Ariana Kamar
Ariana Kamar
Art Director & Brand Designer, Founder of The Design Executive
Los Angeles, CA
thedesignexecutive.co
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
“By creating beautifully business minded websites, I create engaging experiences for your users so they keep coming back.”
With this deliberate focus your website can thrive in this fast paced digital age. I'm here to relieve you of trying to keep up all the time by helping you get ahead.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I've worked as a web designer for 8 years with both small local businesses and large international corporations. I've been lucky enough to work in a wide variety of industries ranging from food to fashion and entertainment so I'm a pro at becoming an expert for your unique needs.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Many designers create beautiful work, but don't keep the CEO's financial and business objectives in mind. While aesthetics reign supreme in a time of Insta and Youtube fame, it doesn't mean that the experience is affective! I'm all about backing design with data and adjusting where need be to make it a seriously seamless path to success for everyone.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently I'm working on a bunch of new websites for some fashion and product based brands while teaching classes, providing site audits, and connecting with entrepreneurs online.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is all about breaking away from super choppy sites of the 2000's and moving into site designs that flow! As we spend more time with brands totally on mobile, they're branding needs to eye catching through that smaller screen and users need to be able to really interact with it.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I started in farm to table and would be stoked to do more collaborations in the food world. The only other career I'd imagine for myself is as a chef, so I really connect with that subculture of creatives.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Seeing too many sites with dead ends on pages! Even personally using the web makes me wish I could work to fix some of the commonly found issues out there that cause me to never commit to a brand. It really becomes a matter of endless missed opportunities!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Respond to emails. I love keeping in touch with past, current, and potential clients, but emailing alone could be a full-time job.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'd actually love to speak with some economists to better understand where they think our future economy is going since it really reflects itself later in consumer behavior. That's the closest I could get to the Magic 8-Ball of business.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for businesses who have had a website and are in the position to level up their growth. A business owner who feels confident in their vision and what it takes to get there is a great collaborator and that's really how I see my role in working with a business.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Working with a client who is really open to the process and the belief that design can change their business for the better at the core, even for their employees.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I offer my clients various levels of packages based on their needs. But, for example, an audit that outlines problems and opportunities for your site is $300, while a custom Squarespace begins at $3,000 and a Wordpress at $10,000.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email and a call/coffee are a great way to kickoff the conversation. But if you catch me on social, feel free to drop me a line there and if you see me eating out in LA, I'll always appreciate dessert!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Eating, cooking, and traveling to eat.
This member profile was originally published in March 2017.