Maakindii was my first big freelance client brief, and the first time I had to build a real working system, not just a design file. I set up Slack and Google Drive with a clear folder structure, then ran the project on quick iterations and regular feedback loops. It taught me that good client work isn’t just about the design, it’s about how clearly you can communicate the thinking behind it.

Looking back, I’d set a firmer deadline and a limit on revision rounds. This project went through more iterations than it needed, mostly because I said yes too easily. Next time, I want to hold a clearer line between being flexible and protecting the work from endless small changes.

The most interesting part was integrating AI generated images into the workflow. I didn’t expect it to lift the quality of the output as much as it did, and the client noticed the difference too. It made me rethink where AI actually earns its place in a design process, not as a shortcut, but as another tool that can sharpen the final result. It also raised a question I’m still sitting with: where’s the line between using AI to support my design decisions, and letting it start making them for me. That balance between efficiency and design integrity is something I want to keep exploring.