Marisa Howenstine
Website Designer / Branding Maven
Los Angeles, CA
Q What do you do?
“I’ve been a freelance web designer for 6+ years and have a stellar 5-star rating on the Wix Marketplace.”
What the heck is Wix? It’s an online platform that provides web design services since 2006. What the heck is a web design service? In the simplest of terms, it’s an online brochure for your biz.
I also adore branding. My favorite clients come to me with very little in terms of establishing their brand. Finding out their why, their story, their reason for existing—I love that stuff. Figuring out how to best convey brand messaging visually—it’s challenging, yet invigorating!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
College for a BA in English. Art school for a BFA in Photography. Quitting Forever 21 corporate as a Photo Editor to take a leap of faith and become a web designer. I’ve serviced 150+ clients since I started my profile on the Wix Marketplace, not including referrals from clients and friends.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I consider myself a triple threat, with a background in design, photography, and writing. I love school and am always learning, staying ahead of the curve. I’m currently taking night classes in graphic design—I’m in my third class with straight A’s in everything. I can’t think of a happier existence! ☺️
Q What are you working on right now?
Klever Kitten — my online stationery and specialty gift brand.
It’s the answer for women who’ve grown out of Hello Kitty. It’s been a labor of love since 15 years ago when I created the Klever Kitten character. Recently, I’ve added her quasi-boyfriend, Kool Kat, and her BFF, Frisky Feline, to the mix. Klever Kitten explores the themes of friendship, female empowerment, and dating through a variety of products such as greeting cards and other merch.
Q What’s your style?
Klever Kitten Fun, frisky, and friendly. That’s how I roll.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Great typography is my jam. A year ago, I took a typography class and was hooked. Most I’ve ever spent on a font purchase? $150 for one font. Considering you can download fonts for free, it was quite an investment. And I’ve yet to find the perfect project for it!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
There’s only so many projects I can take on as a one-woman show. But I’m not really interested in managing peeps. I’d rather be the creative.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Social media creation and management. Not sure if I could get someone stellar at $20/hr., but one can dream! 🤩
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I was still figuring out my career in my late 20’s. Back then I would’ve told myself to enjoy the ride. My career path wasn’t long, straight, and narrow. I took the circuitous route, which transformed me into the fleshed out creative I am today.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Discipline. It’s my Achille’s heel. Every day is different for me, which I love. But I can’t help thinking that if I had a more regimented structure, I’d get more stuff done.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Projects with long-term assignments. It’d be great to have something consistent to ride me through the feast or famine life of a freelancer. But I’ll never turn down a short assignment that’s fun with a friendly client. 😏
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Small biz collaborations. The more creative latitude, the better. I dig the assignments that force me outta my comfort zone. I recently completed a website for a marketing consultant. She wanted something simple, but potent. Initially I went with unique animations and graphics. But she pulled me back to create the website that I did, which is stripped down, yet purposeful and impactful.
Q: What is your rate?
$50-$75/hr. for graphic design services. Also open to flat rates.
$1500 for a one-page responsive website (a site that scales its design to every screen).
$2500 for up to a five-page responsive website.
$3500 for an eCommerce responsive website.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Reach out with a message describing your project and budget at marisa@hip2wix.com. I’ll get back to you within one biz day.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Jessica Walsh from &Walsh. She’s my hero and design goddess.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Being fun, frisky, and friendly. 🙃
This member profile was originally published in February 2025.