Bullimalinna Sot Portfolio
Photographer + Cyber Interaction Artist + Code-Motion Designer
Bullimalinna Sot Portfolio
Photographer + Cyber Interaction Artist + Code-Motion Designer
Welcome to the World of Bulli Sot
About
From Deep East Oakland, art was my first language and tool to save my life: my refuge, my resistance, and ultimately, my foundation. Today, I am a Creative + Interaction Technologist, a problem-solver, a storyteller, and a builder shaped by both struggle and innovation.
Now immersed in a master’s program in Interaction Design (STEM), I fuse code with motion, photography with interface, and spiritual depth with technological edge. Alongside my academic work, I’m earning certifications in cybersecurity, data systems, and law, not simply to build a career but to construct a legacy where knowledge is power, creativity is healing, and technology is a tool for liberation.
Focus
With a deep passion for art, my primary focus has always been in photography and new media. I travel to document experiences, capturing compelling images and sharing them through multimedia platforms. I fund my creative endeavors by working diligently with individual clients and taking on occasional contract assignments.
As I continue to evolve, I am expanding my skill set by returning to pursue a Master's in STEM. This transition has led me to delve into new technologies, including learning p5.js, JavaScript, APIs, and the visualization of data. I am excited to integrate these technical skills with my creative background, exploring new ways to merge art and technology in my work.
Services
As a seasoned photographer with two Wedding Awards and a portfolio featuring over 100 satisfied clients, I offer a wide range of photography services, including portrait photography, event coverage, and commercial shoots. For larger projects, I collaborate with assistants and provide comprehensive editing, video-documentary, and retouching services to ensure each image meets the highest standards.
While I continue to book small events, my long-term vision is to transition towards becoming the founder of a startup. This focus drives my current work, as I balance my passion for photography with the ambition of building something innovative for the future.
The Govini Project Case Studies
The Beginning
Design Visionary (UI)
Design Visionary (UI)
After landing my major tech contract with Poplicus, a data and analytics company, we needed to define the visual direction for Govini. Starting as a junior designer, I quickly progressed to a senior role, working closely with the CEO and each department within the startup to create my vision for the brand. Govini is revolutionizing Defense Acquisition, transforming an outdated manual process into a software-driven strategic advantage for the United States. Along the way, the company recognized my efforts not only in design but also in development, helping to shape the culture and environment of the workplace. I contributed to creating an atmosphere where collaboration and enjoyment thrived.
Design Visionary (UI)
Design Visionary (UI)
Design Visionary (UI)
I worked closely with the Chief Design Officer to define the visual identity and functionality of the icons, ensuring each design element aligned with the overall vision. Over the course of several months, I was responsible for the UI design, helping him stay updated on emerging trends and the design aesthetics of various platforms and software.
Skills/Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop.
Revamping Govini's Digital Identity
Govini: Crafting the Web with Creative Expression
As a web designer and developer at the company, I wore many hats, collaborating with the Director of Marketing Communications to help launch the first version of the website using HTML5. This project aimed to showcase the platform’s brand information for B2B audiences. It was an exciting and rewarding experience, from creating the initial look of the website to designing landing pages and online ads.
Skills/Tools:
Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Hubspot, Insideview.
Innovative Design for Govini’s Vision
UI Design
FCW: Designed Scorecards
FCW: Designed Scorecards
Working with the Govini platform was an incredible experience. To better understand the user flow and user interface (UI), I used sticky notes to map out key interactions and design elements. This approach helped ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience.
FCW: Designed Scorecards
FCW: Designed Scorecards
FCW: Designed Scorecards
designed scorecards that integrated live data in real-time. My task was to transfer data from the platform into these scorecards, which were then used to showcase Govini's capabilities to leads and anyone interested in the platform. The scorecards featured infographics, pie charts, and key data, reflecting Govini’s commitment to providing top-tier information.
Pulling all-nighters
FCW: Designed Scorecards
Pulling all-nighters
Sometimes, I pull all-nighters to figure out how to ensure everything runs smoothly, including printing the website and understanding the company’s needs. As a designer, I worked tirelessly, studying each element of the industry’s vibe and aura, while also determining which data should be showcased to the marketing team for the website.
Wall Street Journal
Mission Accomplished: The Final Chapter
Pulling all-nighters
During my time as the personal photographer for the team and CEO, I had the honor of capturing key moments with my personal camera, showcasing his leadership, dedication, and vision. One of the most exciting milestones was when a photo I took of him was featured in The Wall Street Journal. This achievement marked a significant moment for Govini, with the image playing a key role in our marketing efforts to elevate the company’s visibility and reinforce its position as an industry leader.
Brochure Design
Mission Accomplished: The Final Chapter
Mission Accomplished: The Final Chapter
As a designer, I utilized Adobe Creative Suite to create visually compelling and consistent brochure designs that aligned with Govini's brand identity. My focus was on ensuring that the design elements, typography, and imagery not only looked cohesive but also effectively communicated the platform's core values and services. Through a careful balance of creativity and brand consistency, I was able to produce brochures that captured attention while maintaining a professional, polished appearance.
Mission Accomplished: The Final Chapter
Mission Accomplished: The Final Chapter
Mission Accomplished: The Final Chapter
from 2012 to 2014, helping shape the brand and transitioning the platform from its first prototype to the website. As a founding member, my time with the company has now come to an end, but I remain close with the founder and CEO, Eric Gillespie, who introduced me to the tech and startup life. Working at Govini made it possible for me to pursue my own entrepreneurial dreams. That’s why Eric was the first person I reached out to for a letter of recommendation for the S.T.E.M. master's program at CSUEB, starting this fall of 2024.
Case Studies on the Zend and Microsoft Azure Partnership
New Chapter
I was involved in several smaller projects related to client work when I received an exciting email from Zend's headquarters, inquiring about a designer with expertise in web and graphic design, as well as development. The interview went smoothly, and they introduced me to the projects associated with their partnership with Microsoft. I was hired for a senior position, where I worked closely with the General Manager to help lead the marketing efforts, focusing on a fresh new look. A highlight of this experience was seeing my designs featured at multiple tech conferences as part of Zend’s display with Microsoft. Additionally, we had the opportunity to collaborate with the Microsoft Azure department, which was truly a rewarding moment.
Skills/Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop.
Mastering Conversion
Using my vision and design tools, I created a fresh, engaging look to develop a new lead and landing page for viewers interested in Zend's product. By identifying trends at the time, my goal was to ensure the design aligned with the vision and effectively communicated the brand's message.
Skills/Tools: Marketo Design Studio, Adobe Photoshop.
Crafting Web Experiences
To fully understand the company’s needs, I focused on how the product functions and how to seamlessly integrate it with my creative design. I updated the site daily using HTML, along with some JavaScript, and also learned basic PHP. Zend played a key role in this process, and I’m grateful for the experience.
Skills/Tools: Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop.
Through the Lens: A Portfolio of Captured Moments
the Story
Starting as a freelance designer and artist, I worked with mom-and-pop stores and local community members, helping them establish their brands before transitioning into the tech industry. Alongside my design work, I also pursued photography part-time, capturing everything from model shoots and commercials to events such as Weddings, Quinceanera's, and Sweet 16-18 parties. Over time, I saved enough to turn photography into a full-time business, focusing on event photography due to the high volume of bookings. This involved meeting clients, handling contracts, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. I hired assistants to support as second photographers and helped with photo touch-ups. Additionally, I collaborated with videographers to offer complete event services. My goal was to learn the business while balancing the tech world, which eventually taught me how to successfully run my own business and become the lead photographer for events.
Philosophy
Running this business has taught me to appreciate various forms of art and document the life journeys of individuals. It has provided me with invaluable lessons, all through the lens of a camera. I invested my time, money, and passion into this field, knowing it would help me grow personally and professionally, and ultimately lead to becoming a better version of myself.
Process
Learning how to direct models & individual clients has taught me how to maintain professionalism in this field, while understanding the importance of respecting both time and people. The booking process not only reflects the value of our work but also showcases the brand and teamwork that go into making each event a success.
Interactive Architecture
3D Abstract Design and Interaction Art
Bulli Sot
Angkor: Protector and Alpha, 2024
Plastic Cardboard, Glue, Metal Wires, Non Toxic Spray Paint, and Nature
15”x35”x15”
I focus on site scenes and natural elements to create interactive 3D design and architecture. Inspired by Angkor Wat, the design emphasizes balance, line, and harmony, showing how architecture can coexist with nature. Features like water flow, wind, and rain are incorporated to evoke emotion and protect the artwork.
Master Program
After completing my bachelor's degree in 2010 and accumulating 14 years of experience as a freelance artist and in the tech industry, as well as running my own photography business, I am now pursuing graduate studies in Interaction Design and Interactive Art, a field within STEM. This opportunity allows me to further develop my skills and tools for success in this evolving era, as I work toward accomplishing my life’s goals. With the rapid growth of the AI industry and the evolving role of UI design in shaping the future of tech, I’m excited to be at the forefront of these innovations. JavaScript plays a crucial role in this transformation, bridging design and development. I am honored to be part of this journey, contributing to the future of design and technology.
Building Engaging UI & UX
Project Team Bounce
Returning to the design aspect, one of the most rewarding parts was the collaboration between UX and UI design. Throughout the semester, we worked as a team, conducting real interviews to create user personas and perform research. This collaborative process culminated in a compelling presentation, where each member contributed in various roles. I'm grateful for the experience. We focused on key UI design principles such as consistency, clarity, responsiveness, and visual hierarchy, ensuring the design was both visually appealing and user-friendly. Our UX process followed five key steps: empathizing with users, defining the problem, ideating solutions, prototyping, and testing. Each step was critical to creating a user-centered design, with the same attention to detail an architect would apply to space planning. Mixing BFA Graphic Design students with Grad students made this project exceptional, and I’m proud of the team's success.
Team-Member/Contribution: Esther, Carly, Noah, Yan, and Bulli
Journey Path
While refining the user flow, we leveraged Miro as a collaborative tool to brainstorm and iterate on ideas, especially since many team members were engaged with other projects. Miro proved to be an invaluable asset, enabling us to work asynchronously and maintain flexibility in our process. This allowed us to efficiently capture feedback, ensure alignment, and ultimately refine our concepts with confidence, knowing that the design was in capable hands despite everyone's varying schedules. It serves as a reminder of the precious moments we spend, reflecting our dedication to providing a tool that not only improves productivity but also encourages intentional, purposeful use in everyday life.
Style Protocol
We strategically chose to highlight the purple color to evoke a sense of royal power, while also symbolizing peace and tranquility. Our goal was not just to create an app, but to design a tool that seamlessly integrates into users' daily lives—something they can rely on for work, school, and beyond, just like a smartphone or a routine task such as paying a bill. We aimed to foster a sense of connection with our users, ensuring that the experience is not only informative but also emotionally engaging. The design reflects this commitment, with every element carefully crafted to empower and support our users in a meaningful way.
Additionally, the logo features a sand clock, which symbolizes the passage of time, mindfulness, and the balance between work and rest.