The early years

Jody Russell
I have been designing websites since late 1996 in the days when web design was strictly gray pages with black text and there was barely a WWW. In fact, my first Thunder Communications business website was created in 1998 — at a time when websites were thought of as more a technology tool than a communication tool.
For many years, I coded the websites in HTML, the code that all sites were designed in. This is a skill that still comes in handy sometimes, believe it or not. Along the way, I learned database management, PHP, javascript — as well as how to leverage a website to maximize your exposure and communication reach.
Specializing in creative sorts
For many years, I have specialized in non profits and artists, with a smattering of dot.com businesses along the way. I thought of artists as part of the “non profit” world since they thought of themselves less as a business than a passion.
Yet what many of us have learned along the way is that being a good business person is essential to making a living with your craft. As a photographer myself, I found that how I communicated to others online, how I ran my business, and how I connected to people mattered at least as much the kind of photos I took.
Knowing how to drive people to your website, how to connect your site to social media and your social media to your website, and how to sell on your site are more and more critical.
WordPress is professional and easy
I design exclusively in WordPress currently, creating sites that you can maintain on your own. I work with you to customize the theme so you get a personal, custom site that reflects what you do.
You can always email me questions about how to do something and if I can teach you in an email, it’s free support.
One hour of free training comes with any design or redesign.