Sanika Bhamare
UI/UX Designer / Web Developer / Visual Designer
Santa Clara, CA
www.sanikab.framer.website
instagram @s.anik.a
Q What do you do?
“I am a Web Developer and UI/UX Designer. I strive to build things that are intentional, meaningful and makes someone’s life easier. I want to leave the world a slightly better place than when I found it.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I grew up in Bangalore, India, in a schooling system that was highly competitive and focused on academics. While there were extracurricular activities, spending too much time on them was often seen as “wasting time.” My activity of choice, though, was art. I was that kid everyone went to for help with class art projects, and I LOVED it, because it meant more art for me :D.
Coming from a family full of engineers and tech professionals, I felt pressure to treat art as “just a hobby.” So I chose computer science and eventually moved to Irvine, California, to study Computer Science and Engineering in college. Even then, something never quite clicked. I told myself I could pursue what I loved later, but being in a new country where I knew no one and feeling disconnected from my passion was difficult.
That changed when I joined a college organization as a graphic designer, creating weekly graphics and social media posts for events. It felt freeing and gave me the confidence to open myself to new experiences. Soon after, I landed my first job as a graphic designer at UCI, working on official campus maps, signage, and event graphics! I even stepped into photography for the first time, taking advantage of the office’s camera equipment to learn on the job—and came out with a whole new skill under my belt.
During my time there, I finally mustered up the courage to switch my major to Informatics—something that felt so much more aligned with who I am. From there, I threw myself into projects both inside and outside school and discovered UI/UX design. It just clicked! Along the way, I’ve grown as both a creative and a person, learning to approach my work with genuine empathy and curiosity about people’s lives.
Now that I’ve graduated (class of 2025, woohoo!), I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and building meaningful things while meeting amazing people along the way.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My versatile skillset! I have a strong technical background, having studied Computer Science and Software Engineering for most of my life. I also have professional technical experience from an internship as a frontend engineer at a hardware company. Along with that, through my creative jobs, my degree in Human‑Computer Interaction, and my heavy involvement in campus organizations, I’ve built a wide range of skills. All of this has given me the confidence and ability to take on all kinds of roles.
Q What are you working on right now?
Having graduated a month ago, I have taken on the task of rebuilding my portfolio and planning out the next steps in my career. I am also furiously job hunting have been trying hard to send in ~10 job applications a day. I’ve been sending my portfolio around to my designer friends and getting as much feedback as I can and improving it each day (if you find it, remember to hit refresh because I’m actively making changes to it haha). I'm also trying out freelancing on the side to keep myself busy and connected to my goals while learning along the way :)
Q What’s your style?
I like to think of my style as a bold, explorative and colorful. An organized mess if you will. In addition to that, I like to factor in the usability of what it is I’m creating. If it’s a website or software interface, how can I make it so that all the important things are visible and easy to enjoy? I’m also a big believer of lists and notes and calendars and love to stay organized that way (my calendar is my second brain).
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Photography! I really enjoy photographing people and helping them feel seen. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to practice it as much right now.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Ummmmm this job market?? I truly believe I have the skills it takes to enter the industry and start learning from the experienced ones, however, sending my resume into the abyss and rarely hearing back has become the norm and hence, frustrating :o
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I can think of a few:
1. Apply to jobs for me
2. Someone to do dishes for me (I love cleaning and doing house chores! Doing dishes is my least favorite :/ )
3. Helping me stay on track. I have so many things going on in my head, sometimes I need someone to help me stay in the moment and remind me of my current task
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would go back to high school and remind my 15 year old self and tell her "nobody cares what you do. Listen to what you want and JUST DO IT."
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Taxes, Investing and other money stuff! I’m fortunate enough to have a patient dad to answers all my questions when I need it but there’s so much new stuff that I would love to learn about from an expert!!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am currently looking for projects, internships, full time roles or contract positions in the field of UI/UX design or web development! I’m just trying to get my foot in the door to be able to financially back myself soon while getting better in my skillset and learning new things.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’d love to work somewhere that prioritizes real, meaningful connections and strikes the right balance between creative freedom and clear direction. I’d like to work with someone who is respectful, highly collaborative and transparent.
Q: What is your rate?
I’d like my hourly range to be between $35-40. However, I’m just starting out, so I’d love to talk more about it, since every project is different and I believe that insight into the details of the project would help me come to a number!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Shoot me an email at sanikabhamare@gmail.com with a brief overview of the project, some context and your budget! Bonus points if you have a fun email signature :)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Gawx Art - I love his editing style and storytelling ways
Simone Giertz - Oh it’s so cool to watch her build things that just exist in her mind
Alicia Souza - I’ve been following her for years and I love that she’s made a little business empire out of her adorable doodles (she’s also from the city that I grew up in so I feel extra connected and excited when she has success)!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
SO MANY WALKS, taking photos of random, fun stuff I see on walks!
This member profile was originally published in July 2025.