🏆 Maxim has been named Freelancer of the Month for February 2024 – Check out his Xolo profile here
Q: What can you tell us about yourself? Who are you, personally & professionally?
I’m Maxim, hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Belarus where my career began unconventionally.
Before I ventured into the realm of design via game design & creation, I was both an educational program manager and a stilt walker in a circus (no kidding, my knees still hurt). This unique path led me to become a seasoned game designer.
2020 marked a pivotal chapter in my life, prompting a quest for stability in both my personal and professional spheres. This journey took me across Europe, ultimately to the beautiful city of Barcelona. Here, I've fully embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, which has significantly shaped my approach to leading projects as a design lead at EVA AI.
Today I’m combining 8 years in the design industry with my current focus on AI and ML products in the dating and social product sector. My experiences now bled the richness of game design with the intricacies of product design development.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about your leap into freelancing?
The transition to freelancing was a natural response to the upheaval of 2020. I began to seek not only a change in scenery but a shift towards professional independence. Freelancing emerged as the perfect conduit for my creativity, allowing me to remain agile and responsive to the ever-evolving global landscape. This new professional paradigm has enabled me to weave my resilience and adaptability into a fulfilling career in design.
Immersing myself in diverse cultures has transformed me and my design perspective. Each place I've lived in or visited has contributed its unique essence to my work, helping me craft designs that resonate on a universal level while retaining distinctive nuances.
I had a chance to spend a year in Riga, and just need to note: If you ever get the chance to visit a spot called This Place Doesn’t Need a Name, do it! They’ve got an unforgettable Negroni and the best waffles in the entire city.
Q: How did Xolo help you with your freelancing journey?
Xolo has revolutionized the way I handle administrative tasks, freeing up more time for creative pursuits. Its simplicity and efficiency are unmatched. However, as I explore the Xchange platform, I see the potential for enhancing personalization features to better showcase individual styles and brands, adding depth to its professional showcase.
Q: Tell us about some issues you had to face and overcome during your career.
A significant test of my resilience came with the abrupt departure of our CEO, thrusting me into a leadership role amidst a crucial phase. Tasked with steering product development, orchestrating a soft launch in Las Vegas and leading a team, we faced tight deadlines and high expectations.
My team’s ability to adapt, rally and innovate led us to success, reinforcing the value of determination and collective effort in overcoming obstacles.
Q: What advice would you give for aspiring freelancers on Xolo Xchange
For those embarking on their freelance journey with Xolo Xchange, I advise a blend of platform mastery and personal innovation. Embrace curiosity, commit to continuous learning, and stay abreast of new trends and technologies. While Xolo Xchange offers a solid foundation, your growth and success will hinge on your capacity to innovate, and your dedication to your craft.
Discover the all-new side of Xolo, built for top freelance talent
Maxim is part of our growing community, now boasting over 120K freelancers from around the world. If there’s one thing that resonates with us in his story, it’s shared by nearly every freelancer we come across: Networking & Collaboration.
Xolo enables you to share a public portfolio for free, and apply to fresh projects with clients looking for strong and lasting talent. With Xolo you can seamlessly:
- Discover freelancers in and out of your industry
- Team-up to tackle larger projects (or create new ones)
- Join clients in search of strong freelancer relationships
- Feature your best work, rates and talents for all to see
Create your free Xolo freelance profile today and instantly access the Xolo Community and their Projects.
