A Master of Connection:
Why Generalist Thinking Creates Specialist Value
Why Generalist Thinking Creates Specialist Value
I recently saw a LinkedIn post stating: “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, creative, brand, and presentation design, I don’t buy it.
Connecting the Dots:
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 and the ability to see the whole picture. Over the years, I’ve designed experiences, brands, systems, and products that work together — not in isolation.
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 and the ability to see the whole picture. Over the years, I’ve designed experiences, brands, systems, and products that work together — not in isolation.
A user’s journey begins well 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 have always valued solving different types of creative problems. 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 a single design puzzle.
The Hybrid Advantage:
Being a design generalist has actually made me a significantly stronger specialist. Through this lens, I approach UX holistically with a brand mindset and storytelling intuition. Conversely, I approach branding with a systems lens. I think about scalability, accessibility, and how the identity performs within a product.
Being a design generalist has actually made me a significantly stronger specialist. Through this lens, I approach UX holistically with a brand mindset and storytelling intuition. Conversely, I approach branding with a systems lens. I think about scalability, accessibility, and how the identity performs within a product.
Companies and teams focused on rapid growth and agility often need a hybrid designer to serve as a cornerstone they can build a team around. They require someone who can think strategically, execute precisely, and adapt across disciplines and mediums while upholding both user needs and brand integrity. I thrive in environments that reward curiosity, agility, and interdisciplinary thinking. These are the very qualities I bring to the table.
Rooted in Principles:
My formal education in Graphic Design from San Jose State University taught me the unwavering core principles of visual and motion design, as well as how to think strategically through complex 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 my view of the full design ecosystem from concept to final product.
My formal education in Graphic Design from San Jose State University taught me the unwavering core principles of visual and motion design, as well as how to think strategically through complex 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 my view of the full design ecosystem from concept to final product.
Today, 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 resonate with users and drive real results for businesses. If you're looking for someone who solves problems, I move seamlessly between strategy, storytelling, and execution. My true strength is connecting the big picture with the fine detail. It’s what I do best.
✅ Does this holistic vision align with your company’s goals? Let's talk.
