Over the past 13+ years, I’ve designed, built, and looked after websites for all sorts of organisations — from online shops to community groups and charities.
Most of my work begins with a simple sketch on paper and grows into a site that is easy to use, easy to update, and pleasant to look at.
Some of these websites are still going strong; others have now closed. But each one taught me something new, and all of them helped shape the way I work today.
Squarespace website redesign
I volunteered through the Scottish Tech Army to refresh the Women’s Centre Glasgow website.
I aimed to make the site easier to use and more welcoming, while also making sure their intern could manage it confidently.
I also created a set of simple video tutorials — from how to update pages to a friendly introduction on using social media. I enjoyed making these, as they provided the team with the tools to manage their own website without needing outside help.
The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Monifieth
Website refresh in WordPress
The church asked me to tidy and update their website. I focused on giving it a cleaner look and making sure it worked well on mobile phones and tablets.
I thoroughly enjoyed this voluntary project. It felt good to help a local church present itself clearly online, and I hope it helps them reach more people in their community.
The IMRF Bookshop - Online
E‑commerce website in Shopify (2012–2023)
This online shop served the Maritime Rescue and Education sectors worldwide. I built it, maintained it, promoted it, and handled all the orders myself.
In 2019, the shop brought in around £12,000 for the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF).
It began in Joomla 1.5, 3 and then 4, and in 2018, I rebuilt it in Shopify, which increased sales and reduced maintenance time. It was one of the smoothest and most satisfying migrations I’ve done.
Due to cutbacks and my departure from the IMRF in 2023, the shop no longer exists — but it remains one of my favourite long-term projects.
Main website and project sites (Joomla, and later Access)
The IMRF was my first paid role in web and digital design. Their main website was already running in Joomla when I joined in 2012, and over the years, I helped move it through several updated versions.
I also built and maintained seven additional project websites. Later, when the organisation moved to a new web provider, I supported the design of the updated main site.
During my time there, the website grew to over 3,000 newsletter subscribers and more than 100,000 visits per year. It became a well-known resource in the maritime rescue community, and I’m proud to have been part of its growth.
Website - Skills and Experience
IT Tools & Platforms
- CRM Dynamics, SQL, PHPMyAdmin, Microsoft Access
- Joomla, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and more …
- Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, Photopea, and other …
- Survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey)
- Google Suite, Google Ads, Google Tag
- AI tools for images, video, and text (e.g., CapCut)
Languages
- English: Proficient
- Dutch: Native
- French: Beginner/Intermediate
- German: Beginner/Intermediate
Coding & Amending
- HTML, HTML5 and CSS
- JavaScript and PHP
- Liquid
- WordPress Shortcodes
Digital Skills
- Online shop management
- Researching tools and technology
- Print and digital design
- Website design and upkeep
- Advert and banner design
- Presentation design
- Colour and typography
- Video editing and creation
- SEO-friendly writing and research
- Basic UI/UX principles
- Simple animation (Adobe/GoAnimate)
Administration & Other Skills
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Clear communication
- Financial management and invoicing
- Organisational skills
- GDPR awareness
- Training and tutoring
- Customer service
- Empathy and patience
- Sales and finance experience
