In this episode of Hacker Proof HQ, we sit down with Justice Collier, a fractional UI/UX designer, agency owner, and educator, to break down what it really takes to build a successful UX career in today’s tech industry.

Justice shares real-world insights on breaking into UI/UX design, building a tech contracting business, running a UX agency, and using automation to scale sustainably—all while designing a lifestyle that supports both career growth and personal balance.

We dive deep into:

• How UX designers actually make money
• UX salaries across industries
• The demand for UX designers in 2024 and beyond
• Entry-level UX challenges (and how to overcome them)
• What fractional consulting is and how designers can leverage it
• How to get your first UX or tech contracting experience

Whether you’re a beginner trying to break into UX, an experienced designer exploring freelance or fractional consulting, or someone interested in building a UX agency or contracting business, this episode delivers practical advice you can apply immediately.

Topics Covered

• UI/UX career paths
• Tech contracting & consulting
• UX agency ownership
• Automation for business growth
• UX salaries & income streams
• Entry-level UX job market realities
• Fractional UX consulting explained
• Work-life balance in tech

Episode Timestamps

00:41 – Opening Remarks

01:24 – Introduction

02:22 – Balancing UX Work & Agency Life

03:11 – Automating Business & Agency Processes

04:05 – Getting Started in UI/UX Engineering

06:35 – Cheat Codes for Succeeding in Tech

10:14 – Building a UX Training Academy

12:24 – Helping Others Break Into UI/UX

15:02 – Starting a Tech Contracting Business

16:38 – Getting Your First Contracting Experience

19:01 – Designing a Lifestyle Around Tech

24:06 – UX Job Market Demand

25:28 – Entry-Level UX Challenges

26:13 – UX Designer Salaries Across Industries

27:09 – What Is Fractional Consulting?

28:16 – Advice for Aspiring UX Designers

Connect with Our Guest

Justice Collier (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/technicallyjai/

About Hacker Proof HQ

Hacker Proof HQ is a tech-focused podcast exploring careers in tech, breaking into the industry, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.

📩 Newsletter: https://www.hackerproofhq.com/

📧 Inquiries: [email protected]

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hacker-proof-hq/donations