The Client &
the Challenge
Mezi approached me after several failed attempts with other designers. While she described herself as "not tech-savvy," she knew exactly what she wanted once she saw it. Mezi, an aesthetic and detail-oriented person, was searching for a website that balanced beauty with seriousness to tell her story effectively. Past designs had missed the mark in both look and feel.
Understanding
the Problem
During our initial discussions, Mezi found a website she adored and wanted to replicate. However, after meeting with her and digging deeper, I realized she was drawn to specific elements, not the entire design. This insight guided me as I began to incorporate those elements into an initial build using Webflow, ensuring her site had its own distinct character while reflecting the aspects she loved.
The Creative Process
Alongside the website build, I integrated the logo I had previously designed for Mezi and added custom animated elements created in After Effects. These animations were exported as JSON files using the Bodymovin extension to keep the site dynamic but sleek. When I presented the initial build, Mezi was thrilled with the direction. However, she wanted to incorporate her Instagram posts as blog entries—nearly 200 posts in total. I upgraded the site to a CMS to support this feature and set to work importing and styling the content.
Design Execution
In addition to her blog posts, Mezi needed web forms with a Stripe checkout option. We decided on embedding Jotform in modal pop-ups throughout the site to ensure a seamless experience for her users. Near the final stages, Mezi received updated headshots from her photographer, which I integrated into the site, showcasing nearly 50 new images.
Impact & Results
The project was more extensive than initially planned, but in the end, Mezi was thrilled with the final product. The site reflected her vision and allowed her to confidently present it to her clients and network. The CMS functionality and custom web forms ensured the site was both beautiful and highly functional.
Reflection
This project challenged me to find creative solutions tailored to Mezi’s unique needs. It was a growing experience, especially in terms of mastering Webflow and learning how to build a site from scratch on the platform. Although the project evolved in unexpected ways, it taught me the value of flexibility and deepened my understanding of responsive web design and CMS integration.
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