A Fresh Coat of Pixels: Why I Redesigned My Website from Scratch

AK
May 20
2 min read

Let’s be honest—redesigning your own website as a designer is a bit like cutting your own hair. It’s exciting, a little risky, and you’re never quite sure how it’s going to look until it’s done. But here we are!

I recently took the plunge and gave my website, www.akisdesigning.com, a full makeover—from concept and layout to design and development. This wasn’t just a visual refresh; it was a creative reset. I wanted my site to not only show what I do, but also how I think. It needed to reflect the evolution of my work, my eye, and honestly, my personality.

Why the Redesign?

The old site? It did the job. But it felt like an outfit I’d outgrown—fine for the time, but not quite "me" anymore. My design style had matured, my skill set had expanded, and I needed a space that could grow with me.

Plus, there's something thrilling about applying your own creative process to yourself. It’s freeing, challenging, and slightly chaotic—because you're both the client and the designer (and yes, the client is incredibly picky).

From Vision to Version 1.0

I approached this like I would for any client—mapping out user flows, sketching design directions, obsessing over microinteractions, and building it all out with care. The twist? I could break my own rules. If I wanted an oversized headline, a little animation, or a weird color pop—why not?

Of course, it’s not 100% finished. Some of my newer, heavier projects are still in the oven, waiting for the perfect moment to launch. But that’s the beauty of digital design—it’s never really done. It evolves.

What’s New?

A cleaner, bolder layout that puts the work front and center
Improved navigation for a smoother user experience
A tone that feels more “me”—friendly, focused, and just the right amount of weird
New projects (and more to come!) that show the kind of work I love doing

Lessons Learned

Designing for yourself is hard. You second-guess everything.
But it’s also incredibly rewarding. You get to explore, play, and push your limits.
Good design takes time. Especially when you’re juggling it between client work, life, and the occasional late-night inspiration session.

Final Thoughts

Redesigning my site reminded me why I love what I do—solving creative puzzles, telling visual stories, and building experiences that feel thoughtful and alive. If you haven’t checked it out yet, take a peek at the whole site, I’d love to hear what you think.

And if you’re a designer out there staring down your own outdated site—just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be you.