Awet Zeray
Q What do you do?
“I am a Squarespace web designer with a graphic design and photography background.”
My goal is to listen to the story and translate it into an interactive online space for everyone to experience it.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I have always been into art since I was younger as time progressed I got better. Whether selling T-shirts to my fellow students or getting my first job interning as a junior designer for San Francisco’s Oldest skateboard shot. I went to the Academy of Art University for Graphic Design, which led me to freelance.
In conjunction, I also decided to pursue photography, as I enjoyed capturing families, couples, wedding ceremonies.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have the ability to use both my trades in Graphic Design and Photography to help craft your Story. Then use my experience in web design in Squarespace to present it in a web format. This is great because you will have control over how you would like to present your product or service.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a project with a San Francisco sauce-based company called 24th Ave. I just helped them with branding, so now we are in the stage of designing their site.
Q What’s your style?
My current style is modern and simplistic. I try to make sure that it matches the brand identity but it is simple and clear for the potential client to navigate the website.
Website of my most recent client.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Personally, marketing. I haven’t really focused on that as I am pursuing to get better at my craft daily. It would be a great help to get the word out there.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
It would be just putting myself out there more. Sometimes, I become very introverted and forget to be a member of society.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would hire someone to help manage my social media. I have a good amount of work ready to be posted but it takes time to optimize posts and schedules.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
The old saying, patience is a virtue. I think in this world of go, go, go and social media. It is really easy to feel that you are already late to the party when just realizing there was a race, to begin with. Also, it is easy to compare yourself with individuals who have been working on their craft a lot longer.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would be curious to hear about how they started and what would be a couple of challenges they ran into in the beginning. Also, what was their Ah-ha moment when they realized their individual voice as a designer?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for web design projects at this time.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is someone with whom I am able to collaborate. The process is a lot more efficient when I am trusted with my expertise and you can provide me with your insight on how you would like your story to be told.
Q: What is your rate?
My current hourly rate is 25 an hour. Each project can range is different based on what is needed. Project may take one week or month to complete.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
A Hello, Bonjour, Hola, would work. Also if you can only eat one dish for the rest of your life what would it be?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
A couple of creators that I have been able to get to know and work with
Jeremy Anicete:
Bay Area Wedding Photographer Website
Bay Area Film Group: Insta
Dominique Carella
Creator of Oh Babe Clothing
Graham Jeong: Insta
Co-Creator- WAKE THE WOLVES
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Meeting new people, getting different perspectives, and Video Games.
This member profile was originally published in March 2022.