UK-Based Freelance UX/UI Designer Rich Brown Making Waves in California, USA

Renowned UK-based web designer and UI/UX expert, Rich Brown, is making waves across the Atlantic as he connects with a diverse American audience, particularly across California and Maryland and in the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and Baltimore who are seeking his unique approach to user-centric website design services. 

In a recent interview, Rich shared insights into the challenges of the UK market, stating, "The issue with the UK or London is it's size and is oversaturated with digital agencies. If you're pitching for a project, you're one of a hundred submitting a tender, sometimes it even feels like a win just to reach the top 3.”

Despite the competitive landscape, Rich has amassed over 70 awards for website design and UX/UI design, delivering successful projects for clients across industries. His recent projects include the launch of the website for "Your Brain on Art," a New York Times bestseller co-authored by Ivy Ross, Vice President Hardware Design at Google in California, and Susan Magsamen, the Executive Director at International Arts + Mind Lab in Baltimore. The website has garnered accolades from prestigious platforms such as CSS Design Awards, Awwwards, and Creative Pool.

Rich showcased his design prowess by crafting the brand and website for The Intentional Spaces Summit which was held in Washington DC in November 2023, a first of It’s kind, with over 30 panelists discussing bridging research, architecture and design for health and well-being. This venture proved to be a fruitful collaboration The International Arts + Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins University and the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture snagging more awards for the website design. 

Rich's diverse portfolio features a website designed for the distinguished executive coach and brand strategist, Cherie Healey. Cherie, a resident workshop speaker for Google in California, is renowned for assisting leaders and teams in achieving higher impact through Activation Days, Workshops, Speaking engagements, and custom designed leadership programs. Her expertise has left a lasting impact on organizations such as Google, X, Genentech, Nike, YouTube, Apple, GoDaddy, Fox Entertainment, I Heart Media, Paramount, and more. The website received additional acclaim from Awwwards and CSSDA, solidifying Rich's reputation as a true expert in UX/UI design.

Clients value Rich’s commitment to comprehending their brand identity and target audience, enabling him to tailor unique web experiences. An illustrative case is Rich's transformative work with Bathmate, a US-based client specializing in erectile dysfunction solutions with an e-commerce store. Rich meticulously refined Bathmate's brand messaging, using visuals and language that delicately addressed their industry nuances. The strategic redesign not only garnered multiple awards including an FWA Site of the Day Award, but was specifically recognized for the new website's seamless user flow and appealing aesthetics, registering an improved conversion rate of over 40%.

In addition to his impressive portfolio, Rich worked for London agency RVLV on the website design for their client Cody Townsend, California’s very own professional free-skier to promote his YouTube series, The Fifty. This collaboration not only highlights Rich's ability to deliver outstanding results in varied projects but also garnered accolades from industry peers. 

Notably, Rich had the opportunity to collaborate with Hollywood movie director and Sundance Award Winner Michael Steinberg. Reflecting on his interaction with Michael, Rich expressed, 'It was a pleasure working with him, and felt very surreal. As a huge movie nerd, I enjoyed our conversations where he shared anecdotes about his experiences on set and working with Quentin Tarantino, whom he referred to as 'QT.'"

Rich's clientele spans industries and countries, from authors and life coaches to e-commerce stores and professional athletes. Reflecting on his 25-year career, Rich emphasized his global experience, having worked on projects ranging from Beyonce's Ivy Park launch in Berlin to a telecommunications app for Telenet in Belgium, a brand design for Data Organic in Sydney, Australia to a new digital hub for Msheireb in Doha. Rich says, "I've traveled for most of my European projects, just as I did for the project in Doha. While I do miss the experience of traveling, the demands of being a father to twin boys have made it increasingly challenging to find the time. The dynamics have, however, shifted with the onset of Covid, as the prevalence of video conferencing has alleviated the need for extensive travel."

"With the economic challenges faced by the pound, Rich is experiencing increased demand from US clients who appreciate the value he offers. Notably, clients in Los Angeles and Baltimore have been drawn to the creativity he brings to the table. Rich notes, 'I’m finding Los Angeles and Baltimore to be true melting pots of creativity and diversity. These areas are vast, with over 100 cities in California alone; it blows my mind—it’s nothing like the UK where we have 76 cities in total. Moreover, my clients seem happy to relinquish control, putting their full trust in my creative direction.'"

Highlighting the economic advantage for American clients, Rich pointed out, "US clients are getting more for their money contracting someone like myself. You're getting big agency website services at the cost of a freelance individual, priced in UK pounds." He stressed the substantial difference in the average salary for UX/UI designers in the US and London, making his services a cost-effective choice. Rich says, "The average salary for an experienced UX/UI designer in the US is around $105k USD (£86k GBP), compared to London where it is around $67k USD (£55k GBP).

While still partnering as an independent freelance designer with creative digital agencies in the UK and overseas, Rich has also co-founded the creative film production partnership, Villainy, with filmmaker Isaac Hargreaves. Rich offers a range of services, from freelance UX/UI web design to collaboration with creative developers for smaller projects. In addition to this, he has joined forces with the London-based digital agency RVLV to provide full-service agency requirements under his creative direction. According to Rich, 'I can’t really tie myself to one role; I thrive on freedom and creative opportunities.'

After a seven-year gap, Rich has launched a new portfolio site showcasing his evolving skills and a diverse range of projects. The future looks bright, with ongoing discussions with the world's largest art and networking platform based in Los Angeles, California. Currently, Rich is deeply involved in a groundbreaking project, the design of a NeuroArts resource center for the NeuroArts Blueprint in Baltimore, Maryland. He is also actively seeking collaborations with more US-based clients for the foreseeable future.

For a deeper dive into Rich Brown's portfolio and to explore potential collaborations, check out his new website at www.richbrown.info. Immerse yourself in the fusion of creativity and innovation that Rich brings to the table, and don't hesitate to reach out to kickstart your next creative endeavor. If you have an interest in film production, head over to www.villainy.uk. For comprehensive agency services, consider exploring Rich's trusted collaborative partner at www.rvlv.agency.