I never thought finding a website designer in Jacksonville would lead me on such an adventure. As a small business owner selling handcrafted surfboards, I needed a site that captured the laid-back vibe of our coastal community while still being professional. Little did I know, this quest would take me from the beaches to the urban core of our diverse city.
My journey began at a local surf shop where I overheard a customer raving about their new business website. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation and got the designer's contact info. This led me to a co-working space in Riverside, where I met a young, enthusiastic designer who exuded creativity. His portfolio was impressive, full of sleek designs for local restaurants and boutiques. Excited by the prospect, I was ready to sign on the spot. But a wise mentor once told me to always get multiple quotes, so I decided to explore further. I posted in a Jacksonville small business Facebook group, asking for recommendations. The responses were overwhelming - from solo freelancers to established agencies, it seemed everyone knew "the perfect person" for the job. One recommendation stood out - a designer who specialized in outdoor and adventure brands. Her office was located in a converted shipping container at Jax Beach, which immediately piqued my interest. Our meeting was unconventional; we discussed my vision while paddleboarding at sunrise. Her unique approach and understanding of the surf culture were exactly what I was looking for. However, my excitement was tempered when I received her quote. It was significantly higher than I had budgeted. Determined to make it work, I attended a Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce networking event, hoping to find more affordable options. There, I met a recent UNF graduate eager to build his portfolio. His rates were much more in line with my budget, but I had concerns about his lack of experience. We agreed to a trial project - redesigning my logo - before committing to a full website build. While the young designer worked on my logo, I stumbled upon a flyer at Bold Bean Coffee Roasters advertising web design services. This led me to a self-taught designer who had transitioned from a career in environmental science. Her unique background intrigued me, and her portfolio showcased a perfect blend of technical skill and artistic flair. We met at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, drawing inspiration from the beautiful surroundings as we discussed my project. Her holistic approach to design, considering both aesthetics and functionality, impressed me. She asked thoughtful questions about my target audience and long-term business goals, demonstrating a level of strategic thinking I hadn't encountered with the other designers. After much deliberation, I decided to collaborate with this former scientist-turned-designer. We kicked off the project with a brainstorming session at One Ocean Resort, where the sound of crashing waves and the sight of surfers provided the perfect backdrop for creativity. Throughout the design process, we faced challenges - from disagreements over color schemes to technical hiccups. But her problem-solving skills and patience shone through. She even suggested incorporating local elements into the design, like using a texture inspired by the bark of Jacksonville's iconic oak trees for the background. As the website took shape, I realized how fortunate I was to have explored so many options. Each designer I met contributed something to my vision, even if indirectly. The final product was a beautiful fusion of ideas - the sleekness from the co-working space designer, the adventure spirit from the paddleboarding consultant, and the technical prowess of the UNF graduate. Looking back, my search for a website designer turned into a journey through Jacksonville's vibrant creative community. It opened my eyes to the diverse talent our city harbors and the unique perspectives each individual brings to their craft. The resulting website not only showcases my surfboards but also embodies the spirit of Jacksonville - a perfect blend of urban energy and coastal charm. https://www.bunity.com/williams-media https://www.anibookmark.com/business/williams-media-bs253456.html _______________________________________________ Isbg mailing list -- isbg@python.org To unsubscribe send an email to isbg-le...@python.org https://mail.python.org/mailman3/lists/isbg.python.org/ Member address: arch...@mail-archive.com
