The most common challenge is delivering great work under tight timelines. Working at a larger company also means more alignment across cross-functional teams, and because Shopify is one large ecosystem, there are a lot of dependencies between teams that you have to navigate.

What's exciting about being a designer right now is how many tools exist to help us move faster. I lean heavily on Claude Code, Visual Studio Code, and Cursor to prototype my vision, which helps get faster alignment, uncover edge cases, and tell the story more effectively. Since we're fully remote, I also use Descript and Screen Studio to share work asynchronously through video. Figma has essentially become my sketchbook where I work through early mockups and ideas before moving into prototyping.

Two things: never stop learning, and don't neglect your soft skills. The more you genuinely invest in learning, the faster you'll be able to pick up and apply new skills throughout your career. And while it's easy to let communication skills slip in a remote environment, being a strong storyteller and being able to clearly explain your decisions is just as important as the craft itself.

Honestly, I love being a designer and have no regrets. That said, if I could give my younger self one warning, it would be to watch out for burnout. Designers are expected to be creative constantly and in tech, that bar is even higher. With AI in the mix now, the responsibilities keep growing. So be patient and gentle with yourself along the way.

Design doesn't just live online and that's easy to forget. I stay inspired by going offline: visiting museums, experiencing live events, working with my hands, and spending time with the people I love. Stepping away from the screen is often where I can recharge my creative thinking.