Matic Teams

In an insightful conversation with UX Designer and Art Director, Keenan E.G., we explored his unique journey from the world of music to the ever-evolving field of UX design. Keenan's story is one of passion, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of creativity in both the arts and technology.

From Bands to Design: The Unexpected Path

Keenan’s foray into design was far from conventional. "I didn’t really choose design as much as it chose me. What I once thought was just a hobby quickly turned into my realization that it was the only work I wanted to do with my life" he recalls. His early experiences in bands with no budget for design led him to take matters into his own hands, creating designs for his bandmates. This DIY approach not only sparked his interest in design but also laid the foundation for his future career.

As Keenan continued to play in bands and study music business in college, he found himself increasingly drawn to design work. His peers needed illustrations, merchandise, and lyric videos, and Keenan was more than willing to oblige. This side work gradually turned into a full-time pursuit. "I did a combination of freelance and working for startups, which provided a wide range of experiences," he explains.

"I didn’t really choose design as much as it chose me.”

The Transition to UX Design

Keenan's shift from graphic design to UX design was driven by a desire to create more impactful and iterative work. "I was making videos and designs that were kind of one-and-done. I wanted to work on something that could be interacted with and iterated upon," he says. This realization led him to explore UX/UI design, where he found a new passion for solving complex problems and improving user experiences.

After getting certified in UX/UI design, Keenan immersed himself in the startup world. He enjoyed the dynamic nature of startups, where he could work on a variety of projects and learn quickly. His work at Matic, a startup where he is currently employed, has allowed him to continue pushing the boundaries of design and engineering.

Managing Work-Life Balance in a Remote World

Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for many, especially in the remote work environment that has become prevalent since the pandemic. Keenan, who has been working remotely since 2019, acknowledges the difficulties but also sees the benefits. "Remote work has been a huge blessing for me. It allows me to commit more to my work while still being close to home," he shares.

"Remote work has been a huge blessing for me. It allows me to commit more to my work while still being close to home."

However, Keenan admits that maintaining a work-life balance is something he's still working on. "I tend to be all in on the work, and it can get lopsided. But remote work has made it feel more manageable," he says. The ability to step away from the screen and engage with his surroundings, whether it's playing with his dog or spending time with family, helps him maintain a sense of balance.

Inspiration and Influence

Outside of work, I enjoy running, baking bread, and playing guitar in my band. Music is another significant part of my life, and I enjoy attending concerts, When it comes to inspiration, Keenan draws from a variety of sources, including small agencies and designers known for their innovative and human-centered designs. "I really admire smaller agencies because they have the flexibility and craft that I aspire to," he says. DesignMe, Vucko, and Studio Herrström are among those who have influenced his work, particularly in their ability to push the boundaries of design while maintaining a strong human element.

Keenan's approach to design is deeply rooted in the idea of creating work that is both visually striking and meaningful. "I strive to think outside the box while also making it extremely human. The best designs are those that are unusual yet deeply connected to human experience," he explains.

Memorable Projects and Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Keenan has worked on a range of projects, from music videos and animations for his favorite artists and record labels to more complex UX design projects. One of his most impactful projects was with ToneBase, a classical music education app. "I was able to interview hundreds of their users and slowly work on a total design refresh," he recalls. This project, which involved a deep understanding of the users and a significant redesign, stands out as a major milestone in his career.

The Role of AI in Design and Music

AI has become an integral part of many industries, including design and music. Keenan has embraced AI in his work, particularly for tasks like user research and sentiment analysis. "AI has helped me a ton in taking huge sets of qualitative data and finding common sentiments," he notes. However, he also recognizes the ethical concerns surrounding AI, particularly in how it is trained and implemented.

"It's not about AI replacing humans, but rather using collective human intelligence to create something new."

In the music industry, Keenan views AI as a tool for collective intelligence rather than artificial intelligence. "It's not about AI replacing humans, but rather using collective human intelligence to create something new," he explains. This perspective allows him to see the potential of AI in enhancing creativity while being mindful of its ethical implications.

Advice for Aspiring Designers

For those looking to break into the UX design industry, Keenan offers practical advice: "Don't try to work for Google right out of the gate. Start with a small startup where you can learn quickly and make a real impact." He emphasizes the importance of being scrappy and saying yes to opportunities, even if they seem daunting at first.

Keenan's journey from music to design is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to pivot their career and find success in a new field. As he continues to evolve as a designer and engineer, Keenan remains committed to creating work that is both innovative and deeply human.

Work with Keenan

Keenan is based just outside Boulder, Colorado, and is currently leading brand and experience design on several projects at Matic. If you're team needs someone like Keenan, or you need a new agency partner for your organization, please Get In Touch.

‍