It’s hard to believe that it has been 16 years since I began my career as a graphic designer, from starting with just a basic understanding of graphic design, web design, and 3D, I have been able to develop my skills and evolve my career into becoming a Computer Trainer and ultimately a Complete Digital Marketer in Dubai. I am proud to say that my journey has been shaped by my willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges and there’s nothing wrong with staying in your comfort zone, it’s just that it’s harder to accomplish certain things if you never take a risk. I want to take this opportunity to reflect on my career journey and share my experiences with you.
Career Journey Begins
My journey began when I was introduced to the world of graphic design and 3D visualization after completing my technical diploma in vocational training. I was always fascinated by digital art and 3D visuals in games when my father brought me a Sony PlayStation game console back in the early 2000s and I immediately fell in love with it. That helped me to get the motivation to invest my time and energy into learning the software and tools like 3ds Max and Photoshop, required to create impressive designs and 3D visuals. I spent a lot of time learning the art of modeling, texturing, and lighting exploring the possibilities of creating realistic and stunning renderings of objects and spaces.
First job as a graphic designer
In 2007 I landed my first job as a graphic designer in a local publishing company. As a young and ambitious designer, I was excited to learn and explore the world of design. I worked on a variety of projects, from creating logos and brochures to designing flex boards and marketing materials. With every project, I challenged myself to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, learning new techniques and trends along the way which helped me develop a strong foundation in design principles, which I still rely on today.
As my passion for design grew, I realized that I wanted to broaden my skill set and explore other advanced areas of design. So I learned more advanced graphic design programs like Adobe Illustrator and Coreldraw in my free time while I was still employed. As I continued to grow and develop, I realized that web design was an area that was increasingly in demand. I wanted to add it to my skill set and also as a way to showcase my skills and projects online by creating my own website. I started by learning the basics of web design at a local institute. Contrary to my belief what they offered was a very basic course and I had to deal with my own self-learning instincts to further hone my skills in web designing.
After completing a year I was interviewed by one of Kuwait and Kerala’s leading design agencies Theprintshops.com and offered a position as the pre-press designer. This period in my career was a turning point, as I began to see the potential of graphic design in offset printing and digital printing technologies. During that time I developed my first website www.designersham.com in 2010 which I still maintain today though the TLD was different and with occasional design changes over the years. I improved my skills in website design and development, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through my own website.
Challenge outside comfort zone
After working for more than a couple of years as a graphic designer in my hometown, I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment where I could utilize my skills as well as be more financially independent. So I embarked on a long journey to a new world of opportunities and soon, I found myself working as a 3D visualizer for a media company in UAE. As a 3D visualizer, I had the opportunity to create 2D drafts and stunning visuals for the architecture and interior design of RAK Media City. I was challenged to bring my designs to life in a way that not only looked realistic but also captured the essence of the design concept.
It was during this period that I realized my interest in teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. I took a break from designing and became a Computer Trainer with various institutes in UAE from startups to well-established ones for almost a decade. It was fulfilling to pass on my skills to others and watch them grow in their careers. I transitioned completely into the field of Computer Training, where I trained individuals and corporate clients in graphic design, 3D visualization, and web designing. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by professional individuals in different industries and helped me to tailor my skills to meet their specific requirements.
A New Era begins as a Complete Digital Marketer in Dubai
With a strong foundation in graphic design, 3D visualizing, web designing, and computer training, I felt that I had a well-rounded skill set that could be applied to Digital Marketing. With the rise of social media, SEO, and content marketing, I knew I needed to adapt to stay relevant in the industry. In the past few years, I have gained invaluable experience in the ever-evolving world of Digital Marketing, where I have been involved in creating and implementing Digital Marketing strategies, search engine optimization, social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. It was a challenging yet rewarding decision I had to make switching again to a marketing position in 2022 after almost a decade, and I am proud to say that I am now a skilled and experienced Digital Marketer.
I’ve learned that to succeed in this fast-paced and ever-changing digital media industry, continuous learning, hard work, openess to new opportunities and experiences are key.
Looking back, I also realize that my journey would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and colleagues. I am also grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, allowing me to work with amazing clients and colleagues who have helped me grow and learn. My 16-year journey has taught me that growth is a continuous process and that success is not just about achieving your goals but also about the journey itself. My milestone is a reminder that hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning can lead to great things and I’m excited for what the future brings and exploring new areas.