Laura Eley, UX Writer | Spotify Design

I’ve at all times beloved phrases. I’ve at all times felt that something may very well be imagined by way of pen. I didn’t know that UX Writing was a factor till I used to be launched at a storytelling session held by Spotify’s Opening Act convention. I vividly keep in mind being a school junior pondering, “My words could improve the way millions use something they love? Yes, please.” 

I get pleasure from taking minor particulars and turning them into masterful tales. Writing was the pure strategy to go.

I’m the writer to my illustrator, higher referred to as a product designer. I’m liable for crafting copy that directs and engages artists and followers alike. I’ve to grasp how this product will empower artists, but additionally introduce methods for followers to attach with their favorites. I would ask myself questions like, “What is the end goal?” or “What do I want the creator or fan to feel when they see this?”. I even have to grasp what context the design gives earlier than I write something. I’ve to rigorously select phrases as a result of one mistaken phrase alternative can create an unwelcome final result or feeling.

My desk appears to be like loads totally different from my regular setting, as I’m in Virginia for an prolonged vacation, however necessities are necessities.

1. Peace + Tranquility candle: It smells like clear linen and with the fitting lighting can calm any second. If it’s a heavy deadline day, I can mild it and get to work.

2. Lip balm: Because who likes chapped lips?

3. Spelman journal (with a black pen): One of my favourite grad items was the Spelman journal, it is the place I create the imaginative and prescient for my copy. Also, a black pen is the one strategy to write.

4. Blue blocking glasses: Screens are simply not pleasant to my eyes. I realized throughout educating that it impacts my sleep and provides me loopy migraines. One day, I’ll improve, however for now, these blue-blocking glasses from Target will do!

5. Laptop (with a finger smudge): Because how can I work with out a pc and it wouldn’t be me and not using a smudge.

6. Tablet (with pencil): I simply bought this to assist work by way of designs, get into drawing, and attempt to restrict the variety of books I acquire. I like bookstores, however I don’t have sufficient house for all my favourite books. So, I’ll be utilizing ‘Paddy’ (its identify, lol) to learn largely.

7. Water bottle: The lasting impact of the pandemic for me has been masks pimples. I’ve to remain hydrated to calm the redness. 

8. Pictures of mother and pa: I misplaced my dad in April and what I believed was going to be the worst 12 months ever, ended up being the 12 months of alternative. So I wish to stay reminded of my help system 🙂

At this level in my profession, I’d say my most intimidating design problem has been getting into this subject. Hot take, huh?

Coming from a liberal arts, particularly English, background, I didn’t assume a profession in design or tech was doable. To add on one other layer, as a graduate of an HBCU, design roles weren’t essentially represented at our profession festivals. Being in a position to not solely discover a place in design that match me but additionally transition from a profession in training to this has been such a journey. That’s why I’m obsessed with growing variety in design groups and training round design roles, basically.

One of my favourite Black designers for the time being thrives within the illustration house, Jade Purple Brown (identical on Instagram). She creates probably the most lovely multi-method items. She creates with a way of individuality and empowerment that you could really feel by way of Instagram. I aspire to create the identical approach.

Sharae Gibbs is an interplay designer at Google and founding father of SheDesigns, a UX course and program that’s dedicated to educating and providing instruments to ladies of shade all for tech. As somebody who had a non-traditional journey to design, I hope to ultimately empower extra like me to discover their choices in design and know-how.

Stevie Wonder: Listening to Stevie Wonder can energy me by way of any challenge, impediment, or triumph. His artwork is fascinating and he tells the very best tales. 

Jazmine Sullivan: My favourite artist! The voice, the songs, the tales. Jazmine has a singular approach of capturing the essence of younger Black womanhood, her album Reality Show bought me by way of faculty and Heaux Tales is giving me every little thing in maturity.

The Knowles sisters: I couldn’t simply decide one. Both Solange and Beyonce take possession of their storytelling. They create experiences that create lasting reminiscences and feelings. Saw each of them stay and simply — ahhhh!

This is a really fascinating query. For me, I’d say the best celebration of blackness is the neighborhood inside our tradition. No matter the room we enter there’s a consolation in realizing that there’s a bunch of individuals which are going to look out for one another. Beyond that, there might be individuals who get the joke, reference, and so on. Having individuals who like me the place I work makes me really feel secure and seen. Things folks take as a right.

BIG Shout out to my mother for being my mother, haha.

Also, I wish to shout out my supervisor and mentor, Tamara Hilmes. Since I used to be a rising senior in faculty she’s been in my nook serving to me discover my approach into design. Thank you a lot for all of your assist.

As for socials, you could find me @lauraveley on Instagram 🙂 I like sharing cool articles, illustrations and extra once I’m not on hiatus haha.