Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Donelli.
Laura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started out as a working single parent and decided to go back to college. I started taking some graphic arts courses and I discovered I really loved graphic arts design. I decided to work towards an associate in applied science in multimedia. While I was taking my college courses, I was lucky to find a part-time job working for a web marketing service. The owner wanted to pursue other avenues so she referred two of her clients to me. Thus, began Web Dezign Studio, LLC! My tagline is “Creating your online presence.”
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a web design business is not easy, it requires diligence, drive, and tenacity. It is difficult to find new customers. I put in long nights. Balancing work and family life can be a real challenge. It helps to have family and friends for support and encouragement.
In this field, you always need to keep up with all the new technology, trends, and tools. I look for inspiration where ever I can: online, magazines, video tutorials. Connecting with other web designers and developers helps too. Generally, they are a great group of professionals that like to help and offer advice. No matter what you choose to do in life you have to have the passion and drive to succeed and a great support system. Believe in your self and never give up.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have a web and graphic design company. I provide customized websites to small- to medium-sized businesses and non-profits. I really enjoy connecting with my customers and working with them. My clients range from film producers to animal shelters. I’m able to combine my creative skills with the customer’s expertise to come up with solutions and designs that best represent their company and culture. My customers aren’t just buying a website, they are buying a service from me. I want them to have a great experience and to share their stories with me.
The website that I am most proud of and was especially challenging for me was for a local environmental group. It was a large site that needs updating and re-organizing. To help a non-profit championing a cause I believe in. I would say what has been most rewarding is working with some pretty amazing people through my web and graphic design business. They have touched my life. My passions are web design, graphic design, and photography.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago has great opportunities for someone like me. There are many businesses that would benefit from having an online presence and engaging their customers. It would be to their advantage to work with local vendors who provide personalized web service to help connect them to local businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.webdezignstudio.com
- Phone: 847-457-1276
- Email: laura@webdezignstudio.com
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/webdezignstudio
Image Credit:
Laura Donelli
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