I describe a day in the life of an Inverness web designer in this post, creating web design projects and e-commerce websites for my local Inverness clientele.
My days as an Inverness-based web designer are as varied as they are rewarding. I completely thrive on the special possibilities and difficulties that come with living and working in the Scottish Highlands.
By creating websites for nearby companies, I’m doing more than simply working in front of a computer; I’m giving back to the Highland community and assisting others in sharing their passions with the world. As a web designer from Inverness, allow me to describe my normal workday.
Morning: Getting Inspired to Start the Day
I’ve always thought that your morning routine determines the rest of your day. I start my mornings with a strong cup of coffee made in my favourite Aeropress. The night before, I make sure I know what my primary responsibilities for the day are, which include saving the project template in Notion (you can obtain templates here for practically any reason).
To get myself in a creative frame of mind for the day, I browse inspiring design websites like Behance, Swiss Miss, and Wallpaper while I’m drinking. After this, I usually start going over the comments I’ve received from my different clients.
The peaceful setting of Inverness inspires creativity; there’s something about the calm mornings here that helps me concentrate.
On certain mornings, I’ll even go for a little stroll by the River Ness before starting work. It helps me decompress and frequently inspires original thoughts. I really think that nature can be just as inspiring as technology.
Mid-Morning: Starting Design Tasks
I’m usually completely absorbed in my web design job by midmorning. I feel most productive and content during this portion of the day. Today’s creative projects include creating a landing page in Elementor Pro for James Abell, a highly skilled digital artist from the Highlands, designing new stationery for the University of Highlands and Islands, and, if I ever get around to it, creating a graphic design for a local whisky startup. At this time, I find that any job I work on in the Inverness area is quite fulfilling.
I constantly make an effort to communicate with my clients. The secret to being successful as a web designer is to be communicative in all facets of these design projects. I particularly like describing how a specific layout enhances end user usability or why a particular colour scheme works.
This is one of the reasons I usually begin the web development process with Figma, which enables our clients to participate actively in the process of website prototype. An average Highlands designer must comprehend the fundamentals of market reach and overall design strategy; it’s not just about all the gorgeous pictures.
Lunch: Getting in Touch and Refuelling
I make it a point to get away from my desk when noon arrives (sometimes I forgo meals to spend time with the dogs). I’ll get a fast sandwich and go to the Ness Islands if the weather is decent, which is only truly in the summer. I’ve discovered that even a half-hour break helps me be much more productive in the afternoon.
Being able to enjoy nature just outside your door is one of the nicest things about working as a web designer in Inverness. People from the Highlands like this place, and I’m not an exception. I believe that being here gives me a kind of competitive edge.
I occasionally utilise this opportunity to get in touch with some of the Inverness local companies. Being a web designer in a community as close-knit as the Highlands requires a lot of networking. After stopping for a brief conversation with another website designer, I continued talking about possible joint ventures in Inverness. My career in web development is greatly enhanced and rewarded by these professional relationships. I’m reminded of our differences by the distinct perspectives that designers from this community share. We just belong to a unique breed.
Taking on Technical Tasks in the Afternoon
I usually get down to business and work on the technical parts of site design in the afternoons. This might entail creating a unique feature, integrating e-commerce platforms like Woocommerce, configuring domains and hosting for businesses in Inverness, or just optimising a website for search engines using a tool like Page Speed Insights. This is a crucial aspect of my work as an Inverness web designer, and although some people may find it boring, I really find it to be quite fulfilling. Seeing a website come to life after resolving technical issues throughout the web development process is really fulfilling.
I try to be thankful and constantly ask myself how many people get to live in the Highlands, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth, while working for a web design firm that has won awards, creating everything from cutting-edge websites to logos, and getting paid for it.
Late afternoon: Consultations with clients and teamwork
I often meet with members of the design team or our clients in Inverness as the day goes on. Sometimes I’ll see someone in person if they’re based in Inverness, but these may be virtual on Discord (yes, we use Discord, not Zoom). I like this direct communication since it’s simpler to see how they’re responding and establish a solid relationship when you’re in person.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that controlling expectations is just as crucial to being a great Inverness web designer as meeting customer needs. In order to help my customers achieve their goals, I constantly try to strike a balance between listening to their requirements and gently leading them in the right direction. It’s my responsibility to explain why a different strategy could be preferable when a customer insists on a feature that I know isn’t realistic. Although it might be challenging, I truly like that aspect of working with others.
Evening: Concluding and Contemplating
Reviewing my accomplishments and establishing goals for the next day are how I prefer to end my day. I also consider the wider picture at this point. For local company owners who genuinely care about their companies’ success, being an Inverness web designer means more than simply creating stunning websites; you also need to make something purposeful and results-driven. Highlands businesses have lofty aspirations, so it’s critical that, as the designer, I share their vision’s breadth and depth.
To put it mildly, it gives me great satisfaction to watch a customer flourish as a result of the job I’ve done. Knowing that I’ve contributed significantly to their narrative is what I ultimately find most satisfying, whether it’s a startup in Inverness getting traction or creating an e-commerce website for a venerable shop like Mortimers of Speyside, which has been in business for over a century.
By Doug Mackay
An Inverness web designer and founder of the Inverness Design Studio
What aspects of working as a creative in Inverness do you find most fulfilling? Connect with me on LinkedIn and share your story.
FAQs Concerning Inverness Web Design
1. What makes Inverness web design special?
Inverness has a unique personality that combines modernism and heritage. Here, designing frequently entails showcasing the distinctive narratives of nearby companies, which I find quite satisfying.
2. How do you maintain your motivation?
Nature, regional culture, and even the difficulties of any undertaking may serve as sources of inspiration. A stroll through the Highlands is a wonderful way to clear your head and spark new ideas.
3. What’s the hardest part of your job?
It can be challenging to strike a balance between realistic design solutions and client expectations, but doing so is what makes the work so fulfilling.
4. How do you manage your time effectively?
I utilise both traditional lists and digital technologies. Maintaining organisation is essential while managing several tasks.
5. What guidance would you provide those who want to become web designers?
Focus on building strong relationships. Design skills are important, but the ability to connect with clients and understand their needs is what sets you apart.
6. Why do you love being a web designer in Inverness?
It’s the ideal fusion of art, technology, and interpersonal relationships, in my opinion. Every project has a backstory, and I enjoy contributing to that.
