What’s my story?
My name is Jake Crifasi. I’m a UX Designer based in Queens, NY. I currently work as a design studio assistant for a small textile firm in Manhattan. Coming from a background in graphic design, I’ve always found myself with a strong desire to make things. I think this can be traced back to the countless hours I spent as a kid making digital masterpieces in Kid Pix Studio Deluxe on my family’s PC. I also spent a lot of time drawing characters from cartoons, video games and whatever else came to mind. Combining that with the 13 years I spent playing trumpet in various school bands, it’s clear I’ve always possessed a compelling creative spirit.
My Background
I believe that technology has so much potential to be used for good. I’ve always wanted to work in an area where I could apply my creative talents to relevant and impactful technological developments and I believe UX Design is the perfect field for me to do so. My background in graphic design has equipped me with several transferable skills such as a keen eye for detail and the ability to send a message through visually appealing design. Additionally, I can use my skills as a creative problem solver to develop solutions that result in meaningful experiences for users.
Furthermore, as a lifelong resident of Queens, one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world, I’ve met people from all walks of life. I feel this has given me the ability to consider things from different perspectives as well as allowing me to have greater sense of empathy, something that is crucial to UX Design.
Why UX Design?
Outside of Work
Aside from being a UX Designer, I am an avid gamer, music lover and trivia nerd. On any given weeknight after work, you can find me playing Super Smash Bros., curating Spotify playlists with the perfect blend of 2000s hip-hop and alternative rock and seeing how many questions I can get right on that night’s episode of Jeopardy! Once a week, I also partake in an online game night with a small close-knit group of college friends, where we test the limits of our friendships through games like Among Us, Mario Party and Overcooked.
Family is everything to me and although they may drive me crazy sometimes, I love spending time with them. We enjoy going out to eat at different restaurants, catching a good Broadway musical or comedy show and soaking up the sun at the beach. I’m also the proud uncle of a puppy nephew and a human niece.
