An Unlikely Start: How Curiosity Sparked a Career

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Michael’s entry into design wasn’t planned, nor was it traditional. In 2012, during an internship at a tech accelerator, he was surrounded by the energy and chaos of early-stage startups. Watching founders pitch ideas and build products, Michael felt a growing desire to contribute. Coding seemed like a logical place to start, so he began teaching himself to write code.

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But coding didn’t light a fire within him. While it was satisfying in its structure and logic, it lacked the creative outlet Michael craved. One day, he opened Adobe Illustrator on a whim. Suddenly, the world of design opened up before him. Shapes, colors, and layouts became his new playground. He spent the rest of that summer experimenting, teaching himself through trial and error. Though his early work was rough, it was enough to show him that this was something he wanted to pursue.

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“Design felt like a puzzle—one where you had to figure out what people needed and how to deliver it in the simplest, most beautiful way.”

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That summer wasn’t just the beginning of a skill set—it was the foundation of a mindset. Michael wasn’t just learning how to create; he was learning how to solve problems creatively, an approach that would define his career.

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Turning Curiosity into a Career

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Michael’s early forays into design were scrappy and self-directed. He scoured YouTube tutorials, dissected designs he admired, and sought out small projects to hone his skills. His first clients were local businesses and friends, and while the budgets were small, the lessons were immense.

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“Every project was a chance to learn. Whether it was figuring out how to communicate with clients or understanding why a design wasn’t working, I treated every challenge as an opportunity to grow.”

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Over time, his portfolio grew, and so did his confidence. But Michael wasn’t content to settle into the routine of freelance design. He saw a bigger picture—one where design wasn’t just about making things look good but about improving how people interacted with the world around them.

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Creating Dive: Merging Design and Learning

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One of Michael’s first major ventures was co-founding Dive, a platform aimed at revolutionizing online learning. Dive wasn’t just about delivering educational content; it was about creating experiences that engaged and inspired users. Michael’s role was to design the platform’s interface and user experience, ensuring that learning felt seamless and intuitive.

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“We wanted to build something that made people excited to learn. It wasn’t just about the content—it was about how it was delivered.”

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Through Dive, Michael deepened his understanding of how design could influence behavior. He learned how to balance functionality with aesthetics and how to create systems that worked for real people in real-world scenarios. The success of Dive validated his belief that great design starts with empathy.

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Figma Academy: Teaching Designers to Think Critically

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As Michael’s career progressed, he noticed a recurring issue in the design world. Many designers were proficient in tools like Figma, but they lacked the deeper understanding of why certain design decisions worked. This gap between technical skill and strategic thinking inspired Michael to create Figma Academy, an online course designed to teach advanced design tactics through hands-on, real-world applications.

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“I realized there was a need for something more than just tutorials. Designers needed a way to connect their skills with the principles that make great design possible.”

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Figma Academy quickly became a hit. The course attracted designers from top companies like Stripe, Shopify, and Mercury, all seeking to elevate their craft. But what set Figma Academy apart wasn’t just its content—it was Michael’s approach to teaching.

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He emphasized practical, actionable learning. Students worked through real-world challenges, learning not just how to use Figma but how to think like a designer. Michael’s lessons were infused with his own experiences, from his successes to his failures.

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“Design isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what works. I wanted Figma Academy to help designers see the bigger picture.”

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Designing with Intent: The “Why” Behind Michael’s Approach

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One of the hallmarks of Michael’s philosophy is his focus on intentionality. He believes that every design decision should have a purpose, whether it’s guiding a user through a process or evoking a specific emotion.

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This mindset was shaped early in his career, as he grappled with questions like: Why does this layout work? Why does this color feel right? Why is this solution better than the alternatives? By constantly asking these questions, Michael developed a framework for making thoughtful, deliberate design choices.

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“The best designs are the ones you don’t notice—they just feel right. That kind of simplicity takes a lot of intention.”

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Through Figma Academy and his other ventures, Michael has helped thousands of designers adopt this mindset. His teachings encourage a balance between creativity and logic, reminding designers that great work comes from understanding both the user and the problem.

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Engaging with the Design Community

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Beyond his courses, Michael has built a strong presence in the design community. His YouTube channel is a treasure trove of insights, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his process. With a relaxed and approachable style, Michael has created a space where designers of all levels feel welcome.

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His Twitter account is another extension of his teaching, where he shares quick tips, engages in discussions, and celebrates the work of others. This openness has made him not just a teacher but a mentor and a connector.

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“I’ve always believed that design is a team sport. The more we share and learn from each other, the better we all get.”

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Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance

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Michael’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many creatives, he’s faced moments of doubt and burnout. But through it all, he’s found ways to stay grounded and focused.

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Living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Michael has embraced a slower pace of life that allows him to recharge. He starts his mornings with coffee and reflection, often drawing inspiration from music and the natural world.

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“Some of my best ideas come when I’m not working. Creativity needs space, and I’ve learned to give myself that.”

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This balance between work and personal life has been crucial to Michael’s success. It’s allowed him to approach his projects with clarity and enthusiasm, even during challenging times.

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Looking Ahead: Innovating for the Future

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Michael’s vision for the future is as ambitious as ever. He’s constantly exploring new ways to empower designers, whether through expanded courses, collaborative tools, or mentorship opportunities. His goal is to continue bridging the gap between design and technology, helping creatives build meaningful, impactful work.

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“Design is always evolving, and so am I. My mission is to keep pushing boundaries and helping others do the same.”

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Lessons from Michael’s Journey

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Michael’s story is filled with insights that can inspire designers at any stage of their careers:

• Start with Curiosity: You don’t need to have all the answers to begin. Every step forward is a chance to learn.
  • Action Tip: Pick one aspect of design you’ve always wanted to explore and dive into it this week.
• Think Beyond the Tools: Mastery of software is important, but understanding the principles behind your work is what sets you apart.
  • Action Tip: Analyze a design you admire and write down three reasons why it works.
• Build Connections: Growth happens faster when you’re part of a community. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
  • Action Tip: Join an online design group or attend a virtual meetup to expand your network.

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A Legacy of Empowerment

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Michael Riddering’s journey is a powerful reminder that great design isn’t just about talent—it’s about curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to share what you’ve learned. Through his work with Dive, Figma Academy, and the broader design community, Michael has made an indelible mark on the industry.

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For Michael, the true reward of his work isn’t the accolades or the success—it’s the impact he’s had on others.

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“If I can help someone create something they’re proud of, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

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Join Michael’s Mission

1. Explore Figma Academy: Elevate your skills with practical, real-world challenges.
2. Follow Michael: Stay inspired with insights and tutorials on YouTube and Twitter.
3. Connect with the Community: Be part of the conversation shaping the future of design.
4. Get Tools to Grow: Usefreelance kit has resources, guides, and tools to help you take your freelance career to the next level.

Your next big opportunity starts with one bold step. Take it.