ABOUT ME!

I’m a UX/UI Designer and illustrator. I’ve always been a creative and artsy person. 

However, I thought my creativity wouldn’t get me anywhere, so I had initiatially pursued a career in education by teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) for 6.5 years.
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During the pandemic, after I lost my teaching job, I stumbled across what UX/UI design and saw how it focused on finding solutions to complex problems. It was something that really resonated with me throughout my education career and I was excited to help people find solutions in UX as well. I love being inquisitive and asking questions, I love collaborating with other creatives and learning from them. I’m excited to see what else I can learn along the way.

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LONG STORY SHORT

2014

Earned a B.A in Linguistics @ UCSB

I minored in Mandarin Chinese and got certified as an ESL teacher.

2014-2018

Taught ESL in Taiwan

I spent 3.5 years teaching English in both Taipei, Taoyuan and Zhongli.

2018-2020

Returned to USA to continue teaching

I taught ESL @ Citrus College and worked as an activities coordinator and even drove a small bus!

2020-2021

Took a UX bootcamp

After losing my job during covid (students went back home), I decided to change careers.

2021

Got my first UX job

I designed websites and packaging for multiple products at a health and wellness startup.

...and now I work at

FUN FACTS

FUN FACT #1

I was a part time merch designer for multiple famous drag queens from Rupaul’s drag race.

FUN FACT #2

In 2018, I was a contestant in a Taiwanese dating show and I WON.

FUN FACT #3

I am a regular art vendor at multiple art markets across the inland empire. My small business continues to grow.

FUN FACT #4

My highschool counselor told me NOT to become a designer because It wouldn’t be a good career choice for me.

SAY HELLO!

email me at MANDI.EXCELL@GMAIL.COM if you have any questions. I’d love to hear from you!

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