Turning Vision Into a Visual System
Meghan Westerly on moving beyond DIY design to build the visual foundations that make brands make sense
From DIY to Supported: A Series for Solopreneurs and Business Owners Who Know It’s Time for Help, But Don’t Know What to Google
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
I know I’m not the only one who’s logged hours in Canva over the last few years making Instagram graphics that end up deleted because they’re too awful to use.
Starting a business teaches us the hard way that graphics and website design are just one small piece of the larger world of marketing and brand. And with that realization comes a new appreciation for businesses with a cohesive visual presence — where their website, Instagram, and emails all feel like the same presence. We feel it even if we don’t have the vocabulary to explain why it’s so satisfying to see it: their visuals fit their brand.
And making that happen is exactly what Meghan Westerly of Westerly Creative Studio does. In this interview, we learn how she helps small businesses and nonprofits build visual foundations for their brand, what’s most important when choosing a graphic and web designer, and what kinds of services you can request.
I love how Meghan describes branding as a system, too. I’d never thought of it that way, but now it feels obvious: of course branding is a visual system. And like any good system, when things make sense and stay consistent, it’s easier for everyone’s brain to recognize, to remember, and to feel at ease.
1. How do you describe the work you do and who you do it for?
I build visual foundations for small businesses and nonprofits who are ready to move past the DIY drain and invest in clear, refined design. I specialize in providing that necessary structure—everything from brand identities to Squarespace websites. Ultimately, I serve as a go-to creative partner, ensuring my clients can show off their collateral with confidence.
2. What’s your origin story when it comes to being a graphic and web designer?
One of my earliest memories is from preschool. My best friend Erica and I were playing dress up and she inquired as to my favorite color. I was baffled at the concept of having just one, so I told her my favorite color palette instead.
At 18 I started designing theater programs and never looked back. What started out as a favor quickly became a career path when I realized graphic design was a combination of art, creating systems, and distilling values. These seemingly random skills suddenly had a purpose! Better yet, I got to help people trying to make a better life for themselves and others.
I got my BA in Graphic Design, worked as the lead designer for a custom printshop, and then in 2018 launched Westerly Creative Studio.
3. For someone trying to figure out whether they need a graphic and web designer, how would you describe the kind of help you offer?
Design is hard because it often falls into the “should” category. You should have a website. You should have a brand. You should have business cards. That’s a lot to develop! And not only that, but the bar is high. Gone are the days that you can just say you like coffee on your About page and post pictures of your dog on Instagram.
This means most people are DIYing until they can invest in good design, which leads to burnout and doubt. That’s where I come in.
My main offerings fall into the following categories:
Branding: Identity Design (Visual System) and Strategy (Foundational Insight)
Web Design: Copywriting, On-Page Strategy, and Design
Social Media Support: Templates and Batched Content Creation
Print and Digital Collateral: Postcards, Email Marketing, Decks, etc.
Clarity Calls: Hour-Long Consultations
In addition to one-off projects, I provide on-going support for teams so they can look like the professionals they are. Instead of having fragmented marketing strategies with inconsistent design, I help ensure that their visuals and messaging are aligned across all platforms and mediums.
4. How can a business owner tell if they’re ready for a graphic and web designer, and what should they be looking for when it comes time to hire one?
Many of my clients initially come to me because design is gobbling up their time. They know the importance of having designed collateral, but they also understand that their time is best spent on things within their expertise. While growth can happen when we’re doing it all, it often occurs slowly and that makes business unsustainable. If you’re feeling ready to invest in a foundation and you have a vision for your business’s future, then it’s time!
While I offer a wide range of services, not all designers do. Comprehensive support is convenient but the most important thing is that your designer’s style matches your vision. They don’t need to have done something exactly the same, but you should feel reasonably confident that they understand your vision and can bring it to life.
Also, keep in mind that you can request:
One-Off Projects: This means you’re just hiring them to create one thing. I personally prefer these quoted as “project rates” because that means you know the price in advance.
Retainers: On-going design support, often in the form of a specific amount of design, be that hours or set deliverables, per month or quarter.
Templates: If you aren’t ready to hire a designer consistently, these are a great solution. Just keep in mind that these will often be slightly more expensive as working files tend to cost more. Make sure you discuss what platform you want the template in first!
5. What feels most important to you in the way you run your business and support others?
The core of my business philosophy is built on clarity—both in the final assets I deliver and in the working relationship. That process begins with listening so I can take fragmented thoughts and translate that vision into something coherent. I couple this empathetic process with clear communication and transparency so clients feel taken care of at every step. The result is the creation of designs that don't just feel pretty, but truly capture the essence and ethos of their business.
I suppose at the heart of it I really enjoy helping small business owners feel seen and get seen. It takes bravery and conviction to set off on your own, and most people don’t realize how murky everything can get. Design makes things “real” again. It gives people the confidence to stand in their authority.
I also run my studio with a commitment to community impact, deliberately supporting nonprofits and mission-driven organizations who are working to make the world a better place.
6. Bookkeepers and graphic and web designers often support the same clients in different but connected ways — how does having a bookkeeper in place support or enhance the work you do for your clients?
First and foremost, a client who has a bookkeeper means they are invested in understanding the ins and outs of their business. This data is incredibly helpful when it comes to design — even for things as simple as determining what services are the most important to highlight.
Knowing your numbers lets us know what’s working, what needs more support, and what avenues for growth would be reasonable to pursue. It helps us track our wins, which gives us critical data we can build off of.
7. Where can people learn more about you or get in touch, and feel free to plug a freebie, service, or social account.
The best way to stay in touch is through my email list, which gets you access to a free website audit. If you’ve been thinking about making changes but don’t know where to start, this is a great resource!
If you’d prefer to be social, you can find me on LinkedIn and Instagram. When I’m not bragging about my amazing clients, I share design, copywriting, and marketing tips.
Bio
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Meghan is the owner of Westerly Creative Studio, a Bay Area creative force specializing in bringing brands to life through graphic and web design. Known for her clean design style and ability to organize messaging chaos, she helps clients communicate who they are and what makes them unique. In addition to being a former Adobe Creative Jams Judge, Meghan is in the top 1% of Squarespace forum members.