J Savage
Web Designer / Multidisciplinary Designer / Creative
London, ENG
www.jsavage.design
instagram @hauntedburgerplant
Q What do you do?
“I’m a queer and neurodivergent designer who loves to create websites that help people of marginalised identities feel seen.”
It's more than creating a nice-looking site - I use my understanding of UX design, content design, business strategy and marketing to make sure both my clients and their audiences reach their goals. ✨
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Like a lot of slashies, I took a very winding path to where I am now!
I spent the last five years working as a UX Designer at a digital marketing agency, where I got to work on wildly different projects with big-name brands, and then as a UX Writer at a HealthTech scale-up.
Before that I worked in documentaries and film and did odd jobs like working in a kitchen, teaching English in Japan and the dreaded right-of-passage retail job.
And before THAT, I was a teenager spending too much time on the computer, coding and in Photoshop, so I could personalise the look of my online journal. :)
Q How do you stand out in your field?
The winding road that got me here has meant I have a well-rounded set of skills that make me a scrappy, empathetic designer/creative. I pride myself on being able to see the bigger picture while also paying attention to the smaller details.
I also consider my work a safe space - as someone queer and neurodivergent myself, I treat people’s needs and identities with care and respect.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently growing my freelance web design business! And in my free time I work on my graphic design and 3D modelling skills.
Q What’s your style?
The style of my work is led by each client’s vibe, but the things all my projects have in common are accessibility, ease of use and ease of comprehension.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Maybe this answer is a cop-out but I honestly wish I had more time to do everything! I'm a very curious person, and once my interest is sparked, I have the audacity to try anything. (Past examples include soldering, weightlifting and data analytics.)
Q What is frustrating you right now?
That there aren't enough hours in the day for all my random hobbies? (haha)
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I almost want to say someone to handle my social media because I tend to overthink it (purely because I’m still getting comfortable being seen), but I also like having it as a creative outlet. Actually, maybe lead management - it takes a lot out of me!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
The most magical moments in my life have been the times I trusted my gut and followed what interests me rather than sticking to the status quo. I would tell younger me (at any age) to listen less to other people’s “shoulds” and instead to spend more time listening inwards.
It took some time, but out of all the skills I’ve developed, learning to trust myself has been the best one. I hope I can help others achieve the same feeling.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Again, maybe a bit of a cop-out, but I’ve often wished I had direct access to experts in many different fields just to pick their brains.
But to actually answer the question, I’d like to sit down with a graphic design expert and learn all the quick workarounds you only learn after having already spent years doing things a way harder way. 🙄
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Web design all day every day :) I’d love to work on more projects that help people feel more seen and represented and that helps them reach their audience.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love working with other LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent folx (creatives, solopreneurs, small business owners, etc.) and helping them elevate their online presence.
Q What is your rate?
My website design projects start at £1,400 (depending on the complexity of what's needed), and website auditing starts at £570 per site. I'm also available for consulting at £74/hour or a £540 day rate.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Use the contact form on my website to tell me a little (or a lot) about what you need and I'll get back to you soon (usually within 24 hours). I can also be reached by email at hi@jsavage.design.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
@intranetgirl, her vibe is just everything. I also love the illustrator @ginkgojelly.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Do. Let it be garbage.
This member profile was originally published in Janurary 2024