Web Pro Savvy

Embark on a transformative journey with us as we sit down with Laura Hulleman, the mastermind behind the Endotype Formula, and unravel the true essence of branding that goes far beyond eye-catching designs. In a candid conversation, Laura shares her evolution from personal trainer to branding guru, underscoring the vital connection between a business owner's persona and their brand identity. Dive into the revelation of how ali...

Is G.I.F. pronounced GIF or JIF? Join me, Cathy Sirvatka, as we dig into the amusing argument surrounding this well-known graphic format. We'll journey back to its beginnings, exploring the creators' original intent for its pronunciation. Spoiler alert: there's no wrong way to say it! 

We also get into its features as compared to the JPG and its historical role in web graphics. It's time to settle the d...

Ever wondered how your website design could impact someone with a disability? Join me as I chat with Vanessa Russo, a passionate web designer and WordPress UI/UX design teacher, who opens up a new perspective on website accessibility. She shares with us the often overlooked importance of creating accessible and inclusive websites.

Our enlightening conversation delves into different facets of website design - color contrast...

There are a lot of questions surrounding AI (Artificial Intelligence), especially for those of us who work in web design. Is it ethical to use AI tools like ChatGPT in our workflow? Will AI replace the need for web designers? I address these questions and more today with my guest, Matt Gilliam.

Matt is an innovative and creative freelance graphic and web designer, and he’s been using AI in his web design business since 2021.

He has t...

Today I talk with Kim Kopec, a freelance web designer in Kalamazoo, MI. Kim shares her experience and strategies for acquiring a clientele that she loves. 

Like many of us, Kim started out bartering her services with clients just to get work and grow her portfolio. She talks about how it was in the very beginning of starting her business and how her client acquisition evolved over the years to the point where she now just focuses on...

How do you get new clients? 

Should you work within a specific niche?  What exactly is a niche? You may hear the word a lot but aren't sure whether it means you should focus on a specific client type, or industry, or location.

When you first start your freelance web design business or if you have decided to niche in a specific way, you have to do extra work to acquire a client base. You have to build that new reputatio...

Have you ever considered using Wix as your website development tool?

Maybe you’ve thought Wix isn’t a viable tool for true professional web designers. Perhaps you’ve selected another CMS platform and you’re sticking with it because of the time, energy, blood, sweat and tears you’ve put into it to become proficient.

I get it. Up until 2010, I was still using Dreamweaver and creating HTML websites. Working with a CMS was a wh...

Does the thought of finding new clients stress you out? 

The ups and downs of work and income for a freelance web professional can be overwhelming. Finding the illusive steady income stream can seem like the proverbial needle in a haystack. Of course there are many ways to grow your clientele. Among them is a platform called Upwork.

For those who don’t know, Upwork is a website freelancers can join and apply for projects; t...

Working as a freelance web designer and/or developer is becoming more popular with each passing year. COVID caused many people to reflect on their lives and jobs. Many have chosen to work for themselves, thus relieving them from frustrating commutes, exasperating bosses, and the overall feeling of being stuck in a job they don't really care about. Freelance website work is the perfect work-from-where-ever-you-want, set-your-ow...