Hello! I am Chaik Hong, but you can just call me David!
After graduating with a diploma in Fine Arts, I entered the workforce instead of pursuing a degree. However, in late 2021, I discovered my passion for UX/UI design and began immersing myself in the field. I have been actively upskilling myself through attending courses, engaging in online learning, and watching videos on YouTube to hone my skills. I am now eager to apply what I have learned and continue to learn from the best as I pursue a career as a UX/UI designer.
Here a long-winded timeline story about
MYSELF and my JOURNEY into UX/UI design
From a young age, being a visual learner. I tend to comprehend and retain information more easily when presented with information visually.
This realization led me to develop a unique perspective and influenced my decision to pursue a diploma in Fine Arts at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. During my time at art school, I specialized in Fine Arts (Photography) and utilized photography as my primary medium of artistic expression.
Throughout my art school days, I had the opportunity to have exhibitions, awards and design my own photo books.
From a young age, being a visual learner.I tend to comprehend and retain information more easily when presented with information visually. This realization led me to develop a unique perspective and influenced my decision to pursue a diploma in Fine Arts at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
During my time at art school, I specialized in Fine Arts (Photography) and utilized
photography as my primary medium of artistic expression.
Throughout my art school days, I had the opportunity to have exhibitions, awards
and design my own photo books.
Like everyone guy in Singapore. I went to serve in the army after my diploma.
Whenever I could, I will still work on my artwork and catch up with what's going on with
the art scene in Singapore. I also spent a lot of times thinking about what degree I should take
after my army and sometimes wonder if I should really pursue a degree or go get some work experience.
Anyway, I did not pursue my degree after army because I did not want to financially burden my family.
Like everyone guy in Singapore. I went to serve in the army after my diploma.
Whenever I could, I will still work on my artwork and catch up with what's going on with the art scene in Singapore.
I also spent a lot of times thinking about what degree I should take after my army and sometimes wonder if I should really pursue a degree or go get some work experience.
Anyway, I did not pursue my degree after army because I did not want to financially burden my family.
After completing my service in the army, I found myself at a crossroads in life.
I had to make the decision to pursue higher education or enter the workforce.
Feeling lost, I decided to travel and explore my passion for photography in China for
almost a year. That was the best year I ever had, to freely travel and met people from
different culture and history.
During this time period , I was also searching for full-time jobs while taking on temporary and part-time jobs. I accidentally landed a role as crime scene officer in home team science & technology, which is still my current job now.
People often wonder why I did not pursue a career in the arts. The truth is that I did not want to compromise my artistic perspective and expression for the sake of a career.
After completing my service in the army, I found myself at a crossroads in life.I had to make the decision to pursue higher education or enter the workforce.
Feeling lost, I decided to travel and explore my passion for photography in China for almost a year. That was the best year I ever had, to freely travel and met people from different culture and history.
During this time period , I was also searching for full-time jobs while taking on temporary and part-time jobs. I accidentally landed a role as crime scene officer in home team science & technology, which is still my current job now.
People often wonder why I did not pursue a career in the arts.The truth is that I did not want to compromise my artistic perspective and expression for the sake of a career.
My curiosity about the world of cryptocurrency led me to discover UX design.
As I invested in cryptocurrency and explored web3, NFTs, and other technologies,
I stumbled upon a video featuring a designer working on an app for an NFT platform.
Although I had little understanding of these concepts at the time, I felt a strong desire to pursue this field. I turned to Google to learn more about UX/UI design and quickly became interested in this field.
My curiosity about the world of cryptocurrency led me to discover UX design.
As I invested in cryptocurrency and explored web3, NFTs, and other technologies, I stumbled upon a video featuring a designer working on an app for an NFT platform.
Although I had little understanding of these concepts at the time, I felt a strong desire to pursue this field. I turned to Google to learn more about UX/UI design and quickly became interested in this field.
In October 2021, I took the bold step of attending a UX/UI bootcamp after reading articles about the field.
I participated in a 3-week UX bootcamp by Vertical Institute where I learned about research methodologies, user understanding, ideation, and Figma. After the bootcamp, I immersed myself in further courses and took the time to refine my case studies, rather than rushing to complete them.
Additionally, to make myself stand out, I learned basic HTML & CSS. I am dedicated to constantly improving my skills and knowledge as I make a mid-career transition into the UX/UI field.
This is a roadmap or goal I set for myself to better equip myself as a better UX/UI designer.
1. Learning new tools.
- Eg. Protopie
2. Deeper dives into Front end coding skills.
- I am grateful that my knowledge of basic HTML & CSS has enabled me to create this website with ease.
3. Taking up freelance jobs
- To gain valuable experience and develop a diverse portfolio.
If you're interested in collaborating or have any opportunities you'd like to discuss,
please don't hesitate to contact me through my social links below. Thank you!
Design and built by myself with love & sweat
using Figma & Webflow