Designer Profiles: Regine Gilbert
Meet Regine Gilbert. She is a Visiting Industry Assistant Professor at New York University.
Briefly describe your career path, including the reasons behind job changes and shifts.
After college I was not sure of the path to take and ended up working different types of jobs, ranging from retail to administrative work.
When I was younger, it was my dream to move to NYC and study fashion design. My dream came true after I applied and got into Parsons School of Design. I studied fashion for a year and worked as a technical fashion designer for 2 years.
After 2 years as a designer I shifted to working in information technology and became an information technology trainer. That led me to product/project management and burnout.
I wanted a change and decided to start taking classes related to digital design. I took a UX course at General Assembly and it led me to a career as a UX designer. What I have learned is that all work builds on what came before. My past work experience has been helpful in my UX work.
What excites you about being a designer?
I am excited to learn something new each and every day. I don't ever get bored.
What are the challenges that the field of design faces today?
The challenge that design faces are the same issues that face society: ethics and bias are two areas that we can all do well to focus and pay more attention to.
What advice would you give someone starting out in their career today?
Remember that you have to do what works for you. There is no one size fits all prescription when it comes to YOUR life. Life is what you make it. The one thing I told myself at the beginning of my career is 'Rejection is protection and redirection.' When things don't work out, say thanks, reflect, learn and move forward.
What’s one thing every designer should know?
Yourself! When you understand yourself and why you do things, you might better understand others and have compassion for them.
What’s the most annoying design debate out there? You have the last word; what’s your take?
The skills a designer 'should' have. Do you! Whatever skills you have or want to build on — do that.
What do you think design will be focused on in ten years?
I think design will be more focused on accessibility in the coming years.
What’s the most inspirational thing you've read recently?
The most inspirational work I have seen lately is the work done by the Creative Reaction Lab out of St. Louis. They address racial inequality and gun violence. They have created an equitable design framework which includes dismantling power structures and healing. I encourage everyone to check them out.
What’s your favorite NYC bagel spot?
H&H
What’s your favorite place to escape in NYC?
The fountain at Lincoln Center.
Give us your favorite bad joke.
Where does satisfaction come from? A satisfactory.
