“simplicity in design, this is my passion.”
— Hi, I'm Meghan.
A Visual and UX/UI designer from Portland, Oregon who loves to make things for the internet.
Email Me:
meg {at} melewdesign.com
Location:
Portland, OR
Availability:
I’m available for work!
Blending visual storytelling with user-centered thinking.
With over 7 years in visual design and a few years exploring UX/UI, I’ve learned how to balance creativity with strategy. My work blends visual storytelling with usability and accessibility to create designs that are both meaningful and intuitive.
I’ve worked with teams of all kinds, from small agile groups to larger organizations with many moving parts. Collaboration is at the heart of what I do, and I enjoy adapting to new tools, workflows, and perspectives to bring ideas to life.
I’m happiest in spaces where curiosity and experimentation are part of the process. Each project is a chance to learn something new, connect with others, and create designs that feels thoughtful, clear, and made for people.
I will sometimes write observations about life in haiku:
Creating designs.
My passion, my work, my life.
Please do take a look...
I’ve done quite a variety of things…
My design journey has taken me from in-house teams to independent projects, each experience adding a new layer of perspective and skill.
My Design Journey,
MAY 1999 – PRESENT
Senior Visual + UX/UI Designer
melewdesign.com |
Independent Design Studio
AUGUST 2016 – PRESENT
UX + Web Designer
Publications Professionals LLC |
Publishing + Editing
APRIL 2019 – JULY 2025
Senior Visual &
Interactive Designer
Vernier Science Education |
STEM Education
JULY 2016 – OCTOBER 2018
UX + Web Designer
VueSpace 3D |
Photography + 3D Visualization for Real Estate
JULY 2016 – APRIL 2019
Volunteer Visual Design Lead
PDX Women in Technology |
Nonprofit Sector
I’ve also learned a lot along the way…
I’ve always believed learning is part of the creative process. These programs and courses have deepened my understanding of design, UX, and the people who use what we create.
My Learning Journey,
University of San Diego – Extension
SEPTEMBER 2020 – MARCH 2025
Technical/Professional Certificate |
UX/UI Design
AUGUST 1995 – MAY 1999
Portland Community College
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) |
Web Design & Development
AUGUST 2016 – PRESENT
Bradley University
Bachelor of Science (BS) |
Fine Arts – Graphic Design
Visual Design
Print Design
Branding & Identity Design
Illustration
Logo Design
Brand Guides & Systems
Brand Hub Management
Identity Systems
Scalable Design Systems
Asset Libraries
Design Documentation
Global Brand Scalability
Marketing Collateral
Marketing Campaigns
Publications
Campaign Assets
The tools and talents behind my work...
Crafted through years of practice,
Web & Digital Design
Social Graphics
Email Marketing
Event Collateral
Interaction Design
Video Editing
Animation
Motion Assets
WordPress
HTML + CSS
Responsive design
Digital Templates
Landing Pages
Microsites
Digital Campaigns
Content Strategy
Information Architecture
UX/UI Design
User Centered Design
User Research & Metrics
Wireframing
Prototyping
User Testing
Analyzing Data
Prototyping
User Journeys
Personas
Feedback Loops
Accessibility & Inclusive Design
WCAG Standards & Compliance
Usability Best Practices
Workflow Optimization
Software & Tools
Adobe Creative Suite:
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Adobe XD
Adobe Premiere
Adobe After Effects
UX/UI Software:
Adobe XD
Figma
Sketch
Project Management:
Wrike
Trello
Asana
Jira
What Guides My Design Choices...
My Design Philosophy,
Clarity Above All
I believe 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.
Kind Words & Quotes from peers.
Gratitude That Stuck With Me.
Feedback, encouragement, testimonials, quotes, and gratitude from the people who have helped shape my creative journey.
“Meghan is an exceptional Visual + Interactive Designer who blends creativity with a user-centered mindset. At Vernier, she was instrumental in our brand refresh and produced everything from interactive web pages to custom event artwork—all with consistency and impact.
What stood out most to me was Meghan’s reliability. For example, while I was at a national conference, she provided real-time support for our website, ensuring everything ran smoothly without a hitch. That level of dedication and collaboration made a huge difference.”
“Meghan is amazing both creatively and technically. A trained graphic designer who has gone above and beyond in the technical-side of website development and branding. She provided me an excellent consulting website in the medical device field that reflects my personal and professional achievements. She is personable, is the the voice of the customer and is artistically and technically gifted. She has worked for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, tech sector darlings and individuals like me to help build my brand and clientele.”
Portland,OR
“Meghan designed a portfolio site for me to showcase some of my web development projects. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable about design and using the Adobe Creative suite, she patiently listened to my needs and translated them into a clean, elegant design.
Her professionalism and passion for creating beautiful things has not only produced an amazing product for myself, it has also inspired me to learn more about different design practices. ”
Portland, OR
“During her tenure on the Vernier Science Education design team, Meghan played a key role in projects supporting our new brand guidelines and elevating our brand presence, including building web assets, applying updates to our catalogs, or designing giveaways for tradeshows.
Beyond her technical strengths, she contributes positively to a motivating team environment. She is an asset to any team—not only for the quality of her design work but also for the positive energy and collaboration she brings to every project.”
Beaverton, OR
“Meghan was an invaluable member of both the PDXWIT (Portland Women in Technology) design and photography volunteer teams. She did a wonderful job illustrating the PDXWIT brand and vision in her work. She has created graphics, logos, advertisements, and a brand guide for our organization.
Meghan always jumped on each project with enthusiasm and zeal - she’s a pleasure to work with!”
Austin, TX
A glimpse into what inspires me...
What keeps me curious,
Seeing the World Through Small Details
I love noticing the little things that others might overlook. The way light hits an orange flower, the shape of an old house, or how quiet the neighborhood feels after a long walk. My phone is full of photos that capture these moments, each one a small reminder to stay curious, calm, and observant.
Joy Found in Whiskers and Paws
Our cats are constant companions and creative muses. Their quirks, calm moments, and bursts of energy always make me smile and remind me to balance focus with playfulness. We share our home in Portland with three very expressive cats: Winston Zeddemore, the snuggly hugger; the Sloar, who is persnickety and opinionated; and Dr. Peter Venkman, a mischievous kitten and absolute menace. We love them all dearly and especially miss our tuxedo cat, Vinz Clortho, whose spirit continues to inspire me every day.
Creating Just for the Joy of It
I draw inspiration from the world around me and the things that bring me joy. Whether I’m racing dragon boats up and down the West Coast, cross-stitching a new design, or tinkering with my car, I find creativity in movement and making. These moments remind me that inspiration doesn’t always come from the screen, it often starts with curiosity, patience, and the simple joy of creating.
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 and energy that makes driving around town feel immersive and meditative at the same time. My 2020 VW Jetta has become a little sanctuary on wheels, a space where I can enjoy the ride, think through design challenges, or just let the music carry me. Listening to these tracks has become part of my creative rhythm, inspiring ideas and keeping me energized wherever I go.
Techno is my go-to genre, whether I’m running, cruising through Portland, or deep in a design project. Here’s a peek at what’s been fueling my focus and keeping the energy flowing.