Exploring Product Design, Deepening My Graphic Design: A Journey of Creative Growth
Introduction
I remember when my friend Toyeeb said, “You went to AltSchool Africa to learn product design, but instead of working on a product in Figma, I see you using Figma for graphic and brand design work.” He wasn’t wrong, but what he didn’t realise was how much the user experience (UX) knowledge I gained from AltSchool has enriched my brand design career.
As a graphic designer aiming to transition into product design for a full-time role, the journey has been both tough and frustrating. Juggling paid graphic design jobs while attending AltSchool Africa’s product design classes made it difficult to find the time and mental space to focus on learning. In this article, I’ll share the experiences that have shaped my journey.
I don’t regret my time at AltSchool Africa because it allowed me to integrate Figma into my graphic design work, especially in branding for events. One of my bosses once wrote on his WhatsApp status that he quit his product design training after two months because it was too frustrating to leave a successful brand design career. His words resonated with me, but I pushed through.
The Beginning of My Journey
Whenever I use a product — whether it’s a website or a mobile app, especially those from banks with poor UX/UI — I feel a strong urge to be part of the team creating better products for users. This frustration, coupled with conversations with my boss Abodunrin Abdullah, who transitioned from graphic design to product design without looking back, fueled my desire to make the switch.
I enrolled in AltSchool Africa’s product design program, and balancing learning with ongoing graphic design tasks was incredibly challenging. There were moments when I wanted to quit, but I reminded myself to finish what I started. The structured learning environment at AltSchool, with weekly video uploads on the Learning Management System (LMS) and live classes, helped me stay on track.
Integrating Product Design Insights
The user experience principles I learned have greatly enhanced my graphic design work. When I volunteered for two events at my school, I used Figma throughout the entire design process. I applied text styles, colour styles, effect styles, components, and assets, and even conducted research to understand the audience we wanted to attract to the events. Working on typography, colours, and design systems for these events involved design sprints, where I served as the Design Lead for Jihad Week Chaired by Abdulateef Sanni LATSAN and Co-Lead for USS2.0 — Undergraduate Students Summit Chaired by Damilola Mogaji.
The main challenge I faced was finding time to attend classes and work on projects. The tools weren’t an issue, as I was already familiar with them from my previous UI/UX training at Zuri Training. To stay organised, I started writing down tasks in my to-do list and used weekends to catch up on LMS videos and live classes.
Current Status and Achievements
I’m now proficient in using Figma (for design) and FigJam (for user research) for both product and graphic design work, particularly in branding. I’ve completed several website portfolios in Figma and led design efforts for two major events.
Looking Ahead
I aspire to become a world-class designer, design consultant, and tutor in the future. For now, I’m focused on working on personal projects to build my portfolio, and I’m open to any project that will go live.
Conclusion
My time at AltSchool Africa has significantly improved my graphic design skills, thanks to the time-saving and stress-reducing tools I learned to use. The program wasn’t just about training; we had sessions with industry experts, which helped me understand how to position myself for better opportunities.
We also took a separate course on technical writing, which improved my writing skills and sparked a newfound joy in writing. I encourage other techies to find a place where they can learn and grow, especially if they’re struggling to get guidance from their mentors. At AltSchool, the structured learning environment ensures you won’t lose your way. And remember, no tool is a waste — knowing how to use multiple tools is crucial because it saves time and reduces stress. For example, I wouldn’t use Photoshop, Corel Draw, or Illustrator for editorial projects like magazines or brochures; instead, I’d use InDesign. Similarly, if I’m working on an event project with a team, Figma is my go-to tool.
