Today we’d like to introduce you to Devi Payne.
Hi Devi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
2017-19- Entered college with the intention of being a therapist
2020- Pandemic hit. Decided to pivot to UX.
2021- Dove deep into design
2022- Kept teaching myself design while doing college, graduated!
2024- Got a UX job, and spearheaded an educational initiative.
2025- Pivoted to freelancing
2026- Freelancing and teaching art! Starting my journey to becoming an art therapist as well…
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nope! It has been incredibly rough. 0/10 would not recommend. A couple highlights include a global pandemic and a brain injury.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a freelance social media/UX designer. I also teach digital media/art to kids. And I’m on the path to becoming an art therapist!
I believe that design has the potential to make the world a better place.
I am especially passionate about using design for animal welfare. I believe that animal rights issues are a web and the strategy is to tackle one issue at a time. Recently, I created a VR prototype with the goal of raising awareness about the exotic pet trade and creating behavioral change among exotic pet buyers. This project is just one of many animal welfare projects I am planning to create.
What were you like growing up?
I was a very weird kid. I liked bugs and I liked to draw. I would draw for hours.
I had a rich internal life and would re-read books I loved.
My parents say they never quite figured me out and still haven’t…
Contact Info:
