Avni Levy
Avni Levy
Designer / Founder
Silicon Valley, CA
www.chiastudios.com
instagram @chia.studios
instagram @avnicreates
linkedin
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a web designer helping health, education, and creative brands make their message delightfully accessible.”
Not all of social impact work has to be so serious. I use playful, interactive website design to help growing brands share their message in unexpected ways. If you run a “for-good” business over a for-profit one, I'm here for it!
I'm also the founder of a tool that helps people shop more ethically—stay tuned!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I guess you can say I started my creative career when I was 10 years old by writing and directing a play for my birthday party instead of having a "normal" celebration; I roped in all my friends to learn the whodunnit script and become actors, while I donned a black baseball cap and basically bossed everyone around. To this day, I still seem to be able to get my friends to participate in my quirky games and events—my husband agrees that it seems little has changed!
Fast-forward a few years, degrees, and experiences later, add a little philosophical musing and a splash of Silicon Valley idealism, and you have the weirdo that's me today. 🤪
How do you stand out in your field?
I’m all about interactive experiences and adding delightful interactions in ways that make sense (versus just adding things on for novelty). I'm big on being really clear on the "why" behind any project and using purposeful strategy to drive all features of a design. I also value transparency and being direct; I have a hard time hiding my true feelings about something and I’m not known to sugarcoat things!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm working on adding more resources to Chia Studios, and developing a web tool that helps people shop better. 🥳
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Right now I’m rebelling against luxury/editorial/minimalism. I feel like I'm seeing the same cookie-cutter websites everywhere—sure, they're pretty enough, but are they really memorable when they all look the same?
It was actually the book Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee that made me take a more critical look at minimalism as a vaunted aesthetic. The more I design, the more I turn toward colorful, playful designs that are fun to explore but still provide an elevated experience. I’m excited to see where this road will take me!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The state of the world, particularly government corruption and dysfunction.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Project manager/content wrangler—and just hired someone to do this!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Five years ago, I would have told myself to stop saying yes to every “opportunity.” I have since learned that saying no to things is just as powerful as saying yes— sometimes even more.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would talk to a professor (of economics? Social systems?) to better learn about and contextualize capitalism. I’d like to learn more about what we can do within a capitalist society to be less profit-driven and more people-oriented in a sustainable way. Or maybe even just chat with a “philosopher” and learn to look at the universe through a new lens. I’d probably end up having an existential crisis by the end of that conversation, but at least I’d learn something new!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m open to chatting with all mission-driven entrepreneurs and brands. I will say that as a vegan myself, I would really love to help a new vegan brand put themselves out there in 2021.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love working with people who (pardon my language) give a shit about the world and want to make it better using the skills they have. For them, it’s not about the money; it’s about adding real value to people’s lives. They also understand the creative process isn't always linear, and are okay giving up some creative freedom to get the job done (I gotchu!)
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
My professor in grad school—and renowned iPhone photographer—Richard Koci Hernandez inspired me with his innovative work and introduced me to a new way of thinking about the world. A book he made us read in class, Steal Like An Artist, changed my life. I’ve also been inspired by video games that are driven by story (Uncharted is one of my favorite RPGs). And I love how Puno gamified online learning with her funky, one-of-a-kind brand.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Fill out the form on my website. :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Trying new things, reading, meditating, and Peloton-ing
This member profile was originally published in March 2021.