Spicy Web Designer Interview with MaryLuc Melgar

MaryLuc Melgar is a web designer from the Philippines currently residing in Singapore. She runs a web design studio called Weevox Studios and a blog called “Octwelve” where she spills the news about the latest in Blogging, Design and her own view on the world. She works on a wide variety of web design projects for clients in e-commerce, healthcare and many others.

1. How did you first start building websites?

10 years ago, I stumbled upon Eric Jordan’s website, 2advanced.com and got totally inspired from his work.

Since then, I started making anime wallpapers following the 2advanced style, which is “techie”. Eventually, I turned these wallpapers into websites. Then, one guy discovered me and asked me to design his website. I didn’t know what I was doing back then so I had to do some research, asked help from forums and read tutorials. And at the end he seemed to like my work Then I got referrals and more referrals and the rest is history.

2. Where did you go to school? University or College? Did it help you in your career as a web designer?

I went to some colleges here in the Philippines but I didn’t finish my degree. Because that time I’m already loaded with design projects. I find myself struggling to juggle school and work at the same time. I was taking IT and I’m not enjoying it at all. So I decided to stop and just continue being a freelance designer. And I think it’s worth it because that’s how I honed my skills.

3. Where do you get your inspiration for the web designs that you produce?

I get my inspiration from…food. Seriously! Eating noodles, chocolates, donuts, cakes, and ice cream gives me inspiration to make beautiful designs I also get inspiration from magazines, from watching anime, music videos, TV commercials, print ads, and I also get inspiration from the biggest players out there.

4. What is your favorite part of a web design project?

My favorite part is… guess what, conceptualization and designing the visuals of course

5. What do you like to do in your downtime asides from building websites or writing on your blog?

I like to shop. Whenever I’m stressed or just totally block, I just go to the mall and buy some stuff. After that I feel okay again. If it still doesn’t cure my designer’s block, I will go out of town, see the nature, go to the beach and just relax for a few days. I also like doing photography with my toy L.

6. How do you price the web design work that you produce? Do you find that some clients are not willing to pay the price you quote and how do you deal with this scenario?

I charge per project basis. The quote depends on how many comps they want, how many pages, if there will be a custom illustration, flash animation, revisions, etc. Yes, I do find some clients who are not willing to pay the price I quote. If their budget is limited, I just tell them what they can get from their budget. So it’s fair for clients and for me.

7. What interesting projects have you been working on recently?

I’ve been working on icons for a health website. This is the largest project my company is currently working on. It’s quite interesting to me because this is the first time that I’m doing icons. Even though this is for a health website, the icons we’re creating are quirky so I enjoy coloring them. I’m quite happy with the result. I didn’t know I can make icons. I hope I can post this project in my blog once it’s done.