Shelby Herbst
Web Designer & Developer / Founder of wunderweb Studio
Newport Beach, CA
www.wunderwebstudio.com
instagram @wunderwebstudio
linkedin
pinterest
Q What do you do?
“I’m a creator of mesmerizing brand identities and immersive digital experiences that engage and captivate your audience.”
With a laser focus on bespoke visual and brand identity, digital design, and development, I fearlessly challenge conventional design concepts to produce stunning results that exceed your expectations and convert to the highest form. From solo entrepreneurs to established brands, I've worked with a diverse range of clients to craft one-of-a-kind brand experiences that stand out from the crowd. You can trust me to bring your vision to life with unmatched creativity, expertise, and fun."
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I've been working in the design world for eight years now. I experimented with interior design, and then I thought I wanted to be a stylist (that's what happens when you live in LA ya know?) Four years later, I made another switch to fashion eComm. I started out here as a site merchandiser, and then I became an eComm and brand marketing specialist. It's here where I fell in love with digital communication and visual design. I soon realized that this was what I wanted to specialize in, so I made a life-changing decision and quit my 9-5. In that "what the hell am I doing" phase, I found ilovecreatives, and everything changed. I quickly consumed their Squarespace Design Course and anything 'web design' focused that I could get my hands on (I guess I mean mouse?). I became obsessed with creative coding and the design control that comes with being a web designer.
I continued to foster this newfound passion and completed the UC Berkeley Extension Program for UI/UX. Finally feeling ready (deep down freaking out), I launched my web design & development company, wunderweb Studio. Today, we specialize in Branding, Graphic Design, Web Design + Dev, and Site Maintenance.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm able to pair my unique creative eye with code. It sounds simple, but this drastically sets me apart from other designers and or coders in the field. This is true because if you're able to design with code in mind, you can create digital identities and experiences that truly connect the user to the platform; Connection is engagement. Thus, once this digital attachment happens, the user is more inspired by the brand's and/or website's call to action. I understand this. And with each project I work on, I employ this artistry so that my company and clients get the best results possible.
Q What are you working on right now?
Well — what aren't I working on may be a better question? JKJK. I'm focusing on scaling the studio to dive deeper into more robust and demanding brand projects while still ensuring there is room for smaller-scale clients interested in a creative portfolio or fun graphics (we can't, and we won't forget where we began!). Also, always trying to build my brand presence on social media. Why is this the hardest part? Lol.
Q What’s your style?
There isn’t one style that I solely identify with and I’m totally okay with it. I know this helps with my adaptability, acceptance, and vision when working with a client’s brand. As a designer, I’m constantly getting inspired by history, travels, conversations, media, and even trends. If were to pick a common theme, it would be juxtaposition; I love modern nostalgia. Bespoke typography and color palettes definitely peak my interest the most. However, minimalist works oftentimes say more to me than any hot item could—if you know what I mean. Check out my pinterest here to get a feel for the sites, graphics, and interiors that are speaking to me at the moment.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could focus on the development side of things more. There’s an art to coding that I’ve learned to appreciate and become captivated by. This speaks to why I keep educating myself on the different languages because once you think you’re a pro, you stumble across a digital experience that absolutely astonishes you-–and I’m that type of person who just has to figure out the madness behind the art.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Prioritizing action items that don’t necessarily excite you i.e. accounting or legal work. While owning your own business is beyond exciting and something that I’m so grateful for, it’s also challenging to wear all that hats and focus on work when you’d rather be doing something else.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
100% social media help. It's not that I don't know what I'm doing regarding social communication or creating content; it's quite the opposite; however, I simply don't have the time to work on my studio's channels. It pains me to say that because I know how crucial they are for a thriving business.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Don’t be afraid to create. Don’t be afraid to value yourself and your work appropriately. Time is the only thing you won’t get back.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I want to know more about scaling a business. I would love to gain insights on the hard lessons learned when a company started, gained momentum, and peaked. Being a solo entrepreneur, it’s oftentimes all about trial and error. But honestly, it’d be nice to be steered in the right direction every once in a while. Any startup mentors out there wanting to connect?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking for 360 branding projects that transition into web design + dev projects. It's so fulfilling to create an identity and then create a unique space for that identity digitally. Doesn't matter if you're a person or a brand, but working with clients who need assistance communicating their 'why' to their audience is where I thrive — that creative connection from idea to person through a digital platform.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’m looking to work with inspired individuals who have a clear vision but can also keep their minds open to new ideas. I want this collaboration to be meaningful to both of us so excitement and passion are also important characteristics to me. I think a realistic budget and timeline are also key.
Q: What is your rate?
Are we talking branding or moving straight to web? Are we working with Shopify or Squarespace? Are you looking for site maintenance, or will you be in control post-launch? Fill out an inquiry form here, and I can better answer this question for you!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Fill out a client request form here or shoot me an email. Let's build something memorable together.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Team ilovecreatives Studio — Puno, Mindy, Sarah, and Maggie. This is not a trying to get extra brownie points remark; I'm absolutely inspired by these women every day. It's humbling to say this, but I've had the honor to work alongside this group on a couple of projects, and the knowledge I gained about design and the power of collaboration is priceless. Follow these creatives! They're doing cool sh!t.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Early morning wake-up + long walk + impeccable jams + cold plunge = the secret to creative success (you’re welcome <3)
This member profile was originally published in March 2022, updated in November 2023