About Me
I design systems, not just screens.
I'm a Senior Visual and UX/UI Designer based in Portland, Oregon. With over seven years of professional experience across in-house teams, freelance clients, and nonprofit work, I specialize in turning complex briefs into clear, accessible, human-centered design.
I care about the details — and about the people who use what I make. Whether I'm building a brand system from scratch, designing a responsive web experience, or leading a UX research process, I bring the same level of craft and intention to every project.
Kind Words
From the people I've worked with.
Experience
My Design Journey.
Senior Visual & UX/UI Designer
melewdesign — Independent Studio
Freelance design across brand identity, web design, UX/UI, print, and digital for clients across industries.
2025 — Present
Volunteer Design Lead
PDX Women in Technology
Brand identity, design system, and full website redesign for Portland's leading nonprofit for women in tech.
UX + Web Designer
Publications Professionals LLC
Strategy-led redesign and ongoing web design for an editorial services company focused on top-of-funnel visibility.
Senior Visual & Interactive Designer
Vernier Science Education
Led visual and digital design across web, print, and campaigns for a global STEM education brand. Contributed to brand refresh, responsive web pages, and large-scale marketing systems.
UX + Web Designer
VueSpace 3D
UX and web design for a photography and 3D visualization company serving real estate clients.
Visual Design & Brand
Print & Production
UX/UI & Web
Digital & Social
Tools & Technology
Education & Certifications
Always Learning.
Technical/Professional Certificate — UX/UI Design
University of San Diego Extension
Associate of Applied Science — Web Design & Development
Portland Community College
Bachelor of Science — Fine Arts, Graphic Design
Bradley University
Design Philosopy
What Guides My Design Choices.
Clarity Above All
Good design removes friction. It guides the eye, clarifies information, and makes complex ideas feel simple and approachable.
Collaboration Builds Better Design
Design is strongest when ideas evolve through conversation. I value open communication and love partnering with others to bring out the best in every project.
Curiosity Fuels Growth
I'm constantly exploring new tools, trends, and perspectives. Staying curious keeps my work fresh and helps me grow as both a designer and a collaborator.
Empathy Shapes Experience
Understanding who we're designing for and why leads to work that feels intuitive and meaningful. Every design choice should serve the user first.
Beyond the Studio
Creativity doesn't stop at my desk.
I find inspiration in motion, curiosity, and making — whether I'm on the water, under a car hood, stitching something new, or streaming online.
Dedicated Dragonboater
Finding rhythm, teamwork, and zen on the water up and down the West Coast.
Curious Car Enthusiast
Learning repair and maintenance on a 2020 VW Jetta, one weekend at a time.
Constant Crafter
Working with paper, yarn, and floss. Always making something.
Twitch Affiliate
Streaming video games and building community through play.
My Creative Soundtrack
After buying my car, I found myself drawn even deeper into techno and making Spotify playlists. There's something about the steady beat that makes driving around Portland feel immersive and meditative — my 2020 VW Jetta has become a little sanctuary on wheels, a space where I can think through design challenges or just let the music carry me.
Techno is my go-to genre whether I'm running, cruising, or deep in a project. Here's what's been fueling my focus.
Let's Work Together
Have a project in mind?
I'm available for staff roles and freelance projects.
Let's talk about what you're building.