Ryan (and then Friede) began building websites by lantern light from an off grid cabin overlooking a slowly drifting river. Playfully called the “shabin” – half shack, half cabin – it was home and office in 415 square feet. We kept our computer charged at the neighbors barn, swam in the river during our breaks, and dug in the garden whenever we could.
Community Based Web-Design
Ryan’s interest in media started in 1999 inspired by the independent media centers and journalism of the anti-globalization and anti-war movement campaigns of that era. So despite his enthusiasm to live off grid, he was still very much involved in media at his day job as director of a small library.
When done well, a website is the most effective way to engage an audience. At the time, the media revolution was well underway. The decade-long career at Durland Alternatives Libraryl nurtured Ryan’s obsession with media, culture, and digital communication skills.
The project of starting Maple Creative is a continuation of this path. Today we bring an entire team and toolbox to our work – growing the impact to even more important organizations & generous small businesses.
My Learning Journey
Hey, it’s Ryan here… writing in first person. My journey into website design really took off when I read The Web Design Handbook by WordPress designer Rafal Tomal.
Suddenly I had frameworks and language to describe my taste in minimalist layouts & thoughtful navigation.
I realized I was a designer, and I started to see the need for design improvements everywhere I looked.
Seeing the bigger picture
A couple years and about ten more websites later I started to consider the larger flow of visitors to a website and how those visitors become subscribers and customers/patrons/donors.
At this time Maple started developing online courses and a coaching program. This led to all kinds of interests, and a whole evolution of the tools we use and offer.
Hiring a team
Sharing the journey and vision with others is one of the best joys – and it’s important to never take it for granted. Read more about us in the post, The Shared Vision that Powers Maple Creative.
Please go meet the team on our about page. You can learn about each of our interests and expertise below on our about page.
Refining our offers
We could only do so much if we tried to do everything… so we started to get really clear about what we do best and who is a fit.
Today our design packages are tailored around these important considerations.
Maple is known for creating websites, but the underlying support network is in our care plan community and coaching programs.
Be generous and grow
This is our guiding value. It has to be.
As marketers we’re practicing the craft of influence, and as designers we’re practicing the craft of focusing attention. It’s powerful magic.
If you resonate with our story I hope we can connect!
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