Hi, I'm Sam Howell, a creative design-focused developer based in Hull, UK.
Blending clean code with thoughtful design, I build websites that look great, work seamlessly, and put the user first.
Hi, I’m Sam, a passionate designer and developer with experience building everything from sleek dynamic websites using Astro and Tailwind CSS, to Shopify stores. Whether I’m enhancing user experience on an events platform or breathing new life into a brand’s online presence, I’m all about creating designs that put users first and make an impact.
But there’s more to me than design and development. As a lifelong musician, I’ve played and toured with various outfits and groups over the years, as well as working on productions and audio engineering sessions. From recording orchestras to capturing underwater experiments at The Deep, I’ve always been drawn to the technical and creative aspects of sound. I’m currently involved in a Beatles cover band and collaborate with fellow musicians, where I bring my creative energy to the stage.
Outside of work, you’ll find me gaming with friends, diving into our latest D&D campaign, or keeping up with Formula 1. I believe creativity thrives on diverse inspirations, and that philosophy drives everything I create.
Let’s build something together!
Experience
Freelance Web Developer / Designer
Nov '23 - Present
Created custom websites that blend strong UX/UI design with seamless functionality. Experienced in developing across platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, Webflow, and Framer, as well as building bespoke sites with Astro JS. Skilled in version control, self-managing projects, and liaising directly with clients to deliver tailored digital experiences that drive engagement and business growth.
E-commerce Executive - Temp contract
Aug '24 - Nov '24
Managed and maintained Shopify e-commerce stores, including Hull KR and RBN Sportswear, The Rugby Store, delivering seamless shopping experiences. Customised themes with Liquid, optimised designs through A/B testing, and enhanced usability with data-driven updates. Oversaw product uploads, collections, and app integrations to ensure smooth operations.
Web Developer / Designer - Herd Agency
Feb '23 - Aug '23
Developed Shopify e-commerce websites with user-friendly, conversion-focused designs, resulting in increased engagement and revenue growth. Ensured seamless functionality and high performance through responsive design, mobile optimisation, and intuitive navigation. Customised themes using Liquid, optimised site speed, and implemented best practices for SEO and accessibility. Integrated third-party apps and APIs to enhance store functionality, streamline operations, and improve the customer journey. Worked closely with clients to understand business goals, providing strategic guidance on UX/UI, product presentation, and user flows to maximise conversions.
Junior Web Designer - Affari Media
Mar '22 - Feb '23
Transitioned into a digital-focused role, collaborating with global B2B brands to craft exceptional web experiences. Working with platforms like WordPress, Webflow, and Framer, I developed visually compelling and high-performing websites tailored to each brand’s needs. As a self-driven web developer, I continually expanded my skill set through independent learning, engaging with online resources and industry communities to stay ahead of evolving web development trends. My adaptability and versatility have allowed me to manage diverse projects independently, ensuring high-quality results across various platforms and requirements.
Junior Web Developer - Ponderosa Agency
Feb '21 - Feb '22
Specialised in cutting-edge Magento solutions, I develop custom modules, themes, and seamless extensions to enhance e-commerce experiences. Collaborating with a fast-paced marketing agency, I contributed to the e-commerce department’s success, delivering high-performance solutions that drive results. Beyond Magento, I’ve collaborated with digital teams to create impactful web solutions using WordPress CMS. I develop themes, customise plugins, and maintain websites, ensuring optimisation and user focus to meet business needs.
Let's build something
I'm here to bring your ideas to life with bespoke design and development that stands out. Got a project in mind? Let's chat!
Contact me