Sanika Bhamare
UI/UX Designer / Web Developer / Visual Designer
Santa Clara, CA
Q What do you do?
“I’m a Web Developer and UI/UX Designer with a passion for building things that are intentional, meaningful, and make people’s lives just a little bit easier.”
I love solving problems through design and development in ways that are both creative and practical. At the heart of everything I do is a simple goal: to leave things better than I found them.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I grew up in Bangalore, India, where academics always came first and art was considered “just a hobby.” Still, I was the kid everyone turned to for class art projects—and I loved every second of it.
Pushed by expectations, I chose computer science and moved to Irvine, CA to study CSE at UCI. It never fully felt like me, but I stayed hopeful I could find my way back to something I loved. That spark reignited when I joined a college org as a graphic designer. Creating event graphics felt freeing, and eventually led to my first job working as a graphic designer at UCI Transportation working on event signage, maps, the department website and much more. I even picked up photography there, learning on the job using office equipment.
Encouraged by that experience, I switched my major to Informatics and dove into projects inside and outside the classroom. That’s when I found UI/UX design—and it just clicked. I realized I could combine my creativity with tech to build thoughtful, people-first experiences.
Now, as a 2025 grad, I’m excited to keep learning, experimenting, and designing things that connect and inspire.
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?
Right now, I’m focused on building on the skills I already have. I’ve finally picked up a few personal projects that have been sitting on the back burner for a while (they’re still a secret for now—hehe). I’m also diving deeper into understanding user behavior by taking a course on behavioral psychology and human systems engineering—both of which tie directly into the kind of thoughtful, user-centered design I want to keep creating.
Q What’s your style?
My style is colorful, explorative, and warm. I love using color and contrast to create designs that are expressive yet approachable. I always like to start by listening closely to the user's vision and needs—then approach the project holistically, aiming for something that feels relatable, inclusive, and a little unexpected in the best way. My goal is to create work that not only looks good but also makes people feel seen and connected.
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?
Transitioning from the student life to the "real-world". I wish there was a how-to manual because I don't know what is going on haha.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
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 :/ )
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 $35-45. 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?
Walks without any external stimulation. Just me and mother nature 🌳
This member profile was originally published in July 2025.