TEAM TALK is an ongoing blog series we’ve created to be able to go behind the scenes and talk one-on-one with different members of the TeamSportz team. Here, we sit down with Product & Graphic Designer, Alexandra Mendes, to hear more about her experience, background, and journey into graphic design.
Before TeamSportz, what originally got you into graphic design, and then how’d you end up here?
I’ve always been passionate about arts and problem-solving. When I was in high school, I first encountered the term design and I became very intrigued as to how it covers so many areas. Through it, I found the perfect combination of my passions and decided to pursue them further into university. My course explored Design and Multimedia in a very innovative way, tapping into programming, which I started to enjoy more and more. I became fascinated with how design could create a better experience for users and how it could make technology more accessible. And then TeamSportz showed up in my life.
What drew you to TeamSportz in the first place?
My brother, Ricardo Mendes, who is a software developer, started working with TeamSportz to build the software which would bring the project alive and I always admired the evolution from the sidelines. After I finished my degree, TeamSportz needed someone to design their website and, fascinated by the vision and technology, I decided to join the project!
What’s the difference between product design and graphic design?
In short, graphic design has its focus on how ideas or messages are presented and communicated, in a visual way. That reflects on branding, printed media and even websites. Product design is an area that has derived from the industry world, a need to create an answer to a problem that balances the needs of the clients and the resources of the business. Instead of focusing solely on how the information should be transmitted, product designers start their work from the ideation and research on what information that should be and how it should be managed, as well as the designing of the final product to be delivered.
Is there a sport you’re most passionate about?
I’m really into fitness and body & mind well-being, but I don’t think there’s a sport I’m most passionate about. I enjoy cycling, yoga or some hikes in the forest. I’ve made it a routine to follow the big cycling competitions as I became fascinated with the team and individual aspects of the sport. E-sports are also something I’m interested in as a gamer. I believe there is much to learn on the connection between sports and technology and how a virtual space can link people together with a single spirit.
It seems like you’re into other hobbies other than sports and fitness. Tell me about other hobbies outside of work.
Because of my extroverted personality, I like spending time streaming and cosplaying. The streams are a great way to create and stimulate a community and it has made my gaming moments something I can share with people everywhere. I’ve been cosplaying for almost 8 years and it’s something I’m also really passionate about, as it combines my interests with acting and costume making.
How do these hobbies inspire your work?
Gaming and streaming keep me connected to technology and help me better understand user experience and interface design, which results in valuable knowledge to my area. Some games are great case studies and having first-hand contact with gamers through the stream helps me evaluate the design choices that were made and sometimes even apply them to my work.
How do you deal with making mistakes?
Mistakes are a daily part of my life as a designer. Designing requires experimentation and a love for critical thinking, so mistakes are the offspring of the process that leads to a satisfying solution. Being able to learn from experiments and apply the concepts in the right setting is crucial in my work. Outside of my designing adventures, mistakes are also welcome and there is not a time in my life where I’ve regretted a choice or experience, since I believe they’re the result of my growth as a person.
How do you think you’ll make a difference in your role this year and beyond?
My role is quite shape-shifting at times and this year will require me to make an impact and adapt to the needs that will surely arise. As TeamSportz grows, I will strive to design the best experience possible for our teams, which implies a more UX driven perspective in my work.
Is there a single person that has been key to your success?
I would say my success has bloomed from the support of many people in my life, namely my friends, family and colleagues. But if there is a key to it, it would have to be me. There is great value in recognising our efforts and giving thought to what we want to project for our future. I alone couldn’t have reached what I am today and I’m grateful for being able to accept all the wonderful support and advice I’ve received so far.
What is the best advice you received during your journey to becoming a product and graphic designer?
Don’t be scared to experiment. As I started in design, my goal was to have the solution in my hands after one try. I wanted to be able to create something magnificent and effective right away, but my teachers at university kept telling me how important it was to try out different perspectives and learn from various design patterns. There is no one right answer to a client’s struggle and the more you research and experiment, the better proposal you’ll be able to make. There is a compromise to be made when it comes to deadlines and resources, but it is definitely a piece of advice that struck me and I will gladly pass it on to future designers.
