![Ema @ TUA | The Umbrella Agency](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--0QDp_bHn--/c_fill,f_webp,h_400,q_auto,w_400/v1/thervo/user-media/prod/approved/provider/632b94017a4c4159f968ad74/profile/T0f2Kpbp2/Ema-BW-Headshot-Full.jpg)
About
With over 15 years of experience and a keen eye for typography, bold color palettes, and unconventional layouts, I create visually striking and memorable websites to break free from traditional grid systems. Clients value my humor, prompt, thoughtful communication, and unwavering reliability.
My high client retention rate speaks to my ability to manage multiple ongoing projects as a trusted partner. SEO optimization and accessibility are integral to my web design process, ensuring your site performs well with search engines and is enjoyable for all users across all devices.
From custom-coded websites and logo branding, social media content, package design, book interiors and covers, I design it all and work joyfully until you are 100% satisfied.
Specialties
Website work needed
Website type
Website platform
Amount of content provided
Deadline
Budget
Photos and videos
![Subscription-based Web Design](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--SxeNWu_t--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/thervo/user-media/prod/approved/provider/632b94017a4c4159f968ad74/portfolio/-2v_lwzFa/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-27%20at%204.13.56%20PM.png)
![Subscription-based Web Design](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--SpXyhSya--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/thervo/user-media/prod/approved/provider/632b94017a4c4159f968ad74/portfolio/3YbhaFQuCx/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-27%20at%204.13.01%20PM.png)
![wendychuck.com](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--8w4uSe2g--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/thervo/user-media/prod/approved/provider/632b94017a4c4159f968ad74/portfolio/DEENyg71k/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-27%20at%204.16.32%20PM.png)
![Real Estate Website](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--0vMtCoGk--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/thervo/user-media/prod/approved/provider/632b94017a4c4159f968ad74/portfolio/FG_yQshnk/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-27%20at%204.18.19%20PM.png)
![elzapatosb.com](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--ZFZXcv-6--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/thervo/user-media/prod/approved/provider/632b94017a4c4159f968ad74/portfolio/SMBdVVqvZ/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-27%20at%204.23.53%20PM.png)
![elzapatosb.com](https://res.cloudinary.com/liaison-inc/image/upload/s--ZFZXcv-6--/c_scale,f_webp,q_auto,w_600/v1/thervo/user-media/prod/approved/provider/632b94017a4c4159f968ad74/portfolio/SMBdVVqvZ/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-27%20at%204.23.53%20PM.png)
Reviews
derek S.
rajiv P.
elizabeth C.
bryan P.
cliff T.
penelope B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically begin with a brief consultation regarding overall creative direction, your budget and timeline, desired platform(s), whether or not you have gathered assets or need them created, and your final goals over email, phone, or Zoom.
I provide several options depending on your needs and give expert guidance based on your responses and desired outcomes.
Once we agree on the creative direction, budget, and timeline, the work begins immediately upon receipt of a deposit.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Educational background in art, graphic design, and architecture. Additional ongoing courses and certification in coding languages HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Specific rates are provided with quotes but my philosophy on pricing is thus:
Pick 2 but you can't have all 3:
FAST • CHEAP • GOOD
Good + Fast = Expensive
Choose good and fast and I will postpone every other job, cancel all appointments and stay up 25-hours a day just to get your job done. But, don't expect it to be cheap.
Good + Cheap = Slow
Choose good and cheap and I will do a great job for a discounted price, but be patient until I have a free moment from paying clients.
Fast + Cheap = Inferior
Choose fast and cheap and expect an inferior job delivered on time. You get what you pay for, and in my opinion, this is the least favorable choice of the three. (Honestly, I never deliver the Fast + Cheap combo. Call someone else. I won't be mad about it).
How did you get started in this business?
A lifelong designer, I began formal, old-school commercial art training in high school and college, before Photoshop and the internet. Digital art and communication changed my life in the early 90s; the rest is history.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Spirited visionaries in the following fields, and counting:
Artists
Musicians
Filmmakers
Entrepreneurs
Gallery owners
Photographers
Sound designers
Interior designers
Costume designers
Actors & Comedians
Business Owners | All Sizes
Bakeries Restaurants Grocery stores
Nonprofits
Skin Care spas & brands
Lawyers & Doctors
Authors & Book publishers
Realtors
Clothing companies
Recycling companies
Software companies
Marketing experts
Nutritional coaches
Yoga instructors
Retail stores
Jewelers
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Not a single event per se, but every website redesign or makeover involving a platform switch or to modernize for our ever-changing technical landscape brings me a thrill every time.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Tell your story on your website or design project. Be it for business, a cause, a product, a service, or to promote your creative identity/work.
The language you choose and how you complient it with color scheme and imagery is a huge factor in drawing the attention of the clients, customers, or supporters you seek.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Will add to this over time but generally:
• What is your budget and timeline?
• For websites: Will you be managing the site or do you need it maintained? (If you will manage it, I create video tutorials of everything you'll need to know about the site we've just created. We can do this over a screen sharing service and record it, or I can create individual tutorials to arm you with knowledge from the beginning and at every step along the way). I am also always available for ongoing support as needed. Just let me know your preferred learning method.
• Do you need a logo and if so, is it for print, web, or both?
• Have you researched your competitors and do you have search term keywords in mind for your business, or do you need them generated for you? (ie; Have you thought about the words people will type into search engines to find your business?)
• Do you have a color scheme or design motif in mind?
• Are there websites or designs you absolutely love as inspiration, or, want to avoid at all costs? (This helps me know where to navigate your project for the quickest (ah-ha YES!) outcomes.
• Have you gathered assets or do you need original content created for your project? (ie; text docs, images, graphics, SEO terms, videos, animations, etc).
• If you are open to using stock or AI-generated imagery, do you have ideas about that, and do you have a budget to purchase or generate said assets?
... to be continued