Hey, I’m Cheryl Gallagher-Johnston 👋

A UX designer, freedom-seeker, and curious mind from Glasgow. I live with my wife, our opinionated cat Esson, and Digby, our trail-loving cocker spaniel who believes every hill is meant to be conquered (preferably at full speed).

I’m an introvert at heart - the kind who thrives on deep thinking, quiet spaces, and wild ideas. People often describe me as a mix of eccentric and endearing, which honestly sums it up pretty well. I don’t shout the loudest in the room, but I do notice what others miss. I’m fueled by creativity, empathy, and the unshakable belief that anything can be made better - and more beautiful - with the right intention.

Freedom, purpose and creativity are my core values. I’ve never been one to follow a straight path, and when someone tells me “that can’t be done,” I take that as a personal challenge.

After a decade in banking and customer service, I recently completed a UX Design Diploma, where I deepened my skills in research, interaction design, prototyping, usability testing, and more - and confirmed what I already knew: this is where I’m meant to be. I’m naturally curious, obsessed with improving experiences, and driven to design solutions that don’t just look good, but work brilliantly.

Alongside my work, I founded my wellness brand, where I learned how to build something from scratch with heart, passion, vision and purpose. I’ve studied business and entrepreneurship and played international football (including in the Women’s Champions League), and these days, I’m more likely to be chasing finish lines on forest trails than football pitches.

I’m also proudly neurodivergent - living with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. It means I see things differently, feel deeply, and question constantly. Growing up, I didn’t always understand why I experienced the world the way I did - but that relentless curiosity and refusal to accept “the norm” is now one of my biggest strengths as a designer.

I’ve always been someone who notices the little things - the spacing that’s just slightly off, the button that doesn’t quite feel right, the copy that could be clearer. It’s something that used to slow me down because I wanted everything to be just right. But in UX design, I’ve found a space where that mindset is a strength. I’ve learned that those details aren’t just aesthetics - they’re signals that guide users, build trust, and shape how someone experiences a product. Being a perfectionist means I care deeply about getting it right for the user, and I’m willing to put in the time to make sure the experience feels seamless, thoughtful, and complete.

I believe great design starts with deep listening, continues with bold ideation, and ends in thoughtful, inclusive solutions that improve people’s lives.

I’ve solo-travelled through Southeast Asia and wandered through Europe, and I’m working toward building a location-flexible life and career that lets me connect and create with people, ideas, and cultures far and wide.

If you’re looking for a designer who blends quiet confidence with bold ideas and brings equal parts heart, humour, and eccentric charm - I’m your person.

✌️ Currently open to:

UX and Product Design roles, creative collaborations, or mission-driven projects that value inclusive design, meaningful impact, and people who think a little differently.

🌎 Open to relocation - national, remote and international opportunities welcome.