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Ever since I started a career in tech, I have constantly asked myself a crucial question, and that is: if I had to choose between two paths, which would I prefer - becoming a solid coder or a hardcore designer?"
Well let me start by introducing the term “Unicorn”. In the tech-design world, a “Unicorn” is considered a designer, and a coder, an individual who possesses both the coding and the design skills.
As a Unicorn, you are pretty much capable of writing code, and creating designs and while one may excel in a particular area more than the other, as a Unicorn, you are nonetheless proficient in both.
I myself am considered a unicorn possessing the capacity to perform in both the design and coding aspects of the job.
Humble Beginnings
Throughout my life, I have always been a creative individual whether it be through sketching, music, multimedia, or even theater, I have always been drawn to artistic expressions and the ability to use my imagination to create something new and original. In every aspect of my life, I find myself constantly thinking in a creative manner, and it has become an integral part of my identity and an approach I use to both work and play.
My humble beginnings in designing were developed even as I was a child. When I was young, I used to draw a lot. I really loved drawing cartoons/anime. It was a favorite pastime of mine. I still remember having a small blue drawing table. And while watching cartoons, I would draw at the same time. I also remember creating my own comics, or manga as they call it nowadays. I used to even dream of having my own published in the future because I can handle all aspects of the creative process, including conceptualization, story outline, character design, setting, down to the smallest details I can find. From the initial storyboard to the final product, I am capable of doing it all myself.
Drawing has always been a significant part of my life since childhood. It has been the medium where I poured out most of my creativity. Although it was an informal process, I could confidently say that it wasn't just a mere pastime for me. It was a raw talent and passion that was waiting to be discovered. The creative juices would flow from the tip of my 0.5 mechanical pencil, and onto the slightly crumpled oslo paper.
As a child, I used to daydream of my own creations. My imagination would run the course and my hands would follow suit. There was a sense of satisfaction in seeing my ideas come to life on paper, from the rough sketches to the final rendering. It was this joy that fueled my passion for drawing, and it is a talent that I will always be proud of.
Looking back, I realized that drawing had helped me develop my creativity in other aspects of my life as well. It allowed me to think outside the box, to explore different perspectives, and to see things in a new light. This creativity would later on be a valuable asset in my career, as it gave me an edge in problem-solving and ideation.
Overall, drawing has been more than just a childhood hobby for me. It was a foundation for my creativity, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Entering the Tech World
After completing my college education, I was fortunate enough to secure a position where I was entrusted with the responsibilities of both coding and design. Despite my official designation as a Web Designer, my role demanded exceptional proficiency in both fields, which is why it is commonly referred to as being a "unicorn." It involves being skilled in two areas that are vastly different and require the use of different parts of the brain for processing.
Starting from wireframes to mock-ups, and from mark-ups to stylesheets, I can confidently say that I have gained a strong grasp of the web design process. Although it can be mentally taxing at times, my passion for the craft and the satisfaction of witnessing great results make it all worthwhile.
As a Unicorn, I knew that it was within me all along. I think it’s a good combination to be skilled at both. It’s sort of a full package actually. As a designer, you not only get to decide how a website should look, but you also get to participate in the process of bringing it to life. I believe that this hands-on approach makes for a highly rewarding career in the creative industry.
Crossroads
As I reflect on my past experiences, I have come to realize that creativity is one of my strongest skills. It has been a part of me since childhood, and I have always found a way to apply it in various aspects of my life. It's a trait that I am proud of, and I believe it will always be a part of who I am.
As time went on, I started asking the question: What if I could only choose one. Which would I prefer? To design, or to code? I asked this to my colleagues as well and they would normally answer “both”.
If I were to assess myself, I know that creativity is a strong attribute of mine. I know that even with minimum practice, I could pretty much figure it out. And besides, digital design isn’t the only way I could channel my creativity but as of now, I am more concerned about my technical skills, which I am more weak at. As for me, I could say that I am not much of a logical thinker. I even wonder sometimes, why I took my major in computer studies. All I know is it gave me much motivation for what I am doing now and that is, to make good designs and to take part in building them.
Nevertheless, it has instilled in me a desire to create designs that not only look good but also function well and as a result, I have been motivated to deepen my coding skills and take pride in bringing my ideas to life.
I believe that focusing solely on one's strengths can limit growth and potential. That is why I am always seeking to expand my skill set and tackle new challenges. For me, there is nothing quite as satisfying as building something from scratch and seeing it come to life. I am the type of a person who wants to build stuff, and not much of the pre-made craft enhancements.
I know it wouldn’t be a smooth journey but I firmly believe that it is achievable. Contrary to popular belief, coding does not require one to possess innate genius. Rather, it is a skill that can be acquired through perseverance and discipline.
Conclusion
While I am focused on developing my coding skills, I would not say that I have abandoned my creative side entirely because no matter what, creativity would always be a part of me.
Creativity is an integral part of who I am, and I will always incorporate it into my work. Currently, I am deliberately choosing to strengthen the area where I feel less skilled. By doing so, I aim to achieve balance and fulfillment by excelling in both areas.
How about you? Which path would you take? What direction are you considering taking in your own career? Whether you choose to pursue design, coding, front-end development, back-end development, or any other area within the field, I believe that with passion for your craft, the learning process is always achievable.
Don’t be afraid of what you’re not capable of. Yes, there will always be rough patches, but it will be made easier as you grow and improve. Who knows, I might also learn backend in the future. There is no stopping you. There is no limit to it. The only one that is stopping you, is yourself.
So go! Continue to be inspired. Stop limiting yourself to things you think you’re not capable of. Let it not stop you from doing so much more. You are more capable than what you are now. Step out of your comfort zone, and you will experience growth. Your creativity will be the one to fuel it all up.
Above all, always remember…
Love your craft, and keep growing.
I sincerely appreciate your interest in getting to know me better. If you're interested to know more about Montani International Inc., please feel free to explore our other pages. As someone who is passionate about the tech industry, I am eager to connect with you and have meaningful conversations where we can share our unique perspectives and experiences. Meanwhile, here are some of our contents you might want to check:
