The Master of Connection: Why Generalist Thinking Creates Specialist Value
I came across a post on LinkedIn that the OP claimed: “When you say ‘I can do everything,’ hiring managers hear, ‘I can’t do anything well.’ They stop trusting you.” I get where that sentiment comes from. It stems from the adage: "Jack of all trades. Master of none." But as someone who’s built a career across UX/UI, brand, and presentation design, I don’t buy it.
Versatility or multidisciplinarity doesn’t mean a lack of focus or expertise. It means you’ve learned how to connect the dots. It means growth. Over the years, I’ve designed experiences, brands, systems, and products that work together — not in isolation.
A user’s first impression of a product often starts before they ever log in. It starts with how the brand feels, how the story is told, and how consistent that experience remains across every touchpoint. My job is to make those transitions seamless.
I’ve led UX and product design for platforms like PortX and U.S. Bank; built brand systems for startups like Aircover and Water&Gold; and designed executive presentations for Adobe and LinkedIn. These projects aren’t separate skill sets; they’re connected pieces of the same design puzzle.
Being a design generalist has actually made me a significantly stronger specialist. I approach UX holistically with a brand mindset and storytelling intuition. I approach branding with a systems lens. I think about scalability, accessibility, and how the identity performs within a product.
Smaller companies and startups often need that kind of hybrid designer to serve as a cornerstone and build a team around. They need someone who can think strategically, execute precisely, and adapt across disciplines and mediums without losing sight of the user. I thrive in those environments. They reward curiosity, agility, and cross-disciplinary thinking — and that is exactly what I bring to the table.
My formal education in Graphic Design from San José State University taught me the unwavering principles and how to think through problems. More recently, I expanded on that base through a Postgraduate Certificate in Industrial & Product Design from The University of Texas at Austin. This strengthened my skills in UX research, testing, and human-centered thinking. Together, these experiences have shaped my process and how I see the full design ecosystem from concept to final product.
Currently, my focus has evolved toward UX and product design because it’s where all of these threads come together: Brand, behavior, communication, and craft. This broad foundation continues to make me a more empathetic and complete designer. It’s what sets me apart. It’s my unique advantage.
So no, I’m not a “jack of all trades.” I’m a master of connection. I'm the kind of designer who turns ideas into experiences that make sense with users and drive real results for businesses. If you’re looking for a designer who solves problems by moving seamlessly between strategy, storytelling, and execution — and helps connect the big picture with the fine detail — that’s what I do best.
Let's connect and create something that resonates.
