Remote Job Blog: UI/UX Designer - Design the look, shape the feel
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Hey, Have you ever been glued to your favorite app and thought: “Why do I keep opening this again and again?” Chances are, the magic isn’t hidden in fancy backend code — it’s in the experience.
That’s where UI/UX Designers come in. They’re the translators of human needs, turning them into interfaces that are not only beautiful and intuitive, but sometimes downright addictive. This career offers freedom (remote work), money (solid income if you build a strong portfolio), and meaning (crafting products people love).
Sounds exciting? Let’s dive in with Wildcats!!
UI & UX. What’s the Difference?
UI (User Interface): The look and feel: colors, fonts, icons, spacing, animations. UI makes things pleasing to the eye.
UX (User Experience): The flow and interaction: wireframes, navigation, usability, accessibility. UX makes things easy and smooth to use.
👉 Someone who can master both sides (a full-stack designer) is a rare gem. Still, in bigger companies you’ll often see separate roles: UX researcher, UX designer, UI designer, prototyper.
A Day in the Life of a UI/UX Designer
Research user behavior: interviews, observations, insights, spotting pain points.
Sketch wireframes and build interactive prototypes to test ideas.
Design the actual interface in Figma or Adobe XD: layouts, color systems, typography, components.
Test, tweak, and repeat.
Collaborate with developers to bring those designs to life.
Sounds like a lot? It is. But every step shapes a product that feels effortless in the user’s hands. At its core, the job is a mix of creativity + systems thinking + communication.
Skills Every UI/UX Designer Needs
Core Skills
Empathy: stepping into the user’s shoes.
Design thinking: define → ideate → prototype → test.
Communication & storytelling: pitching ideas with data and prototypes.
Technical Skills
Wireframing & prototyping: Figma (a must), Sketch, Adobe XD.
Design systems & components: atomic design, reusable elements.
Collaboration tools: Miro/Whimsical (mapping), Zeplin/InVision (handoff), Hotjar/Lookback (user testing).
Front-end basics: HTML/CSS/box model knowledge makes dev handoff smoother.
Analytical Skills
A/B testing, analytics, and reading metrics like retention, conversion, or task success rate.
Pro Tips, How to Start
Learn the basics for free: YouTube, Coursera, Udemy (lots of free or discounted courses). Begin with Figma and UX fundamentals.
Redesign apps or sites you use daily, and turn them into case studies.
Build a portfolio on Behance/Dribbble, your golden ticket. Don’t just show pretty screens; explain the brief, the problem, the solution, and the results.
Take on small gigs: UI kits, landing pages, blog themes, build reputation and earn some money.
Join design communities (Slack, Discord, LinkedIn groups) to get feedback and find freelance work.
Freelance Platforms Worth Knowing
Dribbble: Showcase your work and apply for jobs.
Upwork / Fiverr: Start small, build ratings.
Toptal: For top-tier designers (with strict screening).
LinkedIn: Networking + full-time/remote job hunting.
Freelance Platforms
How Much Can You Make? Spoiler: A Lot.
💸 Entry level: $10–$25/hour, or a few million VND per small project.
💸 Mid-level: $25–$60/hour, with higher salaries for full-time roles.
💸 Senior / Lead / Product Designer: Serious money, plus equity opportunities in startups.
=>Your income depends heavily on your portfolio, communication, and negotiation skills. Pro tip: Once you have proof of results, don’t be afraid to raise your rates.
Should You Quit Your Current Job to Switch?
| No, not yet. Don’t leap without a safety net. Instead:
Learn and freelance on the side.
Build your portfolio and gather reviews/clients.
Once your freelance income is stable or you feel confident landing a remote/full-time gig, then it’s time to move on.
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Dive into the Wildcats community @Wildcats.io and let’s make waves together! Join us to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share your journey, and make your mark.