In the fourth part of our series,
‘The Q&A With…’
we chat with UWD team members talking about their job roles within the company and what they get up to outside of work. We catch up with our dynamo designer, Jessica Smith.
Bespoke, easy on the eye websites are what we pride ourselves on here at Universal Web Design. Since Jessica’s arrival she has only continued the trend with a professional and customer focused approach.
During which time, Jessica has produced many attractive and responsive websites for our clients, as well as using her expertise to produce stunning graphic design. Through business cards, brochures and logos, Jessica’s eye for detail is second to none.
Jessica’s career has always been design orientated, receiving many plaudits for her work in both designing websites and her graphic ideas – thus making her a valued member of the team here at Universal.
Jessica continues to shine as a part of the Web team involving colleagues Cristina Ignat and Mihai Patrascanu. Together the web team set the blueprint for success, ensuring client websites are looking good and effectively painting your business in the best light possible online.
We’re all about the personal touch within our company, and with this in mind a Q&A is a great way to get to know the team on a business and personal level. So, without further or do, let’s see what Jessica’s answers are to the questions!
– What attracted you to the role at UWD?
“I was attracted to the role here at Universal as it offered the creative aspects that I looked for in a career and not only allowed me to continue doing what I loved, but allowed me to take another creative route and expand my design knowledge, learning something new. I was then sold on the role when I came in for my initial and follow up interview – the environment was very professional and the team are very friendly.”
– What’s been the best part about your time at UWD so far?
“The best part about my time here so far has to be learning new skills and expanding my knowledge base, which has helped me to increase my client base and take on more projects. It has also been brilliant getting to know the great team that we have here. I look forward to seeing where the role takes me in the future.”
– What is your normal working day like at UWD?
“My working procedure can vary day to day, which is one of the reasons I love the role – it’s not monotonous. One day I can be focusing on building and designing new website pages for a project, the next I could be designing a logo and business card design for a new business, helping them to create their brand, and other days I can be helping our clients with setting up emails, making changes to their current website design, or helping out my colleagues with various small tasks.”
How are you enjoying designing websites and graphic designing for a wide range of clients?
“I don’t wish to quote a popular restaurant chain, but I’m loving it! No two projects are ever truly the same, and as much as I love putting together a businesses branding or website, it’s also wonderful being able to learn more about our clients and what their business has to offer.”
– What do you do in your spare time to unwind from a busy week at work?
“When I’m not at work, I tend to spend my free time with my close friends doing whatever we feel on a particular day – from going out for a quick drink, to watching a film in the cinema, or doing absolutely nothing at all. When I’m not with them, I like to spend a nice relaxing evening at home reading a book, playing video games or watching funny videos on YouTube.”
– What is the best website you have made to date?
“I would have to say the best website that I’ve created so far has to be for ‘Absolute Mammas’ – its a business that offers support to expecting, new, and existing mums. I was able to create a few beautiful designs for the logo, and I feel the final product turned out wonderfully. I was then able to translate this into the look and feel of the website. It was a project that I not only felt went very well, but one that I was able to work with the client on to get it signed off very quickly. The overall design was light, natural, and conveyed the feel of the business perfectly.”
– What advice would you have for those looking to join UWD?
“It might sound cliché, but be yourself – let your natural talents and skills show through – but don’t be afraid to try something new either. It’s always best to be honest – if you know something, great! If you’re not too sure, you shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help. The whole team here are always on hand to help, and would be more than happy to teach you so you know for next time. As long as you work hard and put your best efforts in, it will show in your work.”
– What is your favourite food?
“Ooo, now this is a hard question. I LOVE food, and I’m a bit of a foodie, but I have to say my favourite food, at least meal wise, has to be my Mum’s homemade meatballs in a sweet tomato sauce – yum!”
– What is your favourite Film/TV Programme?
“Currently, my favourite TV Programme is ‘Teen Wolf’ , which I’ve recently got into with my partner. It’s the perfect combination of Comedy, Romance, Action and Fiction. My favourite films have to be anything Disney, my number 1 being the classic Beauty & the Beast.”
– What is your favourite song?
“My favourite song changes each week, so it’s hard to put my finger on one overall favourite. My music taste is varied, so one week I’ll be listening to Shawn Mendes on repeat, and the next I’ll be playing Panic! At The Disco on full blast!”
– Top FIVE celebrities you would have round for a dinner party? (Dead or alive)
1. Dylan O’Brien – who is currently one of my favourite actors, because i feel he is a very funny guy and would provide some great conversation and entertainment.
2. Brandon Urie – so he could provide the music and sing not only his own songs, but some musical numbers too.
3. Zendaya – because she seems like the type of girl you could have a laugh with.
4. Tom Holland – he is just so sweet!
5. Benedict Cumberbatch – but as Sherlock – I love that crazy man!
– Which THREE words describe you best?
1. Creative
2. Bubbly
3. Insane
– What is your greatest achievement?
“Being nominated by an old teacher for a Tendering Youth Award for ‘Personal Journey’, and being one of three to receive one out of hundreds of nominees.”
– What is your hidden talent?
“A hidden talent of mine is that I can play the piano/keyboard, although it has been a while.”
– What is your favourite motivational quote?
“Life is tough darling, but so are you.”
Now you’ve got to know Jessica a bit better, you have the opportunity to come in a meet her within the UWD office and discuss your new website or graphic design requirements. Alternatively, you can reach her via email webdesign@universalwebdesign.co.uk or call her today on 01206 588 000.