Meet Frank LaDue | Web Designer/Developer & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frank LaDue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frank, what inspires you?
Nature has always been a source of inspiration for me. The beauty and wonder that can be found in the nature never fails to captivate my imagination and fill me with awe. I find comfort in spending time outdoors, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents. Being immersed in nature rejuvenates my spirit and sparks my creativity. It teaches us valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness. It inspires me to approach life with curiosity and gratitude, seeking out new experiences and finding joy in even the smallest things. It is a constant reminder that there is so much beauty to be discovered if we take the time to pause, observe, and appreciate what surrounds us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My personal style is modern while still using minimal features to create aesthetic and practical websites that match the visions of the companies that I work with. Building websites has given me the opportunity to be creative and express myself in ways that I didn’t know I was capable of. One aspect that sets my work apart is the inspiration I draw from nature. Nature provides a wealth of beauty and inspiration that can be translated into web design elements. Whether it’s the colors, textures, or patterns found in nature, incorporating these elements into website designs can create a visually stunning and engaging user experience.

I designed my first website while studying cyber security in college. Once I graduated from college and began my career search, I remembered how much I enjoyed building that website and decided to take a chance on it. I jumped in headfirst into the world of freelancing. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but I took on various freelance jobs to gain experience and build up my portfolio. With each project, my skills grew stronger and my passion deepened and eventually I landed my first official job in the industry. It’s rewarding to have continued to grow and explore new opportunities in the field. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a huge love for the outdoors, so I would always suggest hiking as a must when visiting. The Appalachian Trail starts here in Georgia, so I would definitely take my friend hiking on the AT while they were here. I would also take them to Fort Mountain State Park, which probably has one of the best views in Georgia.

The Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coke are one of the most notable tourist attractions in downtown Atlanta. I spend a lot of time going to shows at The Masquerade, Variety Playhouse, and The Tabernacle, but The Eastern has quickly become one of my favorite venues. My top sporting events that I’d recommend is an Atlanta United soccer game and a Gladiators hockey game. Some of my other favorite locations include Krog Street for food and The High Museum of Art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a big shoutout to my incredible girlfriend for being my constant source of encouragement and guidance. She has been there for me every step of the way as I navigate my career field. Her success in her own career serves as an inspiration and she always provides me with valuable advice and direction. I am truly grateful for her unwavering support and I couldn’t have come this far without her by my side.

I also want to shout out the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting taught me valuable life lessons and instilled a deep love and appreciation for nature. As an Eagle Scout, I am forever grateful for the experiences and skills I gained through scouting.

I would like to thank Hannah Day and William Twitty of Sky Castle Productions! They deserve a big thank you for giving me my first job opportunity outside of freelancing. It was with their support and trust that I was able to expand my skillset and grow my portfolio. Their belief in me paved the way for new opportunities and allowed me to take my career to new heights. I am forever grateful for their guidance and the chance they gave me to shine.

I would like to give a big shoutout and express my heartfelt gratitude to Brad Baker and Zac Sweat of Open Heart Media Co. They have not only given me an incredible job opportunity but have also provided me with the platform to thrive in my current role. I am grateful for their trust, support, and belief in my abilities. In addition to Brad and Zac, I would also like to acknowledge and recognize the entire team at Open Heart Media Co. Their collaborative spirit, dedication, and hard work have created a positive and inspiring work environment.

Instagram: @websitesbyfrank

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/frank-ladue