Focus on learning:
- UX processes
- UI design principles
- Research methods
- Prototyping tools
2. Study Real Products
Analyze apps and websites you use daily:
What works? What doesn’t? How could you improve the experience?
This builds the mindset of a designer.
3. Build Projects for Your Portfolio
You don’t need clients yet—create:
- App redesigns
- Case studies
- Personal concept projects
- UX research samples
- UI component libraries
Your portfolio is your most important asset.
4. Learn the Tools (Deeply)
Most hiring managers look for strong Figma proficiency.
Focus on mastering one main tool before expanding.
5. Understand How Developers Think
Collaboration is key in UX/UI.
Knowing the basics of HTML, CSS, or Agile environments is helpful (not mandatory, but valuable).
6. Network With Designers
Join communities like:
- UX Collective
- Figma Community
- Local design meetups
- LinkedIn groups
Networking leads to mentorship, collaborations, and visibility.
7. Apply for Internships, Freelance Work—or Work With a Staffing Agency
One of the fastest ways to gain experience is through contract and contract-to-hire roles.
That’s where icreatives can help.
We connect emerging and experienced UX/UI designers with companies seeking creative talent—giving you real-world experience, exposure to different industries, and a flexible entry point into your career.
Why Work With a Creative Staffing Agency Like icreatives?
Breaking into UX/UI can be competitive. icreatives helps designers by:
- Matching your skills with the right opportunities
- Offering contract, freelance, long-term, and full-time placements
- Providing guidance on portfolios and resumes
- Connecting you to companies actively investing in UX/UI
- Giving you access to roles not publicly listed
For creative professionals—including UX researchers, product designers, and UI specialists—staffing agencies offer a direct pathway to meaningful opportunities.
Final Thoughts: UX/UI Is a Career With Long-Term Growth
If you’re drawn to solving problems, making digital experiences better, and blending creativity with strategy, UX/UI design is an excellent career path. With the right skills, portfolio, and support, you can build a strong future in one of the most relevant disciplines in the creative industry.
As businesses continue to innovate, the need for UX/UI professionals will only grow. And at icreatives, we’re here to connect you with the roles that help your talent shine.
In today’s competitive market, finding the right creative and marketing expert can be a challenge. But with icreatives, you’re in experienced hands. With 37 years in staffing and a track record of matching more than 10,000 employees to over 1,000 companies worldwide, we know how to connect you with the best. Plus, you only pay if you hire-there’s no risk, only results. Ready to find your perfect creative or marketing expert? HIRE WITH icreatives today!
