I like figuring out how to make things look and perform better.
Hi, my name is Matthew Kinzler, but please call me Matt. I’m a Graphic and Web Designer in South Dakota who designs logos, brand identities, UI/UX websites, web or print ads, vector illustrations, and sometimes works with SEO. I have experience and a knack for both design and technology which affords me practical industry insights to better understand what it takes to not only design a website, but also how that will translate to code and functionality.
I’ve been a front-end website developer mainly working with WordPress, a graphic artist, and a web admin so I’ve got a pretty well rounded approach to my work.
I’m experienced in the following.
General Skills:
- Brand Identity
- Visual Design
- Digital Illustration
- UI/UX & Responsive Web Design
- SEO
- HTML/CSS
- PHP
Software:
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- WordPress
- Visual Studio Code
- Sketchup
Currently Learning:
- DaVinci Resolve
What I do:
Logos & Graphics
A logo is one of the most important visual component’s of a company’s brand. Good logo design should be relevant, easily recognizable, and not overdone. Designing a unique and memorable logo design is essential in establishing a strong brand identity.
I also design graphics like vector illustrations and web or print ads.
UI/UX Web Design
I really enjoy taking information and placing into a format that’s easily readable, not overwhelming, and matches the feeling of the brand.
SEO: There simply isn’t a way to be a web designer without understanding Search Engine Optimization in some manner. Although this isn’t a primary focus of mine, I’ve strategized and implemented SEO plans when needed.
Brand Identity
Brand identity is something I love doing. Creating an effective logo design and accompanying marketing materials that convey a business’s products and/or services along with relevant visual appeal is very satisfying. If I had my way, I’d mainly be developing brand identity designs.
My Design Process
Creating designs for any medium follow a standard sort of flow:
- Information Gathering/Discovery: Meeting with a client to ask questions in discovering what their business is about, who their target demographics are, the company culture etc. This is the most enlightening part of the design process and is essential for a mutual outcome.
- Research: Competitor assessments, market research, and generally absorbing information about whatever the project entails. Different from information gathering, this allows me to gain my own perspective on a business/service type separate from the client’s interpretations.
- Concepts: Coming up with a plan of action for the concepts and direction I’d like to see the designs go. This is a perfect time for the client and I to discuss what I’m thinking and how that aligns with their thoughts moving forward.
- Design Mock-ups: Whether for a logo or a website design, visual mock-ups are essential in getting to the desired end result.
- Revisions: This is where the client lets me know what they would like to see changed with a design.
- Deliverables: Once everyone is happy with a design, I can package the final files necessary to provide or “deliver” to the client. In the case of a website design, this is where the project can move on to “cutting up” the visual design and implementing it on a blank canvas website.
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