Lisa Judge’s career in design has been anything but conventional. From her early days in Brisbane, Australia, as a graphic designer to becoming a Senior Product Designer at Current in New York City, Lisa’s journey is a story of evolution, determination, and a clear vision for growth. This article explores Lisa’s unique career path, including her transition from agency to in-house, her move to New York, and how Bamboo Crowd helped her navigate it all.
FROM GRAPHIC DESIGN TO UX DESIGN: THE FIRST STEP IN LISA’S CAREER EVOLUTION
Lisa’s journey started in graphic design, where she spent years honing her skills. She was introduced to design in a way that many do, but soon found herself unsatisfied by the limitations of purely visual work. When UX design started gaining traction, particularly in Brisbane, Lisa saw it as an opportunity to blend her design skills with a deeper, human-centered approach.
After working at a design agency, Lisa made the leap to UX design by teaching herself key tools like Adobe XD. Her determination paid off when she secured her first role as a UX designer at Vivo Group, where she began developing end-to-end user experiences and product design.
THE TRANSITION FROM AGENCY LIFE TO IN-HOUSE DESIGN AT 86 400
Initially, Lisa had always believed she was suited to agency work. However, after joining 86 400, a neo-bank in Sydney, she discovered a new love for in-house design. The ability to work on a product for the long term and develop a deeper connection to both the design and the users was a revelation for Lisa.
At 86 400, Lisa had her first true product design experience, managing everything from user experience to final design and functionality. This opportunity taught her about the intricacies of working within a product team and solidified her desire to continue in product design.
MOVING TO NEW YORK: FROM DREAM TO REALITY
Lisa’s dream of moving to New York seemed impossible until she decided to take the plunge. Despite the pandemic and the logistical challenges it posed, Lisa was determined to make the move. With the help of Bamboo Crowd, she researched her visa options, especially the E3 visa, which is tailored to Australian professionals. This gave her the confidence to pursue her goal.
Through countless remote interviews and navigating time zone challenges, Lisa kept her dream alive. She pushed through adversity and kept learning, using every setback as an opportunity to get one step closer to New York.
THE POWER OF NETWORKING AND PREPARATION: LANDING THE ROLE AT WONDERMAN THOMPSON
Lisa’s move to New York was filled with challenges, but the hard work paid off when she landed an interview with Wonderman Thompson. The role was everything she hoped for, and the company recognized her passion and perseverance.
What made Lisa stand out during the interview process was her thorough understanding of her visa status and the steps she had already taken to ensure her eligibility to work in the U.S. By proactively addressing potential concerns and demonstrating her preparedness, Lisa showed her commitment to the move and the role.
THE REALITY OF MOVING TO A NEW CITY AND STARTING A REMOTE ROLE
When Lisa finally arrived in New York, she faced the reality of starting her role at Wonderman Thompson remotely. While she had hoped to experience a smooth onboarding process in person, the pandemic kept her in a remote setting. Despite this, she adapted quickly, continuing to learn and make connections virtually.
Lisa’s commitment to learning and her openness to adapting to the remote environment made the transition easier. She also reflected on her previous remote experience with 86 400, which helped her navigate this new challenge. However, despite the remote work situation, Lisa knew that her move to New York was the right choice for her career.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND FINDING THE RIGHT FIT: A FRESH START WITH CURRENT
Though Lisa initially felt that her role at Wonderman Thompson was a great opportunity, internal changes led her to reassess her career path. She realized that it wasn’t the right fit for her long-term goals. This led her back to Current, a company that resonated with her passion for product design and innovation.
Current’s in-person culture, innovative approach, and opportunity for growth aligned perfectly with Lisa’s career aspirations. She knew that this was the right move for her and was excited about the prospects ahead.
The Power of Following Your Dreams
Lisa’s journey is one that motivates and inspires, and we knew we needed to share it through an Episode of ‘Designer Blueprint’ with Bamboo Crowd Partner + Director of Design, Jared Tredly. If you find yourself in a similar position navigating how to most effectively take the next step in your career journey, reach out to Jared directly at jared@bamboocrowd.com, and be sure to register with us at www.bamboocrowd.com/signup
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