Web Design with
Soul, Strategy, and Simplicity
I’m Bryce, the human behind Stillwater Websites—freelance web designer, design nerd, and occasional coffee-fueled blogger. I started this site not just to showcase my work, but to tell the real story of what it’s like to run a one-person web design business. The good, the frustrating, the lessons learned along the way—this is where I share it all.
I didn’t go to school for web design. I sort of stumbled into it, like a lot of freelancers do. I was always the “tech-savvy” friend, the one who got asked to fix things or help launch someone’s passion project online. Eventually, I realized I could turn that skill into something more than just a favor—I could build a business out of it. Stillwater Websites was born from a desire to help small businesses and solo creators build websites that actually work without feeling cold, corporate, or overly complicated.
Freelancing has been an incredible ride. There’s freedom, yes—but there’s also chaos. I’ve worked at kitchen tables, in coffee shops, and on way too many late nights trying to get a site just right. I’ve messed up timelines, underpriced projects, and said yes when I should’ve said no. But I’ve learned something from every misstep, and that’s part of why I started blogging here. I wanted a space to reflect, share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and help others navigate the winding road of building online.
If you dig into my blog, you’ll find a mix of everything:
- Freelance life stories, like the time I built a website from scratch in three days (spoiler: I don’t recommend it).
- Lessons learned, especially from early mistakes I’d love to help you avoid.
- Inspiration boards, because I love curating design ideas—color palettes, font pairings, and layout trends that spark new energy.
- Website tips and tricks, especially geared toward business owners who want to make better choices with their online presence.
- SEO and marketing basics, broken down in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over. I keep things practical and beginner-friendly.
- Case studies, showing how real-world sites came together and what kind of results they delivered.
- And honest takes on DIY vs hiring a pro, because sometimes the best solution isn’t hiring me—and I’m okay with that.
My goal is simple: help people feel more confident and less overwhelmed when it comes to their website. Whether you’re a business owner trying to get found on Google, a creative finally ready to launch your portfolio, or just someone who loves clean design and thoughtful content—I built this space with you in mind.
When I’m not designing, I’m usually sketching ideas for my next project, fiddling with fonts, or losing track of time exploring new websites for inspiration. I believe the best design comes from listening first, keeping things simple, and building with care.
Thanks for stopping by. If you ever want to talk ideas, need a little design advice, or are just curious what it’s like to freelance full-time, I’m only a click away.