Mikka Cruz
Q What do you do?
“I work with businesses worldwide, building Squarespace websites that look fantastic, function flawlessly, and drive conversions.”
Squarespace has lots of awesome free templates on offer, but they're not right for everyone. If your business wants a site that makes you stand out, I'll design and build a website that feels completely true to your brand.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
When I was at college, I studied Geodetic Engineering and started doing freelance graphic design on the side to pay the bills. While I graduated and got my engineering license, I carried on freelancing just because I enjoyed it so much. Then, like most people who move into freelancing, I realized that I preferred the freelancing to my 8-5 office job.
I took a leap of faith in 2016 and quit my job. Back then before the pandemic, full-time freelancing wasn't as widely accepted as it is now. And yet, it was such a liberating experience – no micromanaging bosses, no lengthy meetings that could have been emails, and best of all, no corporate politics.
So, how did I go from graphic design to designing websites? A friend asked me if I could create a website for their organization. I had no idea where to start, but to me, the best way to learn a skill is to dive right in!
I spent a few days exploring Squarespace and fell in love with website design. Web design is all about problem-solving, attention to detail, and critical thinking – a lot like engineering.
Since then, I've built over 200 websites for clients as the founder of Studio Elias, in industries including consulting, health and wellbeing, real estate, and law. It's been an exciting journey so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me next.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My engineering background plays a huge part in the services and skills I offer. Clients want a website that provides a solid user experience, looks exceptional on all devices, and, most importantly, won't let their customers down.
That, alongside over ten years in graphic design, lets me provide a ten-star client experience to everyone I work alongside.
One of our key USPs at Studio Elias is that we offer unlimited revisions to clients, as well as 30 days of post-launch support.
It's only fitting that clients have a website that's 110 percent perfect, and when they work with me and my team, they'll get the results they deserve.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently working on some exciting website projects for clients and recently made the leap into white labeling for other digital marketing agencies. One specific project is for a new venture in the medical field.
This year I also started a blog where I talk about the benefits of Squarespace and why it's such a fantastic option for a wide range of businesses.
Q What’s your style?
I like clean, professional, masculine design – sharp lines, dark colors, practical features. The type of style where the website doesn't detract from the product or service on offer, but complements it.
Some of my favorite projects that represent this style are:
Silvertrain.ai. I love the use of white space on this site. So many web developers try to pack elements into every square inch of a website, but you don't have to. Well-spaced components make it so much easier for visitors to find what they need without getting overwhelmed.
Dr. James Allan. Medical websites need to be authoritative and credible – clients are literally putting their lives in your hands. Serif fonts, a wide range of trust signals, and a neutral color scheme show that this site is highly trustworthy.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'd love to partner with designers who need a developer to translate their visions into fully functioning websites.
This means I can focus more on the coding and problem-solving side of web development.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
How often the Google search algorithm changes. I'm blessed with referrals at the moment, which I'm thankful for, but you always need to keep your sales funnel full.
All these tweaks make it that little bit harder for clients to find you in the search engine results!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Email marketing and social media!
(And for someone to play with my cats when I'm busy.)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Learn SEO!
I'd also have told myself to put myself out there more. There's a reluctance to promote yourself when you're starting out as you don't think you're good enough.
Alternatively, I'd have told myself to become a YouTube Influencer and make a living unboxing things!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'd love to talk to someone about effective sales calls and pitches.
One of the most frustrating things when you become a freelancer is that you have to become your own sales manager. And this can be hard, especially when you're busy with projects!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
My favorite clients are businesses offering professional services like law firms, accountants, and medical providers. I also love working with non-profits too – it's an honor to help these organizations tell their stories.
Recently I've started working with other digital marketing agencies, helping them with web design. It's cool to help other agencies extend the type of services they offer, and you get to grow your experience by working with a wider range of businesses.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client has the same design taste as I do. Nothing too feminine or too bold or too crazy.
If you like clean, precise websites, we'll get on very well!
Q: What is your rate?
I think it's essential to be upfront and transparent about your pricing, especially in the current economic climate.
At Studio Elias, a three-page semi-custom website starts from $3,000. By semi-custom, we will take an existing Squarespace template and adapt it to meet your brand and needs.
A five-page, fully-custom website starts from $5,000.
All sites come with unlimited revisions, domain setup, and content management training, and there's a 10-percent discount for non-profits.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Alternatively, reach out on my website.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I hate writing with a passion, so Kate Ingham-Smith writes all my SEO-optimized blog posts.
Melissa Lohrer is my business development coach, and she's the absolute best!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Always try to learn new things!
This member profile was originally published in June 2024.