Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elena Liakou. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Elena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

As a Creative Director and UX Designer, one of the most significant trends I’ve seen emerging in the industry is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive both creativity and efficiency. AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s transforming how we approach design, content creation, and overall user experience. AI-powered tools are helping streamline everything from user research and prototyping to generating dynamic, personalized experiences for users based on real-time data.

One project that stands out was when we integrated AI into our design process to create a highly personalized ecommerce experience. The AI analyzed user behavior, preferences, and purchase history, allowing us to tailor content, recommendations, and the overall design dynamically. This created an environment where every user had a unique, personalized journey without manual intervention.

While AI offers massive potential in enhancing creativity and productivity, it does raise interesting challenges. One concern is the risk of losing the human touch in design, where everything becomes too data-driven and uniform. As a Creative Director, I believe the key is learning how to use AI as a powerful tool that complements human creativity rather than replaces it. Our role is to ensure the designs remain emotionally resonant and engaging, while AI handles the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

In the future, I see AI continuing to revolutionize our creative workflows, helping us make faster, more informed decisions while allowing us to focus more on the conceptual and innovative aspects of design.

Elena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Elena Liakou, and I’m a Senior UX/UI Designer and Creative Director based in Los Angeles. With over 13 years of experience in Product Design (UX/UI), Brand & Visual Design, I’m passionate about creating seamless and visually stunning digital experiences. I specialize in translating complex ideas into intuitive designs that capture the essence of a brand. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with companies like Fabric commerce, Audi and Uber helping them elevate their digital presence. What sets me apart is my commitment to pixel-perfect execution and user-centric design principles, ensuring every project I take on is both beautiful and functional.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that stands out in illustrating my resilience was when I first moved to the U.S. five years ago to pursue my design career. I had already established myself as a designer in Greece, but transitioning to a new country meant starting from scratch—building a new network, learning the dynamics of a different market, and adapting to a much faster-paced industry.

Early on, I faced multiple rejections, not just because I was new to the U.S. market but also due to visa restrictions. Many companies were impressed with my portfolio and eager to collaborate, but when they learned about the complications around my visa status, the conversations often ended abruptly. For large companies, navigating the legal aspects of hiring international talent was more complex than I had anticipated.

During that time, I quickly realized that having a strong portfolio alone wasn’t enough. I had to navigate the complexities of the U.S. job market, visa regulations, and cultural expectations—all while building a new network from the ground up. It was a tough period, but I refused to give up. I focused on getting all the necessary documents for my visa and made sure my legal situation was in order.

Eventually, after a lot of persistence, I landed my first major U.S. client, which opened the door to more high-profile opportunities. That breakthrough moment came because I didn’t let initial setbacks define my journey. Instead, I adapted, persevered, and pushed forward. It’s a lesson in resilience that continues to shape my approach today.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had been exposed to freelancer communities earlier in my creative journey. These platforms connect designers with high-profile clients and projects, offering incredible opportunities to build credibility and grow a professional network quickly. Joining such communities allows creatives to showcase their expertise and access a steady stream of challenging, high-quality work. In hindsight, tapping into these networks sooner would have accelerated my career growth by providing greater visibility, client connections, and the chance to work on projects that significantly elevate a designer’s portfolio.

Additionally, understanding the power of networking platforms like LinkedIn earlier would have been a huge advantage. These resources not only open doors to new opportunities but also provide platforms for continuous learning and professional growth. By connecting with clients and peers in a more structured way, I could have built a more targeted portfolio faster and strategically aligned myself with key industry players.

If I could start over, one thing I would do differently is specialize earlier in my career. While having a broad range of skills is valuable, I’ve learned that becoming an expert in a particular niche allows you to build a reputation more quickly and attract higher-quality clients. For example, instead of initially exploring various areas of creative design, I would have concentrated more on product design from the start, which is now a core focus of my portfolio.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elliakou.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliakou/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-liakou/