We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aisha Bikebayeva a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

In my opinion, to better prepare students for a fulfilling career in design, the education system needs to shift from just teaching theory to providing more hands-on experiences and real-world projects. During my time in school, I independently secured and completed five internships, which were pivotal in shaping my understanding of design. Each internship offered unique insights by teaching me more about the practical aspects of design than any classroom ever could. I mean, sure, reading about design is great, but it’s like trying to learn to swim on a couch. You have to dive in!

Additionally, I realized the importance of identifying the industry you want to design for, as each treats and compensates designers differently. Finding mentors was also crucial to my development. I had two mentors who provided personalized guidance and industry insights that professors, with their many students, simply couldn’t offer. Their advice helped me build my portfolio, gain industry insights, and learn about their past and current design projects at major companies like Paramount, Disney, and Netflix. It’s like having a GPS in the wilderness of the design world.

Outside of my studies, I attended conferences such as Lightbox Expo in Pasadena, CA, to network and meet incredible people in the industry. By intentionally surrounding myself with people I could learn from. If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Surround yourself with people who will lift you higher—and who make you question your life choices in the best way possible!

As Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” I strongly believe that schools should make it mandatory for students to complete at least two internships in different fields to help them discover their passions and gain essential experience. This is crucial because securing a job after college is incredibly challenging without internships, and especially for international students who face a critical 90-day window of unemployment post-graduation. By incorporating more practical experiences and structured support for internships and mentorship, the education system can ensure that all students, regardless of background, are well-prepared to succeed in their design careers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello there! I’m Aisha, a recent graduate from Parsons School of Design in NYC, specializing in brand & motion design.

Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and I’ve always had a passion for creativity. Ever since I was three years old, I knew I wanted to pursue a creative career. One of my earliest achievements was at age ten when I won a portrait competition for Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th Jubilee and received a letter from the Buckingham Palace. Even though I knew I wanted to be in the art field, I had a hard time figuring out what exactly to specialize in. As I explored different paths within the art world, including UI/UX, animation, graphic design, 3D modeling, VFX, and fine arts, I found my niche in design.

With over two years of internship experience, I’ve honed my skills as a graphic designer in Panasonic North America’s marketing department and interned at ELEMIS within the L’OCCITANE Group. At ELEMIS, I crafted CTV videos featured on platforms like Hulu and Peacock. While at school, I was lucky enough to be one of the 16 students chosen to participate in the prestigious Proenza Schouler x Gromek Institute mentorship program, where I delved into the fascinating world of fashion. Currently, I’m a designer at an advertising agency where I collaborate with prestigious clients such as Four Seasons and Buxom Cosmetics. My diverse skill set spans various creative fields such as 3D renderings, animation, graphic design, motion graphics, and illustration.

Let’s connect! I would love to exchange insights, collaborate, and inspire each other. Check out my portfolio at https://aisha-designs.com/ and let’s make some magic happen!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative is the ability to see and appreciate design in absolutely everything in life. This life is beautifully designed. Everywhere I look, I see intricate patterns, harmonious compositions, and thoughtful details that make up the fabric of our existence. Whether it’s the sleek lines of a skyscraper, the typography on a book cover, or the intricate patterns in nature, this allows me to find inspiration everywhere. What’s truly fulfilling is that I can immerse myself in my work for hours on end, sitting from 9am until 9pm and crafting designs, and genuinely enjoy every moment of it. The process of storyboarding, creating, and seeing a concept come to life is incredibly gratifying. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Well, I might be working non-stop, but it doesn’t feel like work when you’re living your passion. Design isn’t just about making things look pretty; it’s about solving problems, telling stories, and connecting with people on a deeper level.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that perfection is always attainable and necessary in creative work. Early in my career, I was obsessed with achieving flawless outcomes in every design project, which often led to overworking, stress, and frustration when things didn’t turn out exactly as planned. The turning point came during a branding project for a startup where I spent weeks refining every detail, aiming for perfection. However, during the presentation, the client appreciated the concept but had different preferences on certain aspects. Initially disappointed, I realized their feedback led to a more collaborative process and ultimately a design that resonated better with their audience. It was a humbling experience that taught me creativity thrives in imperfection, and that sometimes, “good enough” is truly good enough! Additionally, dealing with creative blocks has taught me the importance of embracing messiness and spontaneity in the creative process. There are times when ideas don’t flow smoothly, and forcing perfection only intensifies the block. Stepping away from a project, taking a break, or even intentionally creating messy sketches can spark new ideas and reinvigorate my passion for creating art. As they say, perfection is the enemy of progress!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aisha-designs.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bikebayeva/