Caitlin Lewis
Q What do you do?
“I am deeply inspired by the beauty and texture of the world around me. Specifically, the juxtaposition between elegant simplicity and maximalist impact; how our natural world meets the digital one. My work strives to capture that delicious moment and communicate it through the user experience.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
After getting my degree in biology and spending some time exploring the medical field I realized my creative side was unfulfilled. I stumbled into a job designing a website and loved it. I decided to apply for Design Lab’s UX/UI program and fell in love. It’s been an interesting journey for sure but it has given me so much experience.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Because I view each webpage as a piece of art this lends it its own unique style and story. The pleasure and joy I take in designing makes the work feel meaningful and special. While the multidisciplinary nature of my experiences gives depth and nuance to the websites I collaborate on.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am currently redesigning the website for a landscape architecture firm based in Los Angeles. Personally, I am always working to build my portfolio and hone my creative direction with self-led projects.
Q What’s your style?
My personal tastes are layered and heavily influenced by my favorite films and books. The base notes of my style are classically timeless while the middle and top notes are warm and experimental. I innovate by creating things that aspire to their most authentic expression. There is no encapsulating project, each of my projects contain the base, middle and top notes of my aesthetic and seek to stand autonomously.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
As someone who tends to hyper fixate on new hobbies and skills I would love to have more time to slow down and create more art with my hands. Specifically, I would love to develop more experience with product design and branding.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Finding rewarding projects and clients has been relatively frustrating. As someone searching for design work the tech industry can be fraught with soulless careers that replace users with dollar signs. It’s so satisfying to work with clients who understand and appreciate the artistry that goes into an empathetic user experience.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Honestly, having someone help around my house (i.e. grocery shop, tidy up) would free up so much time for me to focus on more creative things.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
You can pursue a creative career and still succeed! During college my deep desire was to get a liberal arts degree (think big dreams of working in the fashion industry) but the idea of financial failure pushed me to study to become a doctor instead. Ultimately, I am where I wanted to be but I didn’t have to have so much fear.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Marketing bb! I am naturally pretty shy and reserved which makes putting myself out there difficult sometimes. I would love to pick the brain of a marketing expert who could help me get my portfolio out to the people who matter.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am always searching for exciting new projects that have room for exploration and experimentation. I love navigating the trends of the design world to find the ones that are both innovative and timeless. I would love to find opportunities to further develop my experience with product design and branding.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I work really well with a structured initial concept which allows for movement and creative flexibility. Iteration is my best friend so working with someone who communicates strongly is incredibly helpful for me. My favorite projects have felt like I am carving the final design out of marble; starting from a block chipping away to the form.
Q What is your rate?
It’s a broad spectrum with websites typically starting at 3k but is very dependent on the complexity of the project. I can typically find creative solutions to fit a client's budget. I am always happy to help and encourage anyone to reach out.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Shoot me an email at caitlinlewis@rocketmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Leandra Medine — Not only do I love her approach to fashion styling but her writing has always made me feel inspired to experiment creatively.
Rachel Nguyen — Her content marries romanticism and knife-edge tech pop. There is so much inspiration to be gained from her juxtaposing imagery and language. I just love anything she makes.
Agnes Varda, Joan Didion, Sylvia Plath, Sheila Heti…. Amazing women; consume everything they create.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Reading, films, bubble baths and consuming as much art as possible.
This member profile was originally published in April 2024