Savannah Austen
Q What do you do?
“I design and develop websites that serve as digital experiences and fun playgrounds for the user.”
I incorporate a lot of unique web & UX strategies to make websites that are as functional as they are beautiful. I specialize in Squarespace, Webflow, and Shopify.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I studied consumer psychology in college and fell in love with the design once I graduated. I have always thrived at the intersection of creativity and analytical thinking, so this career choice fits perfectly. I also continually take courses on coding and digital design so I can always create unique experiences for my clients.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I merge the capabilities of custom code, thoughtful design, and website/UX strategy to create websites that invigorate and create an entire branded atmosphere. I intentionally design for the web, translating user experience strategy into thoughtful design that converts.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m working on a Shopify design and development project for an upscale lifestyle/food brand rooted in elevated minimalism, and a ton of Webflow & Squarespace development projects!
Q What’s your style?
My style is contemporary with many splashes of fun.
Think Agua Magica, Jade Purple Brown, Two Robbers, Quarter, and Ipsa.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could do more end-to-end web projects that consist of data-driven UX strategy, intentional digital design, and development! Exciting things happen when you get to dive deep into every stage of the process.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Marketing, for sure! It’s always hard to know where to market yourself and reach your dream clients, I feel like mine could be residing anywhere! I stick with good ol’ IG for now (until Zuckerberg makes changes that hurt the users…yet again)
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Put my systems together! I should probably have a more streamlined back-end system for my own business.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could have told myself that design is a valid career choice and studied it in college! So many of us are told not to pursue our passions because they are out of the typical realm of the capitalist view of “profitable”.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to grow a business without it feeling out of alignment or overwhelming. Growth and expansion are awesome, but they can often feel difficult and/or lead to imposter syndrome.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Web design and development for contemporary D2C brands, or B2B brands that aren’t afraid of fun, color, and enchanting experiences!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An extremely fun, colorful brand that cares about its impact (societally and environmentally) and enjoys an adventurous typeface that needs an entirely digital experience facelift: UX strategy, web design, and development.
Q: What is your rate?
Web design + development typically start around $5,000 USD and vary depending on the platform choice, design complexity, and desired interactions/movement/animations.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can submit an inquiry via my website, or if you just want to chat, can send an email!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I have so many, but here are a few great people that inspire me, and are truly wonderful people:
Mackenzie Bird (brand + web designer)
instagram @m.b.i.r.d
Wilda Casado (brand + web designer)
instagram @helloimwilda
Carmelinne Sanga (brand + packaging designer)
Matthew Miller (graphic designer)
instagram @bymatthewmiller
Sinead Taylor (brand + web designer)
instagram @sineadtaylordesign
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Go outside and look at physical art.
This member profile was originally published in May 2022.