Tyler James Oliver
Creative Web Developer / Founder of BLUEROOM Studios
Melbourne, AUS
blueroomstudios.co.au
instagram @blueroom.___ / @blueroom.studios
Q What do you do?
“Hey! I’m a creative web developer. I really love fun, sleek, minimal and cool as heck websites.”
I'm super keen on making websites to showcase who you are and what you do, while sprinkling in bits of personality wherever we can!
I also really enjoy helping people, whether I'm teaching a new skill or working alongside someone - that's the kind of stuff that keeps me going, I love seeing a smile on someone's face after I've helped them! :)
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I'm 25 years old and have been interested in programming and design since forever. Up until a year ago I was pretty much self taught - just creating stuff here and there, watching tutorials and coding small things with the process of trial and error. I've started multiple ecom businesses creating my clothes and selling t-shirts and hoodies using screen printing techniques, heat press and also bleach and a paintbrush. This led me Shopify where I learnt a lot and created my first custom theme using WebFlow. I didn't think about it much at the time, but I really loved creating my own theme and standing out from every other free basic theme on Shopify. Anyway, COVID hit and long story short I kinda had to shut my clothing stuff down but still needed a creative outlet, so I turned back to web design!
Last year I took a proper front end developer course and it's taught me A LOT, and so now I'm feeling much more confident in my skills and can condense the past 10+ years of learning into all my future projects ★
Q How do you stand out in your field?
BEING MYSELF! I'll always try to bring a fresh take to a project and keep authenticity. I like big, bold text, stylish fonts and icons/images. I love using icons/images to express without having to use words and elevate designs through that. I also try to put micro interactions wherever I can to liven up a web page.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently creating a few Shopify themes for two of my friends. One runs a little creative arts business where they make mosaic plinths and paint on villa board. The other is a super good ceramicist and creates beautiful metallic pieces! I'm also doing some freelance work here and there but would love to do more Shopify theme/web dev from scratch sorta vibe!
Q What’s your style?
I really love big bold text and black and white themes (also head over heels small and minimal designs!). Smooth transitions and motion design really gets me going too haha. I feel like I try and capture these themes on my website while keeping it simple enough for people to understand what I'm trying to offer. I'd love to go crazy on a project though.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'd love to focus more on my web development and work with like minded people and small creatives. I'd love to get more into the design field too, just to expand my knowledge and skills in that area.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Socials and marketing is probably my biggest frustration right now. While I enjoy making websites, I don't really have that extra time to sell myself. I'm trying to figure out how to find new clients and crack into my niche a little more.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I'd love someone who could do socials for me. Marketing myself is a tough hurdle, especially while trying to stay humble. Someone who could help find me clients would be a major boost in my productivity!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I believe everything happens for a reason... But if I had to choose, I'd go back to when I was 18 and tell myself to stay true to what I want and who I wanna be. It's so important to look after yourself and I feel like you can get lost sometimes, but everything works out in the end.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Gaining insight on how someone else markets themselves would be super helpful I think.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking to work with other creatives so my skills can shine! I'd love to work with small brands who are looking to enhance their online presence. I'd also be keen to start making Shopify/Squarespace themes for others to buy and use on their own and offer my ongoing support.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I really wanna work with people who are on the same page as me. Someone who wants to create something minimal, fun, sleek, big, bold beautiful... Really anything that seems like fun!
Q What is your rate?
I want to feel like I'm accessible! Typically open to working with clients with a strict budget but generally to craft a Shopify/Squarespace website it would start at around $2000 AUD depending on the complexity of the project. I've got an hourly rate of $80 AUD.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Easiest way is to reach me on my website.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Tulsi Vanstone - Amazing Ceramicist and Graphic Designer! ★
Bayley Kilpin - Creates the coolest paintings and mosaics you've ever seen! ★
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I try escape the house! Get back in touch with my surroundings and explore some nature!
This member profile was originally published in September 2023