The UX industry is being built by Bootstrappers.

We come from many backgrounds that make our industry rich with fresh perspectives. Our accepted methods are more robust because we continue to borrow concepts from so many sources. We perfect those borrowed concepts to serve our unique needs.

We learn what we need in the moment because what works for us is different from the practitioner sitting in the chair nearby. There is no one size fits all approach to UX and that extends to our own career development. We invent and choose methods to get the right product. We figure it out as we go relying on our ingenuity to get us through.

We were talking about how people use things
before it was cool.

We can’t specialize too much because we are the continuity across every touchpoint for the users. We need to know a little of everything to forge great alliances within our organizations. We are misunderstood because you can’t fit us into a nice neat box.

WE HAD TO FIGHT TO BE HEARD AND NOW WE HAVE TO FIGHT TO BE UNDERSTOOD. 

 

A new resource for a new kind of career

Not sure what to do next in your UX career? Wondering if your portfolio is up to snuff? Have no clue what job title applies to you?

We are the definitive resource for bootstrapping your UX career with tips, practical advice and well honed expertise to help you sort it all out. Sign up for a consult with UX Bootstrapper founder Debra Michalides. As a UXer herself she speaks your language. She can help you understand your place in the job market and what skills and jobs you should pursue based on your unique needs. She has qualified skill-sets and coached 600+ people for career development in UX. Let her do the same for you.

Services

Resume Review
$29.99

Does your resume need a refresh? We can help! Send along your resume as a google doc with commenting on and we will provide an expert review with helpful tips and suggestions to improve. This service includes 1 documented resume evaluation & 1 week followup email support

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Portfolio Evaluation
$59.99

Send a link and get a detailed review of what areas need the most help so you can work to present yourself in the best way. This service includes 1 documented portfolio evaluation & 1 week followup email support

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Career Coaching Call ($159)

This is where we learn about your needs and you get strategic advice on what is next for you and your career.
Maybe you've read too many job descriptions and now you are doubting your place in UX. Let's talk and reframe the conversation.

This service includes 1 hour call & 1 week email support

PORTFOLIO CALL w/ Portfolio Evaluation ($199)

Get a complete analysis of your portfolio and strategic advice on how to properly present your work to attract the jobs you want.

This service includes 1 hour call, documented portfolio evaluation & 1 week followup email support

Products

Build Your Own Case Study

BYO Case Study
$89.00

  • Instructions 10 steps to build a case study

  • eBook about current trends and tips

  • Story Worksheet to work out all the details

  • Presentation Template for a polished slideshow

  • Content Checklist manage your assets

  • Online Community gain valuable feedback

  • Review Coupon 1 expert review by career coach

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Why this toolkit?

Are you spinning your wheels trying to get started on your portfolio, but not sure where to start? We have all been there, multiple times even! Every time we find ourselves looking for work we soon realize that we have a task on our hands….our portfolio is as outdated as acid wash jeans. We developed this toolkit to get your over that hump and get you moving. Start small with 1 case study and you will leave feeling confident that you have something really great to help you land the job. Learn more about how this toolkit can help you.

UXB Guide to: Crafting a Killer Portfolio

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UX Bootstrapper's Guide To: Crafting a Killer Portfolio
$14.99 $24.99

Creating a portfolio in UX is more complicated than ever before as the projects have more layers and in some cases take months or years to complete. The stakes are higher as the UX industry has matured. This book addresses all the portfolio issues UX practitioners face giving practical advice to take your portfolio to the next level and attract the type of work you want.

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“I recently made a career change to UX after attending a bootcamp. This book not only gave me helpful advice that backed up what I learned at the bootcamp I attended, but also gave me new suggestions and actionable steps to improve my portfolio. This book is definitely a great buy for anyone who wants create or revamp a portfolio for UX Design.”
— Marco - UX Designer

Testimontials

““I was so lucky to connect with Debra. She was easy to talk to and very helpful. I learned how incredibly passionate she is about UX and moving the community forward. Debra gave me great advice on how to improve my resume and portfolio for future UX Designer opportunities. After speaking a bit about UX and interests, she made some insightful recommendations on next steps for my career. Overall it was an awesome session!” -”
— Lissa | User Experience Architect
“Debra was very helpful to speak with regarding UX and my position in the field. Being new to the industry, she really helped me see the value in my skills both in UX and other areas. She is extremely knowledgeable about the business and how to perceive what companies are looking for and how to achieve the best position available. I would recommend Debra to anyone interested in UX.”
— Mike | UX Designer
“I had an extensive interview with Debra, during which we talked at length about my experience, my views on design, and specific projects I’ve worked on. Debra gave me valuable and articulate insights about my portfolio presentation and content, as well as how I could progress with my career. She was an attentive listener, demonstrating a solid and trustworthy knowledge of the UX field and job market.”
— Catarina | Lead Experience Designer
“I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Debra and I really appreciated her guidance, candidness and insight. It was wonderful to share information about the UX realm and be inspired by her wisdom for me to continue to evolve and learn within this fascinating profession.”
— Athena | User Experience Design Specialist
 
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