Looking back, it’s remarkable to think about how a young boy’s curiosity on the internet completely changed the course of his life. Amar Karthik didn’t have a roadmap or a professional mentor guiding him. At just 13 years old, he became a web designer—something most would consider far too ambitious for a teenager. Yet, his story is proof that determination, persistence, and curiosity can take anyone further than they imagine.
Key Takeaways
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Curiosity can spark transformation: A single online search reshaped his future.
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No formal education required: Amar’s foundation was built entirely on trial and error.
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Small beginnings count: His first paid project was worth only $3, but it became a milestone.
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Consistency pays off: Staying committed led him to build his own brand, UnikBrushes.
The Moment That Changed Everything
In 2013, when Amar was just 11 years old, his evenings after school were spent in front of a computer. He didn’t have many friends, and gaming was his favorite escape. But one day, out of boredom, he clicked on an online ad that promised, “Earn $100 in a day online!” While the ad turned out to be a scam, the idea behind it ignited something in him.
Amar began searching online for ways to make money, typing “How to earn money online” into Google. What followed was countless hours of research, exploring forums, and experimenting with different websites. That moment, though small at the time, was the spark that set his journey in motion.
Earning His First Dollar
Like many beginners, Amar started with Paid-To-Click (PTC) websites. These platforms offered a few cents for watching ads. It wasn’t glamorous, but for him, it was an opportunity worth trying. After weeks of persistence, he finally earned his first dollar online.
That single dollar was more than just money—it was proof. Proof that earning online was possible. From there, he expanded his efforts, taking on small surveys, tasks, and gigs. Each click and each small reward built his persistence and shaped his early belief that small steps could lead to something bigger.
Discovering Web Design
While exploring these websites, Amar noticed one thing: most of them were poorly designed. They looked clunky, unattractive, and confusing to navigate. That observation planted another seed—what if he could make them look better?
He began searching for terms like “How to design a website” and “How to make websites look good.” This curiosity led him to HTML and CSS. Without access to formal courses or resources, he learned by doing, experimenting with trial and error. By 2015, at just 13 years old, Amar had already built his first functional webpage. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave him the confidence to keep going.
Landing His First Clients
In 2016, Amar decided it was time to share his skills with the world. He joined online forums where people bought and sold services. Using the name “Designz5233,” he began offering design work at very affordable rates.
His first project was a free logo and banner for a client, just to build a portfolio. The client’s positive feedback gave him the confidence boost he needed. Shortly after, he landed his first paid job—designing a homepage for a PTC website. The payment was only $3, but for Amar, it was priceless. It marked the beginning of his professional journey.
The Birth of UnikBrushes
By May 2016, Amar realized he needed a stronger identity for his growing work. That’s when he rebranded himself as UnikBrushes—a name that represented uniqueness and creativity. At just 13, he was determined to make his work stand out.
UnikBrushes soon became more than just a name. It was his creative identity and the foundation for future growth. Over the following years, Amar expanded his services to include WordPress development, SEO, and digital marketing. Each new project, whether for schools, businesses, or real estate firms, added to his confidence and expertise.
Learning From Failure
Of course, success didn’t come without setbacks. Amar once attempted to launch his own PTC website using the money he earned from UnikBrushes. Unfortunately, the project failed, costing him time and money.
Yet, instead of giving up, Amar took the failure as a lesson. It taught him resilience, the importance of persistence, and the need to focus on his strengths. He returned to growing UnikBrushes, more determined than ever to succeed.
Growing During COVID
The pandemic years brought challenges but also opportunities. With more time at home, Amar dedicated himself to learning advanced skills like digital marketing, eCommerce development, and social media management. He also explored Shopify and WooCommerce, which allowed him to expand his client base and service offerings.
During this time, UnikBrushes began to handle larger projects, serving clients of all sizes—from small businesses to established organizations. What began as a teenager’s side project had now become a professional agency serving a global audience.
A Few Lessons Along the Way
Through his journey, Amar discovered some timeless truths:
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Big changes often start with small steps.
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Each success, and even each failure, can be a stepping stone.
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Hard work, curiosity, and consistency always pay off.
He often emphasizes that “Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of staying curious, working hard, and never giving up.”
Advice for Aspiring Web Designers
For those who dream of becoming web designers, Amar’s story offers valuable lessons:
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Be curious: Ask questions and never stop exploring.
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Start small: Even tiny projects build experience.
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Learn as you go: Free resources are everywhere—use them.
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Don’t fear failure: Every setback is part of the journey.
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Stay consistent: Growth happens through persistence.
Final Thoughts
Amar Karthik’s story of becoming a web designer at 13 isn’t one of shortcuts or luck. It’s a story of curiosity, trial and error, and unwavering persistence. From earning his first online dollar to founding UnikBrushes, Amar’s path shows that age is never a barrier when passion leads the way.
His journey is proof that even the smallest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary. For anyone chasing a dream, his story stands as a reminder: stay curious, keep working, and never give up.
