Behind the portfolio

Designing with purpose and a bit of Pokémon nostalgia

From pixels and Pokémon to purposeful design, here's how it all started.

Asking myself

How I became a professional box drawer, button mover, and digital problem solver

Back in 2012, when I first started university, I had no idea UX design even existed. If someone had told me I'd end up drawing boxes for a living, I wouldn't have believed it.

After graduation I took an apprenticeship with a fire protection company. Working in construction taught me a lot, but fitting sprinkler pipes wasn't for me. Something felt off. I knew I wanted work that was creatively fulfilling.

Jacob graduating from university
Jacob wearing a construction vest
Pokemon cards
Jacob looking out a window

Now what?

From uncertain times to uncovering a calling

At the start of the pandemic, during a time of uncertainty, I decided to leave my job in construction. I threw myself into learning UX/UI design, and six months later, I landed a role as a web designer. Officially beginning my journey as a professional box drawer.

My degree in communications and the skills I picked up in past roles played a big part in helping me break into the field. That diverse experience shaped the designer I am today.

Pokemon Cards
Jacob working in his room
Jacob standing outside the Hydro One office

Present day

Four years in and still curious

After landing my first role in the industry, my passion for UX design only grew. I spent evenings and weekends sharpening my skills, fueled by curiosity and a drive to become the best version of myself.

Teaching has always been close to my heart, so bringing that into my design career felt like a natural step. Today, I mentor students through an online UX design bootcamp where I share what I've learned and help others find their way.

Fast forward four years, and I'm now designing and building digital experiences for Hydro One, Ontario's largest electricity provider. Back in 2018, 50 feet up on a scissor lift, I never could've imagined this is where I'd end up.

Gameboy Games

Grateful for good company

Talented friends

Amir Elabbady

Senior UX Designer - Life Time Inc

in/amirelabbady

Magued Hanna

Director UX Design - The Co-operators

maguedhanna.com

Gokhan Arslan

Senior UX Designer - CIBC

gokhanarslan.com

Jason Somai

Digital Manager - Hydro One

jasonsomai.com

Arvind Kumar

Manager, Ecommerce - Atlas Tools

in/arvind-kumar

Brandon Tang

Senior Web Designer - Jonas Club

btangdesigns.com

Maggie Copland

Product Specialist - Walmart

maggiecopland.design

Mark Danhofer

Manager of UX - Hydro One

markdanhofer.com

Trevor Baron

Spatial Web Platform - Bytedance

in/trevor-baron