When I look back on the past four years, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come—from starting as a design intern to leading the development of award-winning websites. I’ve always had a passion for design, but I decided early on that college wasn’t the path for me. Instead, I focused on acquiring diverse skills that would allow me to excel in real-world situations. Now, having designed and developed over 100 business and eCommerce websites, I can confidently say that skipping a degree was one of the best decisions I ever made. Here’s how I did it.
When I first started as a Social Media Executive at the age of 18, working for the Indian National Congress, I knew I had to differentiate myself. Without a formal education to lean on, I focused on learning by doing. I immersed myself in design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, mastering them on the go. My responsibilities, which included handling social media content for a major political party, gave me my first taste of the importance of versatility.
It wasn’t just about creating good designs; I quickly learned how crucial it was to understand audience behavior and content strategy. Designing visually compelling graphics that also delivered the right message helped me build a strong foundation in communication through design.
I knew early on that graphic design alone wouldn’t be enough. The digital landscape was evolving quickly, and I saw the growing demand for UI/UX design and web development. So, I set my sights on mastering these skills. I began learning WordPress, Webflow, and Shopify in my free time, and before long, I had enough expertise to start building websites from scratch.
In 2020, as the pandemic altered the job market, I took a pivotal step by joining Brandemic as a Social Media Manager. It wasn’t long before I transitioned into the role of Project Manager and Lead Developer. While social media strategy was my initial responsibility, my curiosity about web development was impossible to ignore. I threw myself into learning more about user-centered design and how web development works behind the scenes.
At Brandemic, I had the chance to work on a wide range of projects, designing websites for businesses across industries like healthcare, retail, and entertainment. One of my first major projects involved creating a user-friendly eCommerce website for Walkmate, a B2B footwear brand. What made the project unique wasn’t just the challenge of simplifying a complex product catalog but also ensuring that the user journey was seamless and intuitive. This was when I realized that the key to successful web development is a combination of aesthetics, functionality, and empathy for the user.
The most valuable part of my work at Brandemic was the diversity of the industries we catered to. From healthcare to retail and even entertainment, every sector had its own unique demands. Whether it was creating a seamless booking experience for East Point Hospitals or an interactive event platform for BookMyShow, each project pushed me to tailor my designs for specific business needs.
One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned in my career is the power of diverse skills. By not limiting myself to just graphic design, I’ve been able to take on a variety of roles that go beyond what a traditional degree might have offered. At Brandemic, I’ve managed everything from UI/UX research to full-scale web development using tools like WordPress, Shopify, and Webflow. Each project presented its own set of challenges, but it also provided a unique learning opportunity.
For instance, designing an award-winning website for Mahindra involved balancing corporate branding with user engagement. We needed to ensure that the website’s design reflected Mahindra’s legacy while also offering modern, user-friendly navigation. This project taught me that branding and user experience are two sides of the same coin. Without one, the other falls flat.
In addition to this, I started diving deeper into SEO optimization and content strategy. These are often overlooked by designers but can make or break a website’s success. The more I worked on these aspects, the more I understood how critical they were in driving traffic and improving user engagement. This holistic approach—combining design, development, and content—set me apart from others in the field.
Being involved in both design and development has also meant that I can bridge the gap between these two worlds. I’m able to speak the language of developers while also ensuring that the design vision is preserved. This dual capability has not only allowed me to build better websites but also made me a more valuable asset to the teams I work with.
One of the proudest achievements of my career has been winning the Big Bang Awards and the Foxglove Awards for web development projects. These awards were a direct result of my work on high-impact projects at Brandemic, where I led the design and development of over 100 websites for businesses of all sizes.
One project, in particular, that stands out was for Eximius Ventures, a leading venture capital firm. The challenge here was to build a site that not only showcased their portfolio but also provided a seamless user experience for potential investors and startups. The complexity of the project forced me to push my skills to new limits, especially in terms of SEO optimization, responsive design, and making sure the site was scalable for future updates.
Receiving these awards didn’t just validate my work; it reinforced that taking an unconventional route, choosing self-learning over formal education, was the right path for me. I had created something tangible, something that performed well in the real world, and that was more rewarding than any degree could have been.
One of the most surprising and rewarding aspects of my journey has been achieving financial independence through my work. By diversifying my skill set, I’ve been able to take on a variety of projects across industries, each offering unique financial opportunities. Whether it’s designing a healthcare website or consulting on eCommerce development, I’ve gained a reputation as someone who can deliver results.
Beyond the financial rewards, this independence has allowed me to offer consulting services to businesses looking for insights into website development, user experience, and digital strategy. I’ve had the chance to work with prominent clients like EOS Globe and East Point Hospitals, offering them a unique blend of design and technical expertise that’s hard to find in the market.
Being financially independent from such a young age also allowed me to reinvest in my growth. I’ve taken courses in advanced design, development, and even business consulting—all of which have made me more well-rounded as a professional. This reinvestment in myself has been crucial to staying competitive in a constantly evolving industry.
This financial independence didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of hard work, long hours, and a relentless pursuit of learning. But it’s also proof that the decision to focus on real-world experience over a college degree has paid off in ways I never anticipated.
As I continue to grow in my career, one of the most fulfilling aspects has been the opportunity to mentor new team members. Having started without formal education, I know how challenging it can be to break into the industry, especially without the traditional credentials that many people rely on. That’s why I make it a point to share my knowledge and experiences with others who are just starting out.
At Brandemic, I’ve helped train interns and junior designers on everything from UI/UX principlesÂ
to web development best practices. One of the highlights of my mentorship journey was guiding a group of interns as they developed a website for BookMyShow, one of India’s largest entertainment platforms. Watching them grow from novices into confident designers and developers was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like these that remind me why I started this journey in the first place—to learn, grow, and eventually help others do the same.
In mentoring, I’ve found a new passion: giving back. It’s not just about passing on technical skills but also instilling the mindset that learning doesn’t stop after a project is completed. By teaching others to embrace this continuous growth mindset, I feel like I’m shaping the next generation of creators and developers.
The decision to forgo a college degree and focus on acquiring practical, real-world skills has had a profound impact on my career. By working on a wide range of projects across various industries, I’ve been able to gain a deep understanding of how different sectors operate. This experience has made me financially independent much earlier than I expected, and it’s given me the confidence to offer consulting services and insights into almost every aspect of web development.
But more than that, this journey has allowed me to build a career that I’m genuinely passionate about. Whether it’s the satisfaction of seeing a website go live or the joy of mentoring someone new to the field, the rewards of this path have been immense.
Looking back, I can confidently say that the risk I took was worth it. Skipping a traditional degree allowed me to focus on what really mattered—learning skills that would set me apart in a competitive industry. And now, as I continue to grow, I’m excited to see what the future holds.Â
After all, the best part about this journey is that I’m still learning, still growing, and still finding new ways to challenge myself.
I focused on self-learning through online resources like YouTube, Udemy, and free coding platforms. I also took on projects that pushed me outside my comfort zone, forcing me to learn new skills.
Understanding how design interacts with functionality was the hardest part. Graphic design is purely visual, but web development requires thinking about how users will navigate and interact with a website.
The satisfaction of seeing my designs come to life keeps me motivated. Also, staying up to date with the latest design and development trends ensures that my work stays relevant.
I felt that real-world experience would teach me more practical skills than a degree could. I wanted to get my hands dirty with actual projects and learn through doing.
Focus on learning the basics, but don’t be afraid to take on bigger projects. The more you push yourself, the faster you’ll learn.
I’m expanding my mentorship program to guide aspiring designers and developers. I’m also diving deep into emerging technologies like AR/VR and Web3 to stay at the forefront of digital innovation and deliver cutting-edge solutions to my clients.
