Collage including pictures of Alyssa Murphy holding a coffee cup, at Pike Place Market, and touring Hagia Sophia; also includes autumn leaves and a cottage.

Let’s get acquainted

I’m a Web Designer with a background in communications, UX and accessibility. I’m also a reader, art enthusiast, and advice column addict. I combine a love of imagery and words with a deep interest in people and how they think and behave.

I studied English (Victorian literature) in college and Art History (Byzantine art) in graduate school: can you tell that practicality was not my strong suit? I started my career in medical publishing before getting into communications and website design. When the pandemic hit, I was just starting my family and left the workforce. Later I trained in user experience (UX) and specialized in content design and accessibility (the practice of making sure that people of all abilities can successfully use a website).

Outside of work, you'll find me with a coffee in hand, probably walking, reading, baking, or embroidering. Some of those hobbies are harder to do with one hand clutching a cold brew, but I'm basically a master at this point.

I am based in Northern Virginia.

Learn more
Collage of personal brand items, including a bookshelf, logo and website homepage

My Philosophy

I’ve found that websites that work combine demonstrated ability with a unique point of view. Your website should be more than just a sales tool or a digital business card. It should capture you and your point of view, and that authenticity leads to success.

How I Work

  • Person writing in a notebook at a black desk with a silver laptop, a white coffee cup, a wallet, and keys.

    Discovery

    We’ll talk through your goals, pain points, and inspiration to figure out where you want to go and how to get there.

    If you have a website, I’ll conduct an audit for usability and accessibility.

  • A MacBook laptop displaying a wireframe design sketch for a website with multiple page layouts, including a homepage, product page, about section, news, and additional content sections.

    Design

    I’ll use materials from Discovery and any existing materials to create your brand collateral and/or your custom website. You’ll review mock-ups before I build.

  • People working on a laptop and taking notes at a white desk, with notebooks, a phone, mugs, and a vase of flowers.

    Strategy

    We’ll discuss how to use any additional marketing materials I create, and you’ll receive a comprehensive guide to make the most of them.

“Alyssa was thoughtful, communicative, and deeply attentive to our mission and our vision. She refreshed and cleaned up our website, developed a cohesive and beautiful color palette, and reorganized our materials in a way that feels welcoming and more visually engaging."

- Malia & Jaime, Educated Angel

Educated Angel website homepage on laptop screen with hand operating mousepad