Jennifer Andrew
Jennifer Andrew
Web Developer / Web Designer / Co-Founder of wallflower
Portland, OR
www.jenniferandrew.com
www.studio-wallflower.com
instagram @earlgreyjenn
pinterest
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a front-end web developer specializing in WordPress and Shopify. ”
I take design files and turn them into speedy, responsive, and user-friendly websites. I spend most of my time coding, but I offer design and web maintenance as well, through my creative studio, wallflower.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started as a blogger in college and eventually taught myself to code, almost by accident. I loved the challenge of adding a new element or feature to make my site more unique and interactive. I find many of my clients through creative networks and simply through word of mouth. With each new project, I learn so many new things about the world of development and design—I love that about my job.
Fun fact: I dabbled in html as a kid and created a website of drag and drop 'Dollz'. 90s kids will know! ;)
How do you stand out in your field?
I am attentive to detail and have a well-rounded understanding of design, which helps me to develop sites identical to the design files I receive. I also focus on SEO and site speed while developing which adds value to the websites I create. I love having personal connections with clients and teaching them the ins and outs of their websites so that they can maintain many things on their own.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I’m working on lots of WordPress and Shopify development projects. I recently launched a creative studio called wallflower with fellow ilovecreatives member Angela Hamilton (we’ve been working together for years!). wallflower is part studio, part community and blog, so we’ve been working on creating fun content, which is a nice change from the technical side of my freelance work.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Fun and a little unconventional, but still elevated and modern.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to focus more on backend web development and build upon development skills that I already have. There is so much to learn in this field!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I still struggle to say ‘no’ to projects when they’re not a great fit or I’m fully booked. I just want to help where I can, especially if it’s a client I already have a relationship with. But having boundaries and time to rest makes me better.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Honestly, I’d probably just hire them to make me some healthy meals :)
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would have taught myself about setting boundaries, spotting red flags, and knowing that it’s okay to pass up opportunities if they don’t feel right.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to other web developers about their planning and pricing structures. Web development can be tricky because it’s dependent on the design process, so timelines are often shifted. It would be helpful to hear how other developers manage such an unpredictable schedule!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Now that I split my time between freelance web development and managing wallflower, I’m looking for clients that need the whole package: web design, development, copywriting, and more. It’s a collaborative studio so we can handle it all, and there is something special about seeing a client from the very beginning of their business through their final launch.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love working with clients from different locations and industries, as long as it’s someone who is kind, easygoing, and passionate about their business.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at hello@jenniferandrew.com with their project details, budget, and a little bit about who they are.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I craft, read, or scroll Pinterest for visual inspiration.
This member profile was originally published in January 2021.