Rebranding English in Rural Japan
Experiential Branding | Graphic Design | Visual Storytelling | Education Design | Cultural Exchange
Context & Challenge
Small businesses are the heartbeat of their communities—but many struggle with outdated or ineffective digital presences. In this project, I worked with two such businesses to build clean, engaging websites that reflected their unique identities while remaining functional and responsive.
The challenge was to translate trust, personality, and service clarity into well-structured online experiences across industries as different as auto reconditioning and B2B printing.
Case Study: Scratch and Dent
A premier auto reconditioning service provider for the Baltimore–DC area, Scratch and Dent needed a modern and approachable web presence to communicate trust and showcase expertise in Paintless Dent Removal (PDR).
My Role
- Designed a clean, trust-focused visual system
- Developed the site using custom HTML/CSS on WordPress
- Structured content for intuitive navigation
- Integrated a testimonial slider to highlight client satisfaction
- Optimized site performance for mobile devices
Key Features
- Responsive Layout: Seamlessly scales across devices
- Service Showcases: Clean breakdowns of PDR & reconditioning work
- Client Testimonials: Built-in slider for social proof
Case Study: Chesapeake Business Solutions
Specializing in commercial printing, branded apparel, and promotional products, Chesapeake Business Solutions needed a vibrant, scalable platform to communicate versatility, professionalism, and service breadth.
My Role
- Built custom WordPress templates for easy client updates
- Created a bold, engaging design system around product categories
- Developed user-friendly forms and quote request features
Key Features
- Product Galleries: Visuals organized by category
- Interactive Forms: Easy quote inquiries and contact flow
- SEO-Driven Structure: Optimized content for organic reach
Reflections & Takeaways
Working on these sites reaffirmed that thoughtful, well-executed design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about empowering local businesses to compete and connect in digital spaces. The sites gave each client a professional platform that was easier to update, clearer to navigate, and more impactful to visitors.
What I Learned
- Balancing clean aesthetics with functional UX/UI decisions
- Building scalable systems for non-technical clients
- Translating service-based businesses into compelling digital stories