Where it all started:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into freelancing?
“Absolutely! I’m a UX/UI designer, and creating seamless user experiences is what I live for. I originally come from Buenos Aires, Argentina, but I moved to Barcelona in 2017 on a scholarship to complete my master’s in communication. I was only supposed to stay for a few months, but I loved the city so much that I decided not to get on my return flight! Besides, I always wanted to travel and live abroad. Being Argentinian, Spanish culture resonates deeply with me – there's the mountains and the sea, the language, the warmth of the people, and a strong sense of community.There’s a shared spirit between Argentina and Spain that makes it easy to connect, and the relaxed pace of life here feels just right for me.
After my scholarship, I initially worked in a restaurant, which was a lot of fun, but then I took the leap to become a freelancer. What I love most about freelancing is the flexibility and freedom – I make my own rules and set my own hours. I actually think that time is the most precious thing a human has, and I really value the ability to manage my own. Over time, freelancing became more than just work; it allowed me to build expertise across different industries and connect with inspiring clients.”
How did you discover Malt, and what drew you to this freelance marketplace?
“I came across Malt when I was looking online for freelance platforms. The user-friendly interface and cute colours immediately caught my eye, and what I really appreciate is that I don’t have to search for projects myself – the clients reach out to me. Payments are fast and secure, and sometimes there are community events in Barcelona where I’ve already met some really cool people. With Malt, you can tell that the team sincerely cares about you; it feels more personal than other platforms.”
In your field, what is the added value of being a freelancer instead of a full-time employee?
“As a freelancer, I can bring in a fresh, objective perspective that often complements the in-house team’s vision. There’s also the flexibility I offer – I can step in for specific project needs without a long-term commitment, which is really valuable for many clients. Plus, working on various projects across industries has given me insights that allow me to deliver innovative, tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique goals.”
Collaboration with Roche
Could you share a bit about your current freelance role at Roche?
“Of course! At Roche, I’m designing user-centric solutions for internal tools that streamline complex workflows for their teams. The biggest challenge has been understanding and aligning with the intricate processes unique to the pharmaceutical industry. I work closely with product managers, developers, and end-users to gather insights, define clear requirements, and design an intuitive experience. We use agile methodologies and UX research tools to continuously refine our approach. The project’s success is measured by improved team productivity and higher user satisfaction, though it took a few iterations to ensure seamless integration with Roche’s systems.”
What drives you to continue learning and developing new skills as a UX designer? Could you share any recent learnings?
“In UX, things evolve so quickly, and my drive to keep learning comes from wanting to deliver the best user experience possible. UX design is all about understanding human behavior, and I've always loved that. By analyzing the principles that drive users’ perceptions, emotions, and actions, I can make informed design decisions that truly cater to people’s needs and expectations. I’m always taking online courses – most recently through Coderhouse and UXCristopher. It allows me to stay current with the latest design tools and methodologies. Continuous learning helps me stay adaptable, and that’s key to meeting the changing needs of my clients.”
How do you maintain your professional network?
“I stay active in the design community by attending industry events, joining online forums, and participating in local UX meetups. Staying in touch with past clients and collaborators on LinkedIn and checking in from time to time has also led to referrals and new opportunities. Networking is something I’ve come to see as essential to freelancing success.”
Freelancing career
What challenges have you encountered in your freelance career, and how have you handled them?
“One of the biggest challenges is managing multiple projects at once. I’ve learned to rely on project management tools to stay organized and prioritise tasks effectively. Regular, clear communication with clients has also been essential. Balancing projects sometimes means saying no to new requests so I can maintain quality in my current commitments.”
Do you have any advice for freelancers looking to grow strategically within their projects?
“My advice is to truly understand the client’s vision and align your work with their goals. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and positioning yourself as a collaborative partner, rather than just a service provider, can lead to more impactful roles. Also, expanding and refining your skill set is vital – it’s how you keep adding value and staying relevant.”
Fun fact: What’s something unexpected about you?
“I have a passion for photography and love capturing moments from my travels. This creative outlet lets me bring a fresh perspective to my design work and keeps me inspired to think outside the box.”
