I’m Steve, the freelance designer and developer behind Envy Creative. From my first agency role in the early 2000s to working with clients around the world, I’ve always loved bringing design and technology together.
I’ve always had a passion for design and web development. Over more than 20 years, I’ve worked in agencies, retail and education, and with clients from all corners of the world.
These days, I work independently from Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley. You deal directly with me, from the first conversation through the design, development and the work that follows.
What matters to me is understanding the people behind a business: what you want to achieve, how you work and what your customers need.
Each move gave me a different view of what people need from the web, and eventually led me to working for myself.
Early 2000s
Starting out in the care sector
I left school in the early 2000s and joined an agency specialising in care home websites and the wider care sector. It was my first opportunity to turn a love of design and web development into work for real businesses.
Retail & e-commerce
Seeing the website from the retailer’s side
Looking for a new challenge, I moved to a retail business, developing and managing its online shop. Working within the business gave me a closer view of how an e-commerce website fits into everyday operations.
Education
Building tools for teachers and pupils
I then worked for a high school, developing online learning platforms and tools to help teachers manage pupil data and track progress. These projects needed to be useful day to day and straightforward for the school to manage once the development was complete.
Senior developer
Returning to agency life
Once the school’s projects were complete and could be managed internally, I returned to agency work as a senior developer. The agency worked across all kinds of website projects, giving me the opportunity to work with clients in a wide range of sectors.
Full-time freelance
Choosing a closer connection
After a few years in that role, I wanted to work more closely with clients and get a better feel for the people I was building for. That led me to become a full-time freelancer.
Over the years, I’ve worked with some great people, taking the time to understand their businesses, objectives and ways of working. Those relationships are a big part of why I enjoy what I do.
A lasting passion
Always learning. Looking closely.
I’ve watched the web grow from static pages designed for 800 × 600 screens to fully functioning, responsive web applications. That constant change is one of the reasons I still love the work.
I bring a keen eye for detail to each project, from the layout and typography to the small interactions and the way the finished website works for the people using it.
Working together
An extension of your business.
I care about the work I do and the people I do it for. I like to see myself as an extension of your business, working with you to support its growth.
Understand the business
I take time to learn what you do, who you want to reach and what you want to achieve, so the work follows your priorities.
Work directly together
You speak to the person designing and building the work. We can talk through ideas, feedback and practical decisions together.
Build a lasting relationship
I want to get to know your business over time, with room to develop the website and supporting design as your needs change.
Your privacy, your choice
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