In the second edition of our Freelance Flavors series, we're spotlighting Aymun Saif Dar, a UX/UI Designer living in Dubai making waves in the web3 space.
With a robust six-year track record, Aymun has skillfully navigated various industries—ranging from health to fintech, and crypto to e-commerce—crafting bespoke websites, apps, and crypto platforms that blend functionality with flair.
Her venture into web3 projects underscores her commitment to staying at the forefront of digital design innovation, powered by relentless hard work and ongoing learning.
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When and why did you start freelancing?
I began freelancing about three years ago, primarily to explore diverse projects and to challenge myself outside of my regular job. It offered me the flexibility to choose projects that piqued my interest, especially in new technologies.
Freelancing also helped me in building a broader network and understanding different market needs, which is crucial in the Tech and design fields.
For SleekFlow, Aymun worked on the arabic localization UX/UI component
What advice would you give to yourself when you first started out?
Looking back, I'd tell myself to be more patient and focused on learning, rather than just earning. Networking is key, so I'd advise building strong relationships with clients and peers.
Most importantly, I'd remind myself to balance freelancing with my full-time job to avoid burnout. Time management and setting clear boundaries are crucial for maintaining both quality work and personal well-being.
What is your experience with freelancing marketplaces?
Using Upwork and local referrals has been a balanced strategy for me. Upwork provides access to a global client base and a wide range of projects, which is great for exposure to different requirements and working styles. Building a good reputation there takes time, but once you get going with some positive feedback, it really helps in securing more projects.
Local referrals, on the other hand, have been invaluable for building a more personalized network. They often lead to more collaborative and longer-term relationships. These referrals come from trust and firsthand experience of my work, so they tend to be more reliable and aligned with my skills and interests. Balancing both Upwork and local referrals has allowed me to have a diverse and steady stream of projects.
What are your must-have tools as a freelancer?
As a freelancer, especially in tech and design, there are a few must-have tools:
A robust laptop/system with Wifi: Since most of my work involves designing and developing, a powerful system is essential for handling software efficiently.
Reliable software: For designers, tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite or any No-code is good to go.
Communication & Management tools: Since client communication is key, reliable tools like Trello, Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams are important.
Cloud storage: Services like Google Drive or Dropbox are essential for backing up work and easy sharing with clients.
These are some of my go-to tools that help me streamline work, enhance productivity, and maintain professional client relationships.
How did you got into web3 projects? How are they different from web2 projects?
I got into Web3 projects through my interest in emerging technologies and the potential of blockchain. The shift happened while working in Dubai, where I saw the growing trend in the crypto and blockchain space.
I started by learning the fundamentals of blockchain technology and then gradually moved into designing platforms and applications within this niche.
Web3 projects are quite different from Web2 in several ways. The key difference is decentralization; Web3 projects often involve decentralized applications (dApps) that run on a blockchain, unlike the centralized servers of Web2. This means designing for transparency, trust, and security is paramount.
There's also a significant emphasis on user control over personal data, which impacts how user interfaces and experiences are crafted. The integration of cryptocurrencies and smart contracts introduces unique functionalities and considerations in design and development that are typically absent in Web2 projects.
This transition has been both challenging and exciting, requiring a continuous learning mindset to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving technology.
What makes you smile when thinking about Sorbet?
Thinking about Sorbet brings a smile to my face mainly because of the convenience and efficiency it adds to my freelancing life. The 0% freelancer fee & instant payment is game-changer. Its streamlined approach to managing gigs and escrow payments simplifies the administrative side of freelancing, which can often be quite cumbersome.
The ease of creating and maintaining a professional profile also makes it easier to attract and retain clients. The way Sorbet integrates essential features for freelancers into one platform is a game-changer, making the business side of freelancing much less daunting and more focused.
It's tools like Sorbet that make the freelance journey smoother and more enjoyable.
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