Tess Coniglio
Q What do you do?
“G’DAY! I love to work with people-driven brands who are ecstatic about their products and services.”
Creatives, solopreneurs and small biz owners looking for a strong digital game through desirable design and deep connection.
This kind of go-getter mentality led me to start Digital Moves, A Web Design and Branding Studio. Delivering bad-ass websites that are easy on the eyes and functional enough for your grandma to navigate. Websites so captivating, not only will we hit your audience in that *sweet spot* but you’ll be visiting your own website on the daily and thinking.. Damn, that’s my digs.
I work with Squarespace + Wix on new digital dot com’s, re-branding glow ups and hourly based design outsourcing. I approach a sustainable practice to your digital experience, a stress-free perspective from the moment we collaborate to your independence on maintaining your website.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’ve always been creative at heart, I spent over 10 years in fashion as a visual merchandiser, you could say it’s the IRL version of building a visual display but with a drill and paint instead of a keyboard and code. When the world shut down, I shifted digitally and completed the ILoveCreatives Squarespace Design course. Since then, I launched my biz Digital Moves in supporting fellow creatives and service-based small businesses in creating their dream digital dot com's.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I’ve always worked in fields that are ever-evolving and fields that keep me learning, web design is no exception. I’m a qualified Clinical Pilates teacher so naturally my niche has been the wellness & fitness industry. I’m someone who clients can relate with on their business needs. I am actively engaged in the industry and passionate about fitness and wellness, so my unique perspective has supported them in the wellness space to adapt into the modern digital space.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m working with a Melbourne based Pilates Studio on a funky, flirty and FUN digital glow-up. This one is very close to my heart as this was the first studio where I started my Pilates career. I’m also collaborating with Squarespace and one of their partners in the wellness space on workshops to support their community of creatives to build websites on their own.
Q What’s your style?
My style could be seen as modern meets funky. I love bold colours, curved lines and animation. I started to let go of the minimal aesthetic as personally, this doesn’t align with my design groove. I think style can also change/evolve based on preferences and influence so I really enjoy showcasing where my style goes through my own website.
As I’ve designed many websites for businesses in the same industry, it’s easily noted that there is a pattern of a clean aesthetic. I think people play it a little too safe and are fearful that their true expression of style is embedded too deeply into their business, that people might not resonate with it. I say – YOU DO YOU, don’t be afraid to show it, you’d be surprised at who ends up coming your way and how freeing that is.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Being a slashie, I go through ebbs & flows on where I can drive my focus. Right now, I’m focusing on developing my graphic design skills to break down barriers I come across in web design. I think my focus generally shifts depending on what project I’m working on. I don’t have all the answers but I’m driven to figure it out and for the most part, that’s how I’ve developed the skills I have.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Definitely the marketing side of my own business, I've been very blessed that all my projects have come from word of mouth or people seeing one of my websites in the wild. Right now, I’m trying to figure out how to connect with people who might want to work with me on social media and what they want to see/engage with. When that doesn't come naturally it feels frustrating – no-one likes feeling like social media is working against you, which is why my socials end up at the bottom of my to-do list.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Hah! I feel like this is obvious – Social media manager, for sure! Someone who can plan out my week and collaborate on ideas. I actually enjoy creating videos/reels/posts but I need help with ideas and engagement opportunities.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Oooph, definitely the finances side. I was never organized when it came around to tax time and with more slashies comes more uncertainty on what I need for the financial year. I wish I told past-Tess to do ya research girl, and not leave it till the last minute. *still learning*
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’m always DTC - Down to collaborate. Because I know where my skill-set lies. Copywriting ain’t my strongest skill and I know the importance of it. I’ve worked with some incredible copywriters on past projects who have offered insight into words that zing! This is definitely on my raider to further invest my time into.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Creatives and small service-based businesses who appreciate a strong digital presence and are looking for a custom-build website. As much as my niche is towards the fitness & wellness industry I’d love to work with other service-based businesses like a cafe or a rad wine bar. I’m a passionate natural wine drinker, free samples are welcomed my way.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
As vague as this sounds, I’m down for anything. I thrive off human connection and the privilege to understand the desires and needs of people-driven brands. Understanding what makes you tick, gets me excited! As I’ve mentioned, my niche has been the wellness and fitness space. I would love to branch away from this and work with other small businesses like an up-and-coming wine bar, maybe a new bathhouse or a florist to showcase their work.
Q What is your rate?
I offer different options on how we can work together - A new Squarespace or Wix website typically starts at $3800, depending on your existing assets and what your needs are.
Maybe you only need me by the hour (wink wink), my rate is $75/h to support with: Additional pages, social media templates, website audits and anything my skills can serve.
My business is based more on a customized approach, so filling out my project inquiry form will allow me to assess what you need and how I can best support those needs.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Slide into my DM’s on instagram or fill out my project inquiry form over at www.digitalmoves.com.au/bookings
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Tiny Disco - Creative direction
Hattie Malloy - Florist extraordinaire
Jackson Grant - Photography that brings joy
Alyce Greer - Boss copywriting
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I'm most creative with music, check out my DESIGN GROOVE playlist in my about page.
This member profile was originally published in April 2023