I’m an analytically minded UX/UI designer and MSc UX Design candidate at the University of Brighton, building on an undergraduate background in Art and Digital Technology & Design. I combine user research, visual design, and photography to solve real usability problems for clients across freelance, hospitality, and independent retail. I translate ambiguous briefs into clear, accessible, brand-aligned digital and print experiences, while managing client relationships end-to-end. I’m especially interested in how research, systems thinking, and craft come together to create products people genuinely enjoy using.

Sarai Ivey-Hicks

I’m an analytically minded UX/UI designer and MSc UX Design candidate at the University of Brighton, building on an undergraduate background in Art and Digital Technology & Design. I combine user research, visual design, and photography to solve real usability problems for clients across freelance, hospitality, and independent retail. I translate ambiguous briefs into clear, accessible, brand-aligned digital and print experiences, while managing client relationships end-to-end. I’m especially interested in how research, systems thinking, and craft come together to create products people genuinely enjoy using.

Available to hire

I’m an analytically minded UX/UI designer and MSc UX Design candidate at the University of Brighton, building on an undergraduate background in Art and Digital Technology & Design. I combine user research, visual design, and photography to solve real usability problems for clients across freelance, hospitality, and independent retail.

I translate ambiguous briefs into clear, accessible, brand-aligned digital and print experiences, while managing client relationships end-to-end. I’m especially interested in how research, systems thinking, and craft come together to create products people genuinely enjoy using.

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Work Experience

Social Media Designer at Tarry Town Cafe
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Designed user-focused content calendars informed by platform analytics (reach, saves, engagement rate) to guide weekly creative decisions. Strengthened brand identity across Instagram and in-store materials through original photography, typography, and consistent visual language. Improved audience engagement using visual hierarchy and accessible design principles (colour contrast, legible type, alt-text). Worked directly with the cafe owner to align content with seasonal promotions, menu launches, and community events.
Freelance Photographer & Visual Designer at Self-employed
January 1, 2024 - Present
Run an end-to-end freelance practice covering client discovery, concept development, shooting, editing, and final delivery across multiple project types for small businesses, cafes, and personal brands. Create storytelling-driven visuals aligned to user emotion and brand goals, translating client briefs into mood boards, shot lists, and layout systems. Collaborate directly with clients through a structured feedback process to meet usability, accessibility, and aesthetic requirements. Apply layout, typography, and colour theory to strengthen digital presence across websites and social channels. Independently manage pricing, scheduling, and invoicing, building repeat business with returning clients.
Teacher / Childcare Practitioner at EANES / iKids
October 1, 2023 - December 1, 2024
Planned and delivered daily lesson content tailored to different age groups, learning styles, and accessibility needs. Adapted teaching approach in real time to keep sessions engaging, inclusive, and safe for groups of 15–20 children. Built strong relationships with children and parents through clear, empathetic communication, contributing to consistently positive feedback. Balanced structure and creativity in session design, developing transferable skills in planning, facilitation, and stakeholder communication that now inform user-centred design work.
Web Designer at Local Apothecary
February 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024
Designed and built a responsive website from brief to launch, improving usability and load performance across desktop and mobile. Integrated original photography and product imagery to support UX and reinforce brand identity across key pages. Structured site navigation and information architecture around customer needs, reducing the number of clicks to key product pages. Liaised directly with the business owner to iterate designs based on usability feedback ahead of launch.

Education

MSc UX Design at University of Brighton
September 1, 2025 - September 1, 2026
at Arkansas State University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024

Qualifications

Video Interview Production Techniques (certification)
January 11, 2030 - July 8, 2026
Learning Premiere Pro (certification)
January 11, 2030 - July 8, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services