Jana Rawlins
Q What do you do?
“As a Design Lead at Shopify, I help shape the user experience and interface design. ”
My primary focus is on creating immersive experiences that engage users and enhance the overall brand presence of Shopify. I work closely with various teams, such as marketing and product, to align design strategies and create a seamless user experience across touchpoints.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I pursued my passion for graphic design by studying it in South Africa, which led to my first opportunity as a digital designer at the renowned agency, Publicis Machine. This experience allowed me to fall in love with the design process, as it provided a perfect blend of creative expression and complex problem-solving. Afterward, I ventured into the payments industry in Sweden, further expanding my expertise. Eventually, I joined Shopify in Canada, where I continue to grow and thrive in my career today.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
By continuously learning and staying informed about the latest tools and technologies it helps to ensure my work remains relevant and innovative in the ever-evolving design landscape.
Q What are you working on right now?
As a personal passion project and a design exploration, I am currently delving into a spatial design concept for Shopify Learn. This creative endeavour allows me to experiment with Apple's Vision Pro design guidelines while providing an opportunity to expand my design skills and knowledge.
Q What’s your style?
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
UX Direction
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Launching the mental health app I've created has been a challenge, as it consistently ends up at the bottom of my to-do list. Balancing multiple priorities and projects often leads to the app taking a backseat to more pressing tasks. However, I recognize the importance of this app in promoting mental well-being and its potential to make a positive impact on users' lives.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Anything AI can't do, for example, cook healthy meals, do personal training and plan family holidays.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
If I could bring out the time machine, I would go back to the early stages of my career and share the following advice with my younger self:
Embrace the learning process. Be curious, and never stop seeking knowledge.
Establish meaningful connections with fellow designers, mentors, and professionals in the industry. Networking not only opens doors to new opportunities but also provides valuable insights and support throughout your career.
Take calculated risks. Don't shy away from taking on challenging projects or exploring new design disciplines. Push your boundaries as it can lead to breakthroughs and help you discover your true potential.
Maintain work-life balance. Make time for self-care, hobbies, and personal relationships to ensure a fulfilling and sustainable career.
Be patient and persistent. Success doesn't happen overnight. Be patient, stay focused on your goals, and remain persistent in your efforts. Trust the journey and believe in your abilities to innovate and make a lasting impact in the design world."
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
If I had the opportunity to talk to an expert to gain more insight on a particular topic, I would choose to discuss the integration of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) in the field of design.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Design opportunities that involve shaping impactful projects with a global reach. I'm excited to dive into projects that explore and integrate emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality into the UX/UI design process, encouraging innovation in the field.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I thrive in a collaborative environment where clients and teams embrace the full user journey—from first interaction to post-launch marketing. We value the blend of design, functionality, and brand narrative, recognizing that each piece contributes to the overall experience. Frequent brainstorming and critiques are crucial, ensuring a final product that's a mix of diverse creative perspectives. Our team is always exploring new trends and pushing what's possible with design. We prioritize user research and testing, using real-world feedback to refine and exceed user expectations. This iterative approach ensures that the product not only meets but exceeds user expectations.In essence, my ideal scenario is a symbiotic relationship where my passion for crafting fresh, user-centric designs aligns seamlessly with a client or team that shares a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a holistic approach to the user experience—from the product's inception to its integration into the market.
Q What is your rate?
I invite you to schedule a consultation with me, during which we can discuss your needs and expectations - let's collaboratively establish a solid foundation for a potential collaboration.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Feel free to get in touch by sending an email to janarawlins@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
In the vast realm of design, Michael Wolff stands as a luminary whose wisdom and creativity have left an indelible mark on both the industry and aspiring designers. As a fourth-year graphic design student, I reached out to him, recounting how his words at Design Indaba ignited a passion within me. His response, marked by humility and genuine enthusiasm, was a testament to his generous spirit. Michael's creative process, revealed in his meticulous answers, reflects a profound understanding of his clients' essence, a willingness to discard preconceptions, and a pursuit of the elusive space of 'nothing' where true creativity resides. His advice to "tell me before you show me" echoes a foundational principle, urging designers to prioritize ideas over aesthetics. Michael Wolff's approach to design is not just a profession; it's a philosophy that celebrates simplicity, originality, and the transformative power of ideas. His words linger as a guiding light, reminding me that design is not merely about what we create but how we impact the world around us.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Nature's sweet embrace, Open mind, new paths unveil, Artful dance inside.
This member profile was originally published in June 2023/ Updated October 2023