How I Got Here: The Story Behind Starting MadeByMeade

I didn’t just want to write code.
I wanted to build something I could truly call mine.

When I first started learning web development, I wasn’t thinking about brand strategy, voice, or identity. I was focused on understanding the basics — how HTML and CSS worked, how to make things function properly, and how to solve problems through code. It was simple, and that simplicity hooked me.

But the more I practiced, the more I realised I wanted to do more than just build functional websites — I wanted to create experiences with intention and perspective.

And eventually, I hoped to build a digital agency that reflected my own approach and values.

From Learning to Launching

As I worked through my learning journey, completing projects within the Codecademy syllabus and building my own site, I realized I wanted more than just isolated exercises.

I wanted every project I created — no matter how small — to be part of something bigger, something intentional that I could call my own.

The idea of building a brand that reflected my approach and values started to take shape early on, long before any professional work came into the picture.

I wanted a throughline — a signature, a reason, a “why” — running through everything I build moving forward.

Why I Let Go of “Marvel Digital” and “Meade & Co.”

When I first imagined starting a digital agency, I landed on the name Marvel Digital — a nod to my longtime love of the Marvel universe. But I quickly realised that using “Marvel” could lead to trademark and copyright issues, so I needed a different direction.

Next, I settled on Meade & Co. It sounded professional and legitimate — like a real business. But the more I looked at it, the less it felt like me. It was clean, but cold. It said “corporate” when I wanted “craft.” It implied a boardroom when really, it was just me and a lot of coffee.

So I stripped it back and asked myself:
“What do I actually want this to be?”

The answer was simple: I wanted it to be mine. Built with my hands. Thoughtfully. Deliberately. Like a maker’s mark at the bottom of a crafted object.

That’s when MadeByMeade came to life.

A Brand That Feels Like I Do

The brand for MadeByMeade didn’t begin with trends or templates — it began with what I love. My interests, hobbies, and passions shaped the ideas behind the brand identity: from Marvel to Arsenal, these inspirations helped guide the colours, style, and personality I wanted to bring to life.

I wanted the brand to feel personal, bold, and honest — like a conversation, not a pitch deck. Every design decision came from that foundation:

• Red became the core colour — strong, confident, a little rebellious.
• Cream softened it — approachable, human, tactile.
• Navy and Gold grounded it — adding contrast, depth, and polish.

The fonts reflect this balance too:

• Montserrat in the headlines gives it presence.
• Courier Prime in the body keeps it grounded — a nod to typewriters, storytelling, and work done with intention.

Football lovers will recognise the colour palette as a nod to the club I follow — Arsenal, the Gunners.

The logo is simple. Clean. Understated. But it’s more than just an identity — it’s a statement:
This work is crafted. This brand has a point of view. This is MadeByMeade.

Building Websites That Matter

MadeByMeade isn’t just about making things look good on a screen.

It’s about building digital experiences that connect — helping small business owners feel proud to showcase their brand online.

Every line of code I write is with intention — to craft clear architecture, purposeful interactions, and meaningful structure that serve the brand’s goals.

While the brand owners choose their colours and identity, I’m here to guide and make decisions around user experience, site structure, and the technical build — creating websites that work for real people and real business needs.

Every detail — from micro-interactions to navigation — is chosen with care. Nothing is filler or off-the-shelf.

Whether it’s a portfolio, a startup site, or a digital story, the work is always designed to reflect the person or idea behind it, built with care and craft.

That’s why the straplines I landed on aren’t just catchy phrases — they’re promises:
Crafted with code. Made by Meade.
Built for impact. Made by Meade.
Made by hand. Powered by Meade.

What Comes Next

This blog will be the space where I take you behind the curtain — sharing the process, the technical choices, and the lessons learned along the way.

I’ll cover project breakdowns, coding tips, the latest development trends, and insights into building effective, reliable websites.

I’ll also touch on styles and brand identities that inspire me, especially how good design supports strong development.

My hope is that this space helps, informs, and maybe even sparks some ideas for your own projects.