Like many independent designers, the majority of my work comes through word-of-mouth. Referrals, repeat clients, and community connections have always been the heartbeat of my business.

The Green Spot Santa Cruz recently transitioned to new ownership and needed a website that reflected their personality while honoring the history of the space.

Recently, my son Shane (age 11) and I were honored to be asked to redesign the website for Tarwater Creek Winery, a small, family-run vineyard tucked away in the redwoods of La Honda, California. This historic property sits deep in one of the most unique landscapes of the Bay Area — a place where coastal fog, mountain air, and old-growth redwoods all converge to create something truly special.

Not all client meetings begin in a historic old-timey saloon, but this one did.

I first met Richard Van Horn—AKA Rick, as he's known to the locals—at one of our shared haunts, a dusty, well-loved tavern that feels like a time capsule from California’s wilder days.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Stephanie Dole—aka Beetlelady—for nearly eight years now, and from the very beginning, I was struck by her passion for bugs and her unique ability to share that love with absolutely anyone. Whether it’s a casual chat in a coffee shop or a full-blown presentation to a room of curious kids, Stephanie brings the same infectious energy and genuine wonder to every interaction.

I recently had the pleasure of designing a new website for Lisa A. Clayton—founder of the Inner Leader Movement, author, intuitive coach, and someone I’ve been honored to know and collaborate with for over 18 years. It’s always special when personal connection meets creative collaboration, and this project was no exception.

It was an absolute joy to rebuild the website for Carolyn Tillie, a California-based artist, author, and metalsmith whose work spans the worlds of food, jewelry, and fine art. Carolyn’s unique voice and perspective needed a digital space that felt as compelling and layered as her creations — and this project gave me the opportunity to bring that vision to life.

As a web designer, I love collaborating with innovative companies to bring their digital presence to life. It’s not often that an Emmy award-winning production company approaches you for help, so it was a true honor to work with Heather Greer and her team at Black Tartan Studios.

Designing logos is always a rewarding experience, but some projects hold an extra layer of meaning. One such project was the logo for Trail to Table, a business founded by Tanya Robinette, a La Honda, CA local who brings her passion for foraging, herbal medicine, and community-centered cooking to life.

As a designer, I believe in the power of design to make a difference. That’s why I dedicate 20% of my work to pro bono projects that support organizations creating meaningful change in their communities.

One of my favorite parts of being a graphic designer is working on unique projects, and I was thrilled when local musician (and postman!) Jack Mullins asked me to create print flyers for his band, Postman Jack & The Special Deliveries.

As a graphic and website designer, I've encountered a phenomenon I like to call the "friends and family" effect. This happens when someone gets close to the end of a project and decides to show it to their friends and family.

Not all design projects are created equal. Some carry immense weight and importance, transcending aesthetics and delving into the realm of life-saving information.

I recently was asked by a customer which online platform is better for selling: Etsy or Shopify.

In my recent venture as a freelance web designer, I embraced the challenge of crafting the online presence of Dustin Simms Plumbing and Pumps, a well-respected business here on the California Coastside.

Create a visually appealing and user-friendly website for Adventure Paws Dog Training that showcases Chelsea Robbins' unique services and emphasizes the bond between dogs and their owners.

By blending the existing quail element with modern design concepts, coastal imagery, forest green inspired by the Santa Cruz mountains, and the addition of a vintage water pump symbolizing the business's ties to generations-long family farms, this new logo for Dustin Simms Plumbing and Pumps aims to capture the essence of the California Coastside.

Starting a small business can be a daunting task. In addition to the challenges of creating the business itself, you may find that, for the first time, you need the assistance of creative professionals.

Fonts play a pivotal role in conveying the personality, mood, and overall aesthetics of your design, be it for a website, a brochure, or a social media post.

Design Case Study: Adventure Paws Training Black and White Logo and Business Card.