Robert Rodriguez: Web designer & developer in Los Angeles
Recent Projects
ECS Innovation Hub
A digital launchpad for Cal State Fullerton’s new Innovation Hub, designed to inform the community and attract partners ahead of the center’s grand opening.
Titan Magazine
The official digital magazine of Cal State Fullerton, built to tell the stories of students, faculty, and alumni through an award-winning web experience.
Matt Gush Photographics
A clean and immersive portfolio site for National Geographic–published photographer Matt Gush, built to showcase his global photojournalism work.
It Takes a Titan Campaign
A compelling fundraising microsite built for Cal State Fullerton’s first ever giving campaign — showcasing outcomes, priorities, and personal stories.
Kim Nguyen-Penaloza for Congress
A campaign site for congressional candidate Kim Nguyen-Penaloza, built to elevate her platform, mobilize supporters, and drive voter engagement.
Services
Strategy & Planning
We'll work together to define your goals, understand your audience, and create a clear roadmap for your online success. No more guessing games – just a focused plan that drives results.
Prototyping & Design
See your vision come to life before development even begins. I'll create intuitive and visually stunning designs that capture your brand and engage your users.
Development
Turning designs into fully functional, responsive websites using the latest technologies. I build robust and scalable solutions that are ready for today and tomorrow's web.
Maintenance
Keep your website running smoothly and securely. From updates and backups to ongoing support, I'll handle the technical details so you can focus on your business.
Training & Support
Empowering you to take control of your website. I offer clear, concise training and ongoing support to ensure you feel confident managing your online presence.
Consulting
Need expert advice on your web strategy or a specific technical challenge? Leverage my 15 years of experience to get the insights and guidance you need.
About Me
Hi, I'm Robert. For the past 15 years, I've been a web designer and developer, and my journey began with a curious mind and a passion for creating. It all started with MySpace. I was fascinated by the ability to customize profiles using HTML & CSS. I went from using online generators to modifying the code myself, and soon I was building my first website—a 'MySpace Help' site that offered customizations for others.
My love for computers and technology just grew from there, but it wasn't always easy. As a self-taught developer, learning was a process of trial and error, filled with lots of do-overs. Debugging my code and understanding error messages was a difficult task, especially when I started tackling backend languages like PHP. But I stuck with it, and the reward of creating something from nothing is what continues to drive me today.
My proudest moment was landing my first "real" job at 360 Business Consulting. It was proof that my self-taught skills were valuable and that I was good enough to be hired for it. I not only grew my technical and design skills there but also gained experience in leadership and public speaking. This foundational experience, along with my work in public, private, and higher education sectors, has made me a well-rounded developer who can understand the needs of a broader audience.
I'm a laid-back, yet goal-oriented professional. My working style is collaborative, and I'm very easy to talk to, so you'll always feel informed and connected throughout our project. I want my clients to feel confident that they've selected the right developer and that their product is in the right hands.
My diverse experience allows me to work with a wide range of clients and deliver sustainable, well-maintained code along with beautiful, polished designs. I get obsessive with the details, from making sure buttons have just the right rounded corners to creating delightful interaction animations. I also spend a lot of time ensuring everything looks correct on different screen sizes and browsers, and I test every aspect of the product to ensure proper functionality.
Skills
- Front-End Development: HTML, CSS, SASS, JavaScript, jQuery, React, Gatsby
- Back-End & Server: PHP, MySQL, Node.js , Apache, Windows (IIS) & Linux server administration, DNS Management
- CMS: WordPress, Drupal
- Tools & Platforms: Git, VS Code, Adobe XD, Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator
- Other: Responsive Design, Web Accessibility, SEO/Analytics, Email Campaigns (design, coding (MJML), and deployment using platforms like Mailchimp)
Experience
Digital Communications DesignerCalifornia State University, Fullerton | Fullerton, CA | June 2018 - Present
- Built and maintained high-traffic university websites, landing pages and interactive storytelling features using React, HTML, CSS (SASS), and JavaScript, ensuring WCAG 2.1 accessibility compliance.
- Spearheaded the migration of the university news platform to WordPress, streamlining editorial workflows and boosting performance. Upgraded PHP on web servers and configured MySQL databases to support WordPress installation.
- Designed and launched the University Magazine website using GatsbyJS, a static site generator.
- Built custom WordPress submission form using REST API and React, enabling campus-wide content contributions.
- Collaborated with designers using Adobe XD to design and develop prototypes into accessible front-end components.
- Helped manage department web and database servers.
- Collaborated with IT and accessibility teams to ensure ADA/Section 508 compliance.
- Led training sessions for non-technical staff to manage content independently.
- Supported SEO and analytics by integrating structured data and performance enhancements.
Freelance Website Designer & DeveloperSeptember 2010 - Present
- Developed custom websites for small businesses, using HTML, Javascript, SASS, PHP, static site generators and open-source CMS platforms.
- Deployed client websites to custom cloud hosting environments, managing configuration and performance.
- Delivered clear, client-focused training to ensure independent website management.
- Designed easy-to-use and innovative UI/UX solutions.
- Collaborated closely with clients to define requirements and deliver tailored solutions.
Director of Website Development360 Business Consulting | Orange, CA | January 2018 - June 2018
- Oversaw web design projects end-to-end, managing production schedules and client communication.
- Managed load-balanced cloud hosting infrastructure for 20+ client websites.
- Directed and supported a team of junior designers and developers.
- Played a key role in RFPs and client pitches, combining technical and creative expertise.
- Led CMS training workshops for 20+ users at a time, focusing on content editing for public sector clients such as school districts.
- Participated in budget planning and strategic decisions with the executive team.
Director of Design360 Business Consulting | Orange, CA | January 2016 - December 2017
- Led creative direction across all client work, including UI/UX, branding, and digital assets.
- Revamped company branding to align with evolving digital strategies.
- Managed design production across web, social, and print.
- Actively involved in pre-sales design consultations and presentations.
Website Designer360 Business Consulting | Orange, CA | June 2013 - December 2015
- Created and managed quality design assets in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
- Responsible for email campaign design and deployment.
- Designed and developed responsive websites using HTML and CSS.
- Implemented complex CMS solutions for large-scale clients.
- Managed daily website content updates.
- Worked directly with clients and sales to design/develop effective marketing solutions.
Contact Me
Have a project in mind or just want to say hello? I'd love to hear from you!