Constantino Co
Q What do you do?
“I design user-friendly and accessible websites and apps for users’ needs while solving business problems.”
Outside my full-time job, I do freelance website design and website development with my freelance partner.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I pivoted from graphic design, web design, front-end development, technical project management, and digital marketing to UX design across the Philippines, Singapore, and New Zealand.
In my early years as a UX designer, I enrolled in UX workshops, which helped me learn new skills and combine them with my experience in multiple disciplines, allowing me to be competitive in the market.
Now, I spend my time honing my skills by attending advanced UX workshops, reading books and online articles, applying my learnings, and gaining practical experience.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My experience and skills in the multidisciplinary field made me stand out because I can collaborate across teams easily.
Q What are you working on right now?
- I am redesigning the whole experience of a meal kit website and mobile app.
- I am currently finding ways to improve my freelance website's Google SEO ranking.
Q What’s your style?
Accessible and minimalist design is my style that solves user and business problems and needs while operating under constraints. Accessibility is everyone, including people with disabilities, can use a concept of any product or service.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could focus on UX research and UI motion.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I need to improve my freelancing website's Google search ranking. Also, too many design opinions from the team and organisation make the project hard to push forward while the deadline closes.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would hire someone to help me find clients for my freelancing business.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I want to tell my younger self to study and get a degree in software engineering. In the mid-90s, my uncle tried to teach me programming when I was around twelve years old, and I refused to learn because it looked boring. He told me that programming would be a trend, an in-demand job, and could earn very good money. I didn't listen, and I feel regret up until now.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
- Investment
- Starting your own business
- Learn more about design from Don Norman and Jakob Nielsen
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for freelance web design and development projects from WordPress to custom web development.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
The ideal client I seek pays fairly, is honest, and trusts in us to perform our job.
Q What is your rate?
My hourly rate is $75, depending on the website project we are dealing with, so we normally ask questions and send an estimated cost.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can email me at thedigitalambassador@gmail.com
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I never stop learning and gaining practical experience.
This member profile was originally published in February 2023