Author: Dorothy

Sometimes, the hardest part of moving forward is the resistance you didn’t see coming. This week has been a masterclass in the “three steps forward, two steps back” reality of professional design. Between the weight of my academic load and the mounting requirements of the internships, the pressure reached a boiling point. I had to do something that felt counterintuitive, given my deadlines: I had to step away.

I took a few days off from everything – school, work, and the screen. While the “time pressure” feels even more intense now that I’m back, I know the mental rest was a necessity, not a luxury. You can’t design with a burnt-out brain, especially when the projects require as much patience as they do right now.

The biggest source of friction this week has been the feedback from Big Brothers Big Sisters. After sending over the redesign link – a milestone I was proud of – I received five more pages of revisions. The frustration isn’t just the volume; it’s the direction. Several of these requests are doubling back on previous changes. I’m being asked to undo specific designs that were requested weeks ago, only to find that “that’s not what they want either” now that they see it live. Some revisions are not possible due to Squarespace’s constraints. The project is back to very slow progress as I go through each request line by line, and there are still other pages that have not been started.

In the world of client work, this is the “nth degree” of frustration. It’s a reminder that design is often a moving target, and managing stakeholder expectations is just as much of a job as the design itself. I’m back in Squarespace, grinding through the list, trying to find the middle ground between their shifting vision and a functional UI.

While BBBS is high-intensity friction, my other projects are in a state of “static friction.”

• West Bend Schools: I’ve cleared the hurdles – pre-employment testing and background checks are complete. I’m waiting for HR to move forward so I can start the navigation overhaul and the move to the new CMS.
• Farmer Dan: We are in a holding pattern. The structure is there, the product list is started, but I’m waiting for the final pieces to snap into place. Honestly, with BBBS requiring so much time, I am thankful for the holding pattern here!

The friction is real – whether it’s from shifting client demands or the silence of an HR inbox. But the break I took gave me the clarity to realize that this is just part of the process. Take a breath and take the first step.

I’m leaning into the “grind” once more, moving through the five pages of BBBS changes one line at a time, and preparing for the surge of work that will come the moment West Bend Schools give me the green light.

The momentum might have slowed, but the goal hasn’t changed.

My professional footprint just got a lot bigger, and I’m excited, even if it means less personal time for me! This week, the theme hasn’t just been about finishing what I started, but about stepping into a new arena entirely. I am happy to share that I have secured a third position/internship with West Bend Schools. As I continue to push Big Brothers Big Sisters and Farmer Dan toward the finish line, I am now beginning a massive undertaking for the school district that will test everything I’ve learned about user experience and digital strategy.

The project for West Bend Schools is a comprehensive overhaul. We are moving to a new CMS (Final Site) with a singular mission: making the site mobile-accessible, easy to use, and image-forward. In a world where parents and students are accessing information on the go, the current “desktop-first” mentality has to go.

My focus is currently on the navigation. I’m evaluating the current sitemap and working to make it intuitive – ensuring that vital information isn’t buried under layers of outdated menus. Beyond the design, I’ll create training guides and host sessions to ensure the staff can maintain this new ecosystem. The plan is that one person from each school in the district will take on the website updates. Once the foundation is set, we’ll be shifting our focus to revitalizing the district’s social media presence to better connect with the community.

While the new role is taking shape, Big Brothers Big Sisters is hitting a high-energy phase. I am currently deep in the “Events and Calendar” section of the site, and it is taking some time. We will move away from the complete calendar design they currently use (it is crowded and messy looking)and instead use an event-style page that scrolls through upcoming events. They just sent over another significant asset folder, so I now have more current images to choose from and include.

Farmer Dan is moving forward as well, albeit at a slightly slower pace. Now that I have the “bones” of the site set, I am starting the work on his product list. This is the part of the project that requires the most attention to detail – ensuring every item is described accurately and reflects the integrity of the farm.

Adding a school district redesign to my plate alongside two other clients and my classes has forced me to be more disciplined than ever. My “To-Do” list has evolved into a full-scale project management board. I’m no longer just a student designer; I’m a consultant managing multiple brand identities and technical platforms simultaneously. Yikes! I never thought I’d say that!

The scope is expanding, the stakes are higher, and the momentum is only building!

The projects I am working on today look nothing like the ones I started weeks ago. This is the nature of design; it’s a living process of adaptation. I’m learning just how adaptable you need to be. Looking back at my early notes for both Big Brothers Big Sisters and Farmer Dan, it’s clear that we haven’t just followed a straight line – we’ve evolved, things have changed. Requirements change, brand standards shift, and as a designer, you either evolve with the project or you get left behind in the draft folder.

The evolution of the Big Brothers Big Sisters project this week wasn’t about a drastic teardown, but rather an expansion. The organization moved from a relatively limited 5-color palette (with 2 grays, black, white, and a neon green) to a more robust 9-color system approved at the national level (which includes a nice light gray-green, a steely blue, orange, and gold).

While this sounds like a subtle change, it significantly evolved how I approach the site’s UI. With nearly double the colors to work with, I now have the flexibility to create more nuanced sections, more distinct call-to-action buttons, and a more sophisticated visual hierarchy. It was a matter of systematically going through the Squarespace site and “layering in” these new tones to add depth where things previously felt a bit flat and boring. It’s a perfect example of how a project can grow in complexity and professional polish without losing its original identity.

The Farmer Dan project is also undergoing its own evolution, moving from a “skeleton” of ideas into a brand. After our latest conversation regarding images and products, the project has matured. To keep this momentum going despite my limited schedule with classes back in session, I’ve evolved my communication style.

I sent Dan a structured “list of needs,” breaking down the remaining assets into bite-sized tasks. This allows the project to grow incrementally rather than stalling out while waiting for one massive delivery. I’m learning that a successful project isn’t just about the final build; it’s about the evolution of the relationship between the designer and the client.

Perhaps the biggest evolution, however, has been my own. At the start of this internship, I was wrestling with templates and worried about “inactive” periods. Now, I’m handling national rebrands and client management with a steady hand. I’ve learned to work on what I can, make guesses (regarding Dan’s site), and get feedback on anything he wants changed. This has worked well, since I don’t think he really had a good grasp of exactly what he wanted in a website. It gives me a little freedom and he trusts me with making those creative decisions.

The finish line is approaching, and while the projects have changed, they’ve changed for the better. We’ve traded the “learning curves” of the early days for a polished, professional direction.

The newness of these projects has officially faded, replaced by the steady hum of the daily grind. This week hasn’t been about big “aha!” moments or dramatic pivots; it’s been about sitting in the chair, opening the laptop, and putting in the hours. We’ve reached the status quo of the mid-semester hustle – balancing a full course load with the final push of these two builds. It isn’t always glamorous, but this is where the real progress is made.

On the Big Brothers Big Sisters front, the work is all about persistence. Armed with the current (and hopefully final) new guide from the stakeholders and my newfound fluency in Squarespace, I’m systematically working through the site. It’s no longer about “aha!” moments; it’s about the discipline of pushing forward one page at a time.

I’m adjusting margins, testing button placements, and ensuring it flows exactly the way I want. The frustration I felt weeks ago has been replaced by a quiet confidence. I know the tool’s limits now, so instead of fighting the platform, I’m efficiently working within it.

While BBBS is about refinement, the Farmer Dan project has entered a phase of integration. The site structure is locked, the policies are finalized, and the digital foundation is solid.

I recently had a phone conversation with Dan to hammer out some details, and I have images. Next, work on a product list and gather photos for each product.

There is a satisfaction in replacing “Image Goes Here” boxes with actual photos of the farm. Now that I have some visual assets, I can work on showing the brand’s integrity and transparency come through on the screen.

The “worry” about finishing by the end of the internship still hasn’t vanished, but at least I feel like I am making progress. This phase is teaching me a skill they don’t always grade in the classroom: endurance. Design isn’t always about the big creative spark; sometimes, it’s just about the grit required to see a project through when the clock is ticking. To keep moving forward.

The foundations are built, the assets are in, and for the first time this semester, I can see exactly what the finish line looks like for both projects (I think!). The engine is running, the path is clear, and the final sprint is officially on.

Just when I thought everything was set, another new guide arrived. This week on the Big Brothers Big Sisters front, we received yet another new direction to follow. In the past, this kind of pivot might have sent me into a spiral of frustration – especially with my classes now in full swing and my free hours at an absolute premium. But this time, something felt different. I noticed that the panic didn’t set in.

With all of this back-and-forth and changes with the guides, I am getting to learn Squarespace inside and out. There’s a certain kind of mastery that only comes from being forced to rebuild the same thing in different ways.

The platform that felt so incredibly rigid and frustrating just a few weeks ago is finally starting to feel familiar. I no longer have to guess where settings are hidden, and I know exactly how to manipulate the Fluid Engine grid to get as close to my vision as possible. I’m learning its quirks, its limits, and its workarounds. I might not choose it as my primary weapon for future projects, but I can officially say I speak the language now.

Pivot, Build, Repeat

Having this new guide from BBBS means more adjustments, but because I’m more comfortable with the editor, the execution is much faster. I am moving through the layout changes with a speed and more confidence than I had at the beginning of the semester.

It’s a funny reality of the design world: sometimes the most valuable learning doesn’t come from a smooth, perfect project. It comes from the projects that make you pivot five times, forcing you to master a tool you initially wanted to throw out the window.

This newfound fluency in Squarespace is a lifesaver. I’m no longer burning time fighting the software; I can just get in, make the updates, and get out. For the first time in a while, I feel like I’m the one in control of the layout – not the template.

Farmer Dan Update

While the waiting game continues for the assets, the site itself is actually pretty set! I’ve managed to finalize the site layouts and complete the policies. It’s a good feeling to know the digital home is built and the rules are set. All that is left is to drop in content.

The race against the semester clock continues, but at least I’m running it with a much better stride.

The wheels are finally starting to grip, but the road just got a lot steeper. After a period of standing still and watching the calendar with a bit of panic, I’ve moved from “stasis” back into “action.” However, that momentum comes with a new challenge: classes have officially resumed. My available hours have suddenly shrunk just as the project demands have grown. Balancing a full course load with the final push of this internship means that every minute at the desk has to count. The worry about finishing has shifted into a hustle and push to get it done.

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BBBS:

On the Big Brothers Big Sisters front, the alignment we were waiting for has finally arrived. The internal review of their needs is complete, and we are back on the same page. Picking up the pieces after a major change in direction is always a bit chaotic, but it’s much easier to fight the “One Template” rigidity of Squarespace when you have a clear roadmap. Now that I know exactly which goals we’re trying to hit, and have changed the template to something they are happier with, the struggle with the Fluid Engine feels less like a roadblock and more like a puzzle to solve. Using the right template is a must; the drawback is that you have to start with a completely new account to choose one. I’m implementing the new layout changes, ensuring the site’s hierarchy accurately reflects the heart of their mission.

Farmer Dan:

Meanwhile, the Farmer Dan project is moving forward, even if the assets aren’t all there yet. I’ve decided that “waiting for photos” is no longer a valid reason to stay inactive, especially with my limited schedule. I’ve started the design phase in Wix by building the “skeleton” of the site. Using placeholders, I’m setting up the typography, the navigation flow, and the overall structure.

It’s a great exercise in discipline, designing the structure of a site without the distraction of beautiful imagery. It ensures a solid user experience regardless of the content. By getting the technical foundation ready now, I’m making sure that the moment the final assets arrive, the digital home for Farmer Dan will be ready for them to move right in.

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I’m definitely feeling the weight of the upcoming deadline, especially with the added pressure of my academic schedule. But the anxiety is starting to transform into a very focused kind of productivity. There’s a certain relief that comes with being back on track, even if the track is narrower than it was a week ago. I’m no longer wondering if I’ll finish, but focusing on the race and how to make every hour of work as impactful as possible.

The engine is running, the path is clear, and the race is ON.

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/ˈstāsəs/

noun

• a period or state of inactivity

This is where I am. Inactive. And with the end of the internship class creeping closer on the calendar, that inactivity is starting to breed a real sense of worry.

In the world of web design, we talk a lot about “flow” and “user journeys”. We don’t talk about the quiet, frustrating periods where the cursor stays still while the deadline doesn’t. Stasis isn’t just a lack of movement; it’s the friction that occurs when the technical side of a project is ready to sprint, but the human side – the decision-making and asset-gathering side – is still tying its shoes. I’m starting to feel the weight of the clock, wondering if these projects will reach the finish line by the time the semester wraps up.

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The BBBS Alignment

On the Big Brothers Big Sisters project, the challenge has shifted from “How do I make Squarespace do this?” to “What do we really want from this redesign?” It’s a classic pivot. We’ve hit a point where the stakeholders aren’t quite on the same page, which has sent the project back into a deep review of their core wants and needs. It’s a reminder that you can’t build a digital home if the architects are still arguing over the floor plan. While I’m eager to get back into the editor, I’ve had to accept that any work I do right now would likely be undone later. Designing without alignment isn’t progress, it’s just busywork. So I entered stasis when I really wanted to spend Spring break getting the bulk of the project done.

The Farmer Dan Waiting Room

Meanwhile, the Farmer Dan project is facing a different kind of issue. After our initial strategy session, I’m currently waiting for the vital assets – a template decision, the photos, and the specific copy – that will actually bring the Wix site to life. There is a specific kind of restlessness that comes from having a blank canvas and a set of professional tools ready to go, but no “paint” to put on the screen. No matter how much I want to make headway, I’m learning that a designer’s timeline is really not their own.

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The Lesson in the Lag

I won’t pretend it isn’t frustrating. This week is teaching me about the invisible work of design – patience and communication. Gentle nudges to release the bottleneck.

This stasis is a part of the process. I’m keeping the motor running – the moment the assets drop or the decisions are made, I’ll be ready to shift back into gear, hopefully with enough time left to bring it all home.

This week has felt like a mix of two really different projects. While I’ve been spending a lot of time working on the Big Brothers Big Sisters website refresh, I also started building a website for Farmer Dan. Meeting with Dan to talk through the project was a good reminder of why the discovery phase matters so much. It’s not just about making a website – it’s about creating an online space that reflects what the business stands for. For Dan, transparency and responsible land management are really important, so part of the goal is to make sure visitors can immediately see his commitment to sustainability when they visit the site.

One thing that has stood out this week is the shift in platforms. With the Big Brothers Big Sisters project, I’ve been working in Squarespace, which is like working in a tiny box. It sometimes feels like you’re stuck in that tight template. For the Farmer Dan project, though, I decided to use Wix, and the difference is noticeable. Wix gives a lot more flexibility with layout and design, which makes it easier to focus on telling the story of the brand and creating a better user experience instead of fighting with the layout.

As I start putting the foundation together for Farmer Dan’s online presence, I’m realizing how important it is to choose the right platform for the project. One project is teaching me how to work within stricter limits, while the other is giving me the freedom to build something from the ground up. It’s interesting to see how both experiences are shaping the way I think about design and building websites, and how important it is to be able to pivot.