My career is just beginning. Again.
I’m very fortunate to have had a rewarding graphic design career. From traditional design firms to an ad agency, working on projects of all sizes, I’ve met a ton of amazing people along the way, grew as a person, all the while designing for a living.
“Why shift careers?” you might be thinking.
To face new challenges: Experience design for products. The simple fact of directly helping people be more productive is something that I feel I’m meant to do. I’m certainly not sure if it was a smart move, but I’m still driven to keep learning and continue to grow as a designer.
Is that a good reason? I hope so. My portfolio consists of product-related design, as well as branding and marketing work, hopefully all demonstrate thinking and process.
Some things I like: Maps, Hi-Chew Sours and rye whiskey (not together, but who knows). Below are just a snippet of who I am: my beliefs, design expertise, and why I play golf.
It's pronounced "ma-goo-mee," just like it looks. Fun fact: My name is a common female name in Japan. Ask me about the back story sometime. :D
Creatively getting things done by defining the problem and the goals. Right solutions require asking the right questions. We start with brainstorming to brew up lots of solutions.
Essentially collaborative by working together with everyone — your teams, organizations and the communities you serve throughout the entire process — ultimately "discovering" the right solutions.
Balance is everything, treating everyone with respect, but also have the confidence to speak my mind. Having a healthy dose of oomph with a humble mindset.
Branding
Identifying company missions and values, translating core company strengths into actionable solutions. Understanding what the user or the organization wants/needs, we can strengthen the brand by speaking the same language across all channels.
Design
Comes in many forms: Branding and systems, print, packaging, digital, and native apps. Practicing human-centered design, interviewing, wireframing, prototyping, and refining my problem-solving skills. I can also sketch and draw with a pen!
Leadership
Leaders lead by example, and allowing everyone and their strengths to come through, provide guidance when needed. A memorable quote, "You should always be doing your boss's job." Tough thing to do if you don't have a true boss to learn from.
I get it. Most people find it perplexing and encounter entry barrier. Watching golf on TV? Forget about it. What's so fun about golf? I've been playing golf since I was 14. I've learned few things along the way.
I'd like to share with you the three "P"s.
Perseverance
You've seen us: In the elevator, waiting in line, anytime we're standing, weirdly gesturing like an expressive dancer. We are constantly working on our game and swing, obviously leaking over to work.
Play
For most part of high school golf, we just went out and played. It's still a privilege. Sometimes we hit good shots, sometimes great shots, but it didn't matter because we got to play. Play is key.
Patience
When golfers become decent players, they start to sharpen their 'mental' game. Accepting everything that comes our way, good or bad, we have one goal in mind. I still get hot under the collar once in a while, but that's human nature.
If you've read this far, I thank you. I love working with great people. I believe it makes the work environment fun, and makes the work better. We are all in it together, and when everyone comes together and act as a unit, the world is your oyster.
Thanks.