“Fall down seven times, stand up eight,” shares Austin Cruz, a 34-year-old Filipino based in Dubai. These words accurately describe his journey; the early challenges he faced while adjusting to life abroad, and building a bright future for his family back home.
Currently, Austin works as a Graphic Designer and Content Producer for a social media agency in Dubai. In addition, he is co-founder of Cruizine’, a social media platform featuring restaurants, travel destinations, and local businesses across the UAE.
During the pandemic, Austin started an initiative, designing logos and branding materials for free. Using his skills as a graphic designer, he helped people who were starting small businesses after losing their jobs. “It was my way of giving back,” he shared.
Indeed, when hard work, creativity, passion, and compassion converge — there’s no stopping people from achieving their dreams… while helping others, too. Get ready to be inspired as Austin shares his incredible journey in our latest OFW feature!
OFW Feature: Austin, Graphic Designer and Content Producer in Dubai
Name: Austin Cruz
Age: 34 years old
Current Profession: Graphic Designer and Content Producer
Education: Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Arts and Sciences
1. Tell us about yourself.
Hi! I’m Austin Cruz, a 34-year-old Filipino currently working as a Graphic Designer and Content Producer for a social media agency based in Dubai.
I graduated from Mapúa University with a Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Arts and Sciences, majoring in Graphic Design. I’ve been living and working in Dubai for the past few years, and it has been a journey of continuous learning and growth.
Outside of my full-time job, I’m also a food and travel content creator and one of the co-founders of Cruizine’, a social media platform where we feature restaurants, travel destinations, and local businesses across the UAE. Through content creation, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with different brands and help businesses connect with their audiences through creative storytelling.
2. Why did you come to Dubai?
Coming to Dubai was never part of my bucket list or long-term plan. One day, I simply felt that I needed a new challenge in my career.
I opened LinkedIn and started applying to every graphic design position that matched my skills, regardless of the country or salary. I wasn’t specifically looking for Dubai — I was simply looking for growth.
A few days later, I received an email from a startup company in Dubai. After a series of interviews, I got the job offer. Just a month later, I found myself flying to Dubai to start a completely new chapter of my life. Everything happened so fast, but looking back, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
3. What were your previous jobs?
Before moving to Dubai, I worked as a Graphic Designer for one of the largest retail companies in the Philippines.
It was a fulfilling experience because I was able to see my work come to life through billboards, shopping malls, digital campaigns, and various marketing materials. That experience gave me a strong foundation in branding, advertising, and visual communication, which prepared me for bigger opportunities abroad.
4. How did you find your current job? Are you happy with it? Tell us about your career journey.
I found my current job through LinkedIn, and I’m genuinely happy with where I am today.
My first job in Dubai was with a startup company that specialized in the food and restaurant industry. Aside from graphic design, I also worked as a content creator, which introduced me to the world of social media marketing and food content.
Looking back, I think that’s where my journey as a food content creator really began.
On the side, my co-founder and I started Cruizine’ simply as a hobby. We began by sharing the places we visited and the food we enjoyed without expecting anything in return. Over time, people started following our content, and brands began reaching out for collaborations.
Today, content creation has become more than just a hobby — it’s another career that allows me to combine my passion for storytelling, photography, branding, and community building.
Yes. Thankfully, I’m able to save through both my full-time job and my work as a content creator. More importantly, I’m also able to support my parents back home in the Philippines, which has always been one of my biggest goals.
When it comes to investments, I’m currently investing in something even more valuable — my health.
For many years, I suffered from Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and it wasn’t until I came to Dubai that I was able to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to Dubai’s excellent healthcare system, I’m now undergoing treatment that’s significantly improving my quality of life.
I also believe that investing in your physical and mental well-being is just as important as financial investments, because good health allows you to continue pursuing your goals.
6. Is it difficult to live in Dubai? What were your struggles? What’s life like outside work?
During my first few months in Dubai, it was definitely challenging. Like many new OFWs, I had to adjust to a new culture, workplace, and environment. Homesickness was probably the hardest part because everything and everyone I grew up with was back in the Philippines.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring different hobbies. As someone with ADHD, I’ve learned to embrace the fact that I naturally develop new interests. Over the years, I’ve been passionate about coffee brewing, photography, graphic design, and content creation. More recently, I’ve developed a passion for collecting and learning modern board games.
Playing board games with friends has become one of my favorite ways to relax. It helps me slow down, think strategically, and spend quality time with people. I’ve learned that there’s nothing wrong with having many passions — as long as they make you happy and help you continue growing.
7. What do you like about Dubai?
One thing I really appreciate about Dubai is how supportive it is of people who are passionate about what they do.
If you’re creative, hardworking, and willing to learn, there are so many opportunities available. I’ve met people from different cultures who genuinely appreciate creativity and innovation.
Dubai has allowed me to grow not only as a designer, but also as a content creator and entrepreneur. It gave me opportunities that I never imagined I’d have when I first arrived.
8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?
If there’s one thing I don’t like, it’s the homesickness.
No matter how beautiful and safe Dubai is, nothing replaces having your family and lifelong friends close to you. I also miss the lifestyle I had in the Philippines — especially traveling around different islands, enjoying our beaches, and spending weekends with loved ones.
Being an OFW means making sacrifices, and missing home will always be one of the biggest ones.
9. What are your plans for your career, family, and future?
Right now, my biggest priority is continuing to improve my health while growing both my career and my businesses.
I hope to expand my small coffee business in the Philippines and eventually explore new business opportunities here in Dubai, as well.
Professionally, I want to continue building brands, creating meaningful content, and helping businesses connect with people through creativity. Personally, I simply want to build a stable future where I can continue supporting my family while doing work that I’m passionate about.
10. You have any tips for kabayans working or planning to work in Dubai?
One lesson that has stayed with me throughout my journey is a Japanese saying: “Nana Korobi Ya Oki,” which means “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
Being an OFW isn’t always easy. There will be moments of failure, self-doubt, homesickness, and uncertainty. But every challenge teaches you something, and every setback gives you the opportunity to become stronger.
For me, standing up the eighth time isn’t just about personal success — it’s about remembering why I started. It’s about my family, the people who believe in me, and the future I’m trying to build.
Professionally, don’t be afraid to keep learning and improving your skills. Opportunities in Dubai come to those who are prepared, adaptable, and willing to grow. At the same time, don’t lose yourself chasing success. Take care of your health, make time for the people who matter, and continue doing things that bring you joy.
Lastly, trust your own journey. The moment I stopped seeking everyone’s approval and focused on becoming the best version of myself was the moment opportunities started finding me. Keep showing up, keep creating, and keep moving forward. Your story is still being written.
Additional Fact About Me
During the pandemic, many people lost their jobs and struggled to make ends meet. As a graphic designer, I wanted to use my skills to help in any way I could.
I started a small initiative called “Free Logo and Branding,” where I offered logo designs and basic branding materials at no cost to aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals who were starting small businesses after losing their jobs.
It wasn’t a large-scale movement, but it was my way of giving back to the community. Seeing people launch their own businesses with the designs I created reminded me that creativity can be more than just a profession — it can also be a way to help others rebuild and move forward.
Reflection
Looking back, I realized that design was never just about making things look good — it became a way for me to tell stories, build communities, and help businesses find their voice.
Today, that passion has grown beyond graphic design. I create content, build brands, and collaborate with businesses that want to connect with people in authentic ways. Whether it’s through a logo, a social media campaign, or a piece of content, my goal remains the same: to create experiences that leave a lasting impact.
One thing I’ve learned throughout my journey is that growth begins when you stop seeking everyone’s approval and start trusting your own vision. Every challenge has shaped not only my career, but also the person I continue to become.
People may remember what you create, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. That’s the kind of work — and the kind of life — I continue to strive for.
Connect with Austin Online
Get to know more about Austin, his craft, and his UAE adventures by following Cruizine’ on social media:
Instagram: @cruizine_
Tiktok: cruizine’
Facebook: Cruizine’
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* Photos provided by Austin
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