Geegpay Monthly Roundup: February 2024
Unwind, Events, Features
5 minutes
What inspired you to become a UI developer?
Growing up, I used to be fascinated by billboards. I’d look at billboards and flyers curious about how they were created. After secondary school, I joined a computer school. I was eager to understand graphics. I learned about Pagemaker and Coreldraw and that helped me understand the idea behind graphics design. When I got into the university, I studied computer science, but I didn’t focus on the programming aspect, just the design. That was the era of Photoshop. So I downloaded the app and I was amazed by all the icons and features. After school, I became a graphics designer.
After a while, I found out about product design. I got curious again, and I signed up for boot camps, courses, etc. I learned about UI and UX and because of my love for graphics, I picked UI design and transitioned into it. I started designing interfaces both web and mobile. I got curious again about web development and I found Webflow. I started learning about the tool and that has become my focus. I design the interfaces and I build them on Webflow.
Is there a project you’re super proud of? Anyone that stands out and makes you think “Did I do this”?
I’ve worked on several projects. However, there was one project that was a little more challenging. It was a gig for a company called Raise. I worked with a web designer and I did the development. The client wanted something unique so there was a whole back and forth in the process. It pushed me to think outside the box. It made me research more, stretch myself, and go beyond what I'm used to. And in the end, it turned out well.
Is fintech your niche or do you work for various industries?
I’ve gotten more gigs around fintechs, about 60 - 70%. But I’ve also done jobs outside of fintech. I see myself as a universal designer. I can do any kind of design and develop any kind of website. The only reason I wouldn't accept a gig is if the budget doesn’t fit the project or if the project timeline is very short.
If you could redesign one popular app or website from scratch, which one would it be?
I think every website can be better. If I’m asked to criticise a website, no matter how perfect there is something that can make it even better. One thing I’ve noticed is how many fintechs follow a particular style and it feels a bit cliche. They feel it’s the style. I would like to change that. But I also understand that if something’s not broken, then there’s no need to fix it.
How do you find the perfect middle ground between aesthetics and functionality?
I'm big on functionality. If a website doesn’t do the job, no matter how beautiful it looks, it’s just graphics. So before I start working on a website, I always want to understand what the goal of the website is, who the target market is, and how they will engage with the website. Is it for signups, sales, announcements, or promotions? I also understand the journey and the end goal. All of this influences the design. I consider these first, and then the aesthetics.
Is there any advice you wish you had received when you were just starting as a freelancer?
Yes. I wish someone had told me that becoming a freelancer is on you. There are millions of other freelancers out there. I wish I’d known to start personal branding earlier. Having your unique voice and style of doing things differentiates you from the crowd. Many freelancers learn the skills but not how to put themselves out there. Many of the gigs I got were because I put myself out there and was loud about my skill set. Not everyone is comfortable with showcasing themselves and their skills but you have to do it for the sake of your brand. It’s hard for a client to believe you’re good if there is no evidence.
How do you “make noise” when you’re not yet at a certain level because you’re just starting?
Confidence is a skill. You have to learn it. It’s not about claiming that you’re a superstar but about keeping people in the know. Even when you’re just starting, you can drop your opinion on things in your niche or share how far you’ve come and the problems you’re solving. That way you’re keeping yourself top of mind for when opportunities come. I used to record my screen to show how I made some websites better. I also talked a lot about the tools and features I learned. Those were my evidence.
Geegpay simplifies global financial transactions for freelancers. Is there any specific instance where you said “Thank God for Geegpay”?
I learned about Geegpay when one of the co-founders, Victor, reached out to me. He found me on LinkedIn, thanks to my “evidence”. He didn’t need to see my portfolio because he had seen my work on social media and also, a client I’d worked with before, Ajim Capital, told him about me. He introduced me to the brand. I worked on the Raenest website and also rebuilt Geegpay. While working on the project I was fascinated by the product. At the time, I was struggling with receiving dollars and euros from my clients. Everything about my gigs went smoothly until it came to payment, and then it became a problem. I had to find different strategies to receive funds and it was frustrating the clients. I started using Geegpay. I receive my payment and convert it instantly on Geegpay. It’s been a lifesaver.
How do you manage your workflow and stay organised with multiple projects?
I plan a lot. When I just started, it was chaotic and overwhelming and I burned out a lot. Now I work with more people. I’ve built relationships, I collaborate a lot, and I have a better structure.
Can you shed some light on a lesser-known challenge you've faced in your freelance career and how you overcame it?
Freelancing is not for the weak. You have to stand out, have a wide network, and create credible relationships. That’s not easy. Also, sometimes you go months without one gig and on some months you have up to 4 projects. During those times when you’re struggling to land gigs, it’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough. But it’s just a phase. Find a system that will help you land more clients and bring value to your existing clients so they come back.
If you could design a UI for an entirely new technology or build a product that doesn't exist yet, what would it be?
I lost a friend who was also my pastor sometime last year and it was painful. I wish I could see and talk to him one last time. So if it were possible, I would build a product that would help us communicate with people who have passed away. No one knows what happens when people die. There are so many opinions, but nothing concrete. So I want to build a product that would connect our world to theirs.
