Pilcrow Pixel is mostly me, Vaughan Simons – though I also work with other designers and developers, as well as photographers and illustrators, if a project requires their particular specialisms. I chose the name Pilcrow Pixel to represent the combination of my in-depth knowledge of WordPress web design.and development with my expertise in online copywriting, editing and content management.

I’ve been a web producer for nearly 20 years. I joined the BBC in January 1998, shortly after the official launch of bbc.co.uk, and worked on a variety of online projects over the next decade and a half. I concentrated primarily on content, but also developed my technical skills and, from 2006 onwards, engaged with the rapid growth of social media. After leaving the BBC I worked as a web editor on major charity campaigns before deciding to concentrate on Pilcrow Pixel full-time so I could do what I enjoy most – developing and designing WordPress websites and creating online content.

I began using WordPress in 2006, initially just for blogging. As the software gained additional functionality and became a fully-fledged content management system, I took the opportunity to build more complex magazine-style sites and explore all that WordPress can do. Since discovering the Genesis Framework in 2012, the combination of WordPress Genesis has become the foundation of all my responsive site designs. I build beautiful, yet functional websites that work across all devices, from smartphones to the largest monitors for desktop computers.

My approach to web design begins from a sense of minimalism, but I don't adhere strictly to that since it's not always entirely practical for client sites - organisations, businesses and even sites for individuals have lots of information to convey and brand colours to feature. I firmly believe in usability too - users need to be able to instinctively find their way around a site without having to seek out and understand navigation. Responsive designs are also a must, and on every project I pay close attention to how the desktop design shapes itself for smaller screens on tablets and smartphones, adjusting each via detailed media queries.

For the client, I believe in making the site interface as usable as possible. WordPress is already a user-friendly system, but on every project I use custom fields and custom templates to build an interface that is unique to the project and the various pages required for the website, so that it can be updated with ease.

I love working with clients to develop websites that pay close attention to every last detail and don’t look like just another ‘out of the box’ WordPress theme. When the finished site goes online, I consider it a job well done if the design offers a strong visual representation of the client’s business, organisation or project, with user-friendly functionality and accurate, informative web copy that engages readers and search engines alike.

There's lots more of my work - and information about how I approach projects - at https://pilcrowandpixel.com.