A web designer who will listen, explain things properly and take your business seriously

I'm Jess, the designer and developer behind Punk Web Design.

I help small business owners turn what makes them good at their work into a website their customers can understand, trust and remember.

I'll bring the web expertise, but you will always remain the expert on your own business.

Why Punk Web Design exists

Small businesses deserve better than generic websites

Too many business owners are left choosing between a restrictive template, an intimidating DIY project, or an agency process that makes them feel like a very small client.

I started Punk Web Design to offer something different: thoughtful, technically solid websites, created through a direct and collaborative relationship.

You will work with me throughout the project. There are no account managers, unexplained handovers, or layers of people between you and the person doing the work.

Why "Punk"?

It does not mean every website has to be black, spiky, or covered in safety pins

To me, punk means questioning the default instead of doing something just because everyone else does it.

It means building a website around your actual business rather than following a fashionable template. It means communicating honestly, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and making deliberate creative choices.

Your website could be soft and elegant, bright and playful, clean and reassuring, or loud and unconventional.

It should look like your business, not mine and not your competitors'.

Experience

Creative thinking backed by technical experience

I have two Computer Science degrees, including a Master's with Distinction, and more than a decade of professional experience.

During that time, I have worked on digital projects for startups, major clients, and globally recognised brands. I have led development work, created interactive experiences, and mentored other people working in technology.

That background means I understand what is happening beneath the surface of a website, not just how to make the homepage look attractive.

I consider performance, accessibility, maintainability, usability, and search visibility as part of the design process.

Just as importantly, I know how to explain those things without making you feel as though you should already understand them.

Technology should not make people feel stupid

My grandma once took a course called “Computing for the Terrified”, partly so she could understand and talk to me about computers.

I noticed that, whenever she struggled with badly designed software, she blamed herself instead of the software.

That stayed with me.

People should not have to work hard to understand a website, and they should never feel embarrassed because an interface is confusing. Good design quietly helps people find what they need and feel confident about what to do next.

That principle influences every website I create.

What working with me is like

I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing unfinished ideas, and telling me when something does not feel right.

When we work together, you can expect:

  • Direct communication with the person doing the work
  • Explanations in plain English
  • Honest recommendations based on your goals and budget
  • A collaborative process with regular opportunities for feedback
  • Respect for your knowledge of your own customers
  • Patience when you need help with the technical parts
  • Ongoing support after the website launches

I will make recommendations and explain my reasoning, but I will not try to force your business into my preferred style.

What people say about working with me

“From design to development, Jess has led the creation of multiple excellent pieces of interactive creative content that have engaged potential clients and generated leads.”

- Bryan Nott, Places in Common

“Jess is ace. Entrusted to lead work with hugely important clients and globally-recognised brands, Jess is a technically gifted developer, methodical problem solver and great communicator who can be depended upon to consistently deliver high-quality work.”

- Daniel Bogod, ENSEK

“I had an Android app developed and knew that UX wasn't one of my strong suits. Jess provided tons of VERY thorough recommendations! She's one of the clearest communicators I've worked with and had some great UX ideas. I implemented all of them.”

- Ryan Hildebrandt, OpsKings

Personal note

I still believe the web should be interesting

I grew up with the wonderfully strange internet of the 1990s, when websites felt experimental, personal, and full of surprises.

The original Space Jam website is one of the examples that stayed with me. It was chaotic, but it was memorable and genuinely fun to explore.

Modern websites need to be faster, clearer and easier to use, but they do not all need to look identical.

Punk Web Design is my attempt to combine the personality of the early web with the usability and technical standards people rightly expect today.