Erik Bestmann

A recent graduate of Prime Digital Academy, I am a UX designer with a background in college administration and music.  Studying and performing as an orchestral musician led me to New York where for 16 years I worked at the New School’s College of Performing Arts as Director of Concert Operations and Event Promotion.  My role included a broad range of operations, event production, project management, marketing and visual design. 

Designing user-focused solutions was central to the work I most enjoyed.  How could I capture the interest of concert goers through visual design?  How could we redesign the school’s website to reflect a new University brand while also communicating a new vision for the College?  How could a room scheduling app be customized to allow music students to schedule practice space in the easiest way while also imposing administrative restrictions?  In working with architects to renovate a building for the College, how could I make sure that the unique needs of music students and faculty guided the design process?

I love breaking down complicated problem spaces, figuring out what people need and designing creative solutions.  I am a visual thinker; happiness is making journey maps, user flows and website diagrams.  During my years as an administrator, I became comfortable with the chaos of working in fast-paced environments, turning around projects quickly and for stakeholders with differing needs.  I am accustomed to managing projects and people, contributing both in leadership and team roles. And my experience as an orchestra musician allowed me to hone those teamwork skills under the pressure of live performance. 

In October 2019, I relocated to Minnesota, continuing remotely with the visual design and marketing roles from my NY position.  I completed Prime Digital Academy’s UX Design program in May 2020 and I am in the process of transitioning to a full-time UX career.