MORE THAN JUST WEB DEVELOPMENT

Because without content, you don’t have a website


More Than Just Web Development

Without content, you don’t have a website.
Let me help you to get your message out and to adapt a design to it. Let’s tell your story.


I am a designer and a writer. I am a content designer. Designing and writing are more alike than you think. Both are about storytelling. About forming ideas and giving ideas form. They are compatible languages and compatible forms of inquiry.

Most web developers and designers don’t come from a content-creating background. I do.

Do you have a content-rich website,  are a charitable or sustainable nonprofit or personal brand with a mission to share or a story to tell? Are you overwhelmed by your content? Let’s get to work and develop a website that adapts to and amplifies your message and highlights your content.

Here is my unique perspective and value proposition to you: I’ll help you clarify, produce and streamline your message, your branding strategy, your mission, your call-to-action, or the story you want to tell to better connect with your site visitors.

Then, we’ll develop your website with a clear content strategy in mind. Next, I’ll teach you how to work with your site, offer site care, content upkeep, editorial services, security maintenance and peace of mind. No need to hire separate teams.


Content+Design™ LLC is different.
This is y
our one-stop shop for content design.

 

color wheel

I am a designer and a writer. I am a content designer. Designing and writing are more alike than you think. Both are about storytelling. About forming ideas and giving ideas form. They are compatible languages and compatible forms of inquiry.

Most web developers and designers don’t come from a content-creating background. I do.

Do you have a content-rich website,  are a charitable or sustainable nonprofit or personal brand with a mission to share or a story to tell? Are you overwhelmed by your content? Let’s get to work and develop a website that adapts to and amplifies your message and highlights your content.

Here is my unique perspective and value proposition to you: I’ll help you clarify, produce and streamline your message, your branding strategy, your mission, your call-to-action, or the story you want to tell to better connect with your site visitors.

Then, we’ll develop your website with a clear content strategy in mind. Next, I’ll teach you how to work with your site, offer site care, content upkeep, editorial services, security maintenance and peace of mind. No need to hire separate teams.

Let’s tell your story and adapt a design to it!

EDITOR. I focus on quality content and research, not “content creation” for clicks. It is easy to show off the latest buzz in web design, lots of developers do that. But they will also constrain your message.

Get your message out.

DESIGNER. I draw on a life-long experience in the arts. I was raised in an artistic home and practically grew up in galleries, museums and foundries. I value typography, color, balance and aesthetics.

Content-first design. 

DEVELOPERI respect your site visitors. I always take a content-first approach in my design projects to emphasize your site’s mission, boost your message and support your site’s functionality.

Superior site functionality.

Why Work With Me? 

  • Content+Design™ LLC specializes in content-rich websites
  • Your one-stop shop for content, development and site care
  • Content-first web development
  • Clearly defined branding strategy
  • Content strategy, content reviews and website critiques
  • Professional editorial assistance
  • Clear calls-to-action for mission-driven organizations and brands
  • Social media strategies and campaigns
  • Multicultural and trilingual
  • New York certified Woman-Owned Business (WBE)

Hi, I'm Tekla

Tekla SzymanskiAs the founder of Content+Design™ LLC, I love to work with mission-driven nonprofits or creative personal brands because you have a story to tell or an urgent call-to-action to deliver. Your content is your biggest asset; your website should reflect that. I am here to help you find the right strategy to get your message out by applying the same in-depth checks and balances that I have used in my career as a print and online editor.

As a designer, I draw on a life-long experience in the arts. My parents were artists, and I practically grew up in galleries, museums and foundries. I gained an eye for form and color and a deep understanding of balance and aesthetics. I believe that in design, less is often more. The same goes for web design that highlights content: You need a minimum of design to achieve a maximum of functionality. Typography, color coordination and element hierarchy all need to be in harmony.

Content+Design™ will help you find the right design balance for your unique content needs while discovering your own design preferences.

Your content is your biggest asset

As a nonprofit or personal brand, you are passionate about your message, your story or the service you offer. You want a compact website that delivers a clear call-to-action to find new clients, recruit volunteers or increase donations. You only have a small team at your disposal and needed your site yesterday. I hear you.

Content+Design™ is your one-stop shop that will save you time and money from hiring separate content, development and admin teams. You will find solutions to your content and design needs, get help in fixing technical frustrations, receive ongoing site maintenance and security monitoring for your peace of mind.

And if needed, you’ll find consistent, reliable help in overcoming roadblocks, smoothing technical glitches or refreshing your content strategy—long after our initial design is done.

My experience with content will optimize your design

I am a visual communicator who focuses on quality content, which is so much more than mere “content creation” for clicks. It is easy to show off the latest buzz in technology, lots of developers will do that for you; but they will forget your users, and your message, along the way. I’m here to help your content shine.

I spent my childhood and early career in Florence, Paris, Berlin and Tel Aviv, working on three continents in five languages. I bridge cultures. I have held managing and senior editorial positions in international and domestic newspapers (Ha’aretz, Telegraph, Globes, Aufbau), magazines (World Press Review Magazine) and the radio (Galei Zahal). I have designed and maintained websites and overseen web campaigns.

I hand-coded my first website in 1998. In fact, Content+Design™ LLC launched exactly 20 years after my first attempt to move from print media to the web. Read more about my own website design journey. I’ve been where you are now: trying to find the right design for your content needs.

As a journalist, I believe in good content, no matter the platform. As a web developer, I believe any design has to supplement the content, increase its impact, assist in its presentation and support its functionality. Think Bauhaus. Content should never be click-bait or fluff. It shouldn’t waste users’ and readers’ time.

I help print meet digital: long-form vs brevity, in-depth vs immediacy, top-down vs. crowd-sourced. And I help pair quality content with functional design since both provide equally important venues to communicate. They need to complement each other, however, and I try to bridge any gaps.

I am organized and creative and try to find ways to fit the round peg in the square hole. I like to under-promise and over-deliver—and I love to work remotely, on far-flung, global and culturally-diverse teams. 

The later in the day, the better.

Let's focus on your content and adapt a design to it!

 

Tekla SzymanskiHi, I’m Tekla, the founder of Content+Design™ LLC.

I love to work with mission-driven nonprofits or creative personal brands because you have a story to tell or an urgent call-to-action to deliver. Your content is your biggest asset; your website should reflect that. I am here to help you find the right strategy to get your message out by applying the same in-depth checks and balances that I have used in my career as a print and online editor.

As a designer, I draw on a life-long experience in the arts. My parents were artists, and I practically grew up in galleries, museums and foundries. I gained an eye for form and color and a deep understanding of balance and aesthetics. I believe that in design, less is often more. The same goes for web design that highlights content: You need a minimum of design to achieve a maximum of functionality. Typography, color coordination and element hierarchy all need to be in harmony.

Content+Design™ will help you find the right design balance for your unique content needs while discovering your own design preferences.

 

Your content is your biggest asset

 

As a nonprofit or personal brand, you are passionate about your message, your story or the service you offer. You want a compact website that delivers a clear call-to-action to find new clients, recruit volunteers or increase donations. You only have a small team at your disposal and needed your site yesterday. I hear you.

Content+Design™ is your one-stop shop that will save you time and money from hiring separate content, development and admin teams. You will find solutions to your content and design needs, get help in fixing technical frustrations, receive ongoing site maintenance and security monitoring for your peace of mind.

And if needed, you’ll find consistent, reliable help in overcoming roadblocks, smoothing technical glitches or refreshing your content strategy—long after our initial design is done.

 

My experience with content will optimize your design

 

I am a visual communicator who focuses on quality content, which is so much more than mere “content creation” for clicks. It is easy to show off the latest buzz in technology, lots of developers will do that for you; but they will forget your users, and your message, along the way. I’m here to help your content shine.

I spent my childhood and early career in Florence, Paris, Berlin and Tel Aviv, working on three continents in five languages. I bridge cultures. I have held managing and senior editorial positions in international and domestic newspapers (Ha’aretz, Telegraph, Globes, Aufbau), magazines (World Press Review Magazine) and the radio (Galei Zahal). I have designed and maintained websites and overseen web campaigns.

I hand-coded my first website in 1998. In fact, Content+Design™ LLC launched exactly 20 years after my first attempt to move from print media to the web. Read more about my own website design journey. I’ve been where you are now: trying to find the right design for your content needs.

As a journalist, I believe in good content, no matter the platform. As a web developer, I believe any design has to supplement the content, increase its impact, assist in its presentation and support its functionality. Think Bauhaus. Content should never be click-bait or fluff. It shouldn’t waste users’ and readers’ time.

I help print meet digital: long-form vs brevity, in-depth vs immediacy, top-down vs. crowd-sourced. And I help pair quality content with functional design since both provide equally important venues to communicate. They need to complement each other, however, and I try to bridge any gaps.

I am organized and creative and try to find ways to fit the round peg in the square hole. I like to under-promise and over-deliver—and I love to work remotely, on far-flung, global and culturally-diverse teams. 

The later in the day, the better.

 

Let's focus on your content and adapt a design to it!

NYWICI

Spotlight On:
Tekla Szymanski

Ellevate Member

Member Profile:
Tekla Szymanski

In the Spotlight:
Tekla Szymanski

Schedule a free consultation call. Discuss your content + design needs, receive a website critique—let's amplify your message!

Schedule a free consultation call.
Discuss your content + design needs, receive a website critique—let's amplify your message!

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  • “Thank you, from all of us, for your professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail.
    Your expertise and competence helped us to complete the project on time. It’s been a pleasure to work with you. Your forward-thinking, professionalism, excellent writing, attention to detail and fast turnaround made my job as an editor very easy.”

    Christina Beavan
    Christina Beavan
    Senior Editor, Berlitz Corp.
  • “Tekla was an absolute pleasure to work with! She was always readily available to meet to discuss projects and processes as well as take on work. Our team was impressed with her editorial skills, especially when it came to reviewing translated content against our guidelines and brand voice.”

    Diane Garcia
    Diane Garcia
    Senior Content Editor, HubSpot Academy
  • “Tekla has a unique mix of talents that make her an asset to any organization looking to communicate better digitally. She blends the best attributes of print journalism—strong reporting, writing and editing skills— with an in-depth understanding of web design, technology and usability.”

    Gail Griffin
    Gail Griffin
    Digital Product Strategy & Execution
  • “Tekla was an amazing team member in a fast moving campaign. She added a new dimension to the group and fit well into the rapidly changing demands of the project. Tekla is highly recommended as an asset to anyone lucky enough to work with her.”

    Michelle Kraus
    Michelle Kraus
    CEO Government Affairs, Sliicon Valley
  • “Tekla’s expertise in interpreting information and configuring it for ease of readability by the end user made executing my project not only simple but sensible. She brought insights that expanded the page architecture and delivered the project on time and within budget. The page is functional and beautiful—the perfect combination!”

    Joanne Sephine
    Joanne Sephine
    Vice President, Creative
  • “Tekla helped me so much by creating my LinkedIn profile to tell my story! With an eye for design and color and intuitive creativity, she guided me in choosing the right media to display on my profile to highlight my professional background as a costume and interior designer. Tekla is your go-to-person to strengthen your creative brand and to enrich your narrative online.”

    Arlene Grande Perler
    Arlene Grande Perler
    Costume & Interior Designer
  • “Tekla was a great asset to the team of editorial assistants and completed her work with great attention to detail. Her questions and comments were succinct and to the point and demonstrated her experience as a content strategist.”

    Berlitz
    Hadrien Tournier
    Assistant Director Content Development, Berlitz Corporation
  • “Tekla showed her creativity, reliability, flexibility, judgment and all-around superior website skills when we worked together. It required Tekla to function independently but as part of a far-flung team working on a rush project to build and support a content-rich advocacy website. Her professionalism is impeccable.”

    Gloria Feldt
    Gloria Feldt
    Author, Activist, Co-Founder Take The Lead
  • “At a time touted as an “either-or” situation—new media versus old—Tekla has launched a business that very wisely marries the two. I have been impressed by her vision, dedication, talent and willingness to seek out a solution to every situation.”

    Michelle Lodge
    Michelle Lodge
    Senior Editor
  • “Tekla consulted me on my company’s web site that targets Fortune 500 companies. She fine-tuned our message and understood how to best convey it in a succinct, easy to follow way. Tekla understands the target audience and is able to tailor the content to best convey the essence of a story.”

    Yori Lavi
    Yori Lavi
    Business Strategist & Entrepreneur
  • “Tekla worked as Homepage Editor for our U.S. News Portal mail.com and has been very successful in increasing the traffic on our editorial section. Besides being a joy to work with, Tekla is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and develop new concepts to increase web traffic.”

    Thomas Rebbe
    Thomas Rebbe
    Head of Editorial Content, 1&1Mail and Media
  • “Tekla can do it all: She can write well, edit perfectly, and she understands how the content works in the context of the web. Because she’s knowledgeable about the workings of websites, her content is right on the mark. And she’s a pleasure to work with, because she’s so smart and a really nice person.”

    Deirdre Wyeth
    Deirdre Wyeth
    Web Developer
  • “Tekla’s skills and talents are vast, as well as precisely specialized and interconnected. She’s someone you can always trust to not just get the job done, but to do it the right way; she truly wants things to be the best they can be. Tekla is essentially drama-free with immense skills and mindful dedication.”

    Kristen Dolle
    Kristen Dolle
    Creative Director
  • “As a long time former Board member of New York Women In Communications, Inc., I know Tekla as a professional, thorough and hard working team player. If you have Tekla on your team, she’ll be the “go to” person to get things done in a polished way.”

    Ginny Pulos
    Ginny Pulos
    Presentation & Media Trainer
  • “Tekla is extremely intelligent, resourceful and hard-working. Oh, and did I mention she speaks five languages? She’s also dedicated and pays strict attention to detail. Tekla is a great addition to any team!”

    Laura Allen
    Laura Allen
    Founder ThePitchGirl.com
  • “Tekla has been in charge of content strategy, management and overall maintenance of the NYWICI website since 2008. She is a pleasure to work with, managing multiple priorities without skipping a beat.”

    Maria Ungaro
    Maria Ungaro
    Exec. Director, NYWICI
  • “Tekla consistently approaches the problematic relationship of design to content (and vice versa) with thoughtfulness and a high standard in planning and execution. She is a compassionate listener and is fiercely organized and focused. Though you may classify her as your external resource, she will quickly become an indispensable part of your organization.”

    Susan Soriano
    Susan Soriano
    Director of Communications & PR
  • While I was editor-in-chief at the bi-weekly AUFBAU in New York, Tekla worked as the managing editor for national and international affairs. She was a highly efficient editor with that special “journo” feeling for great stories. Tekla is a terrific writer and brings the stories she finds via her thorough research to a conclusion. As a colleague, I’ve always appreciated her straight forward input and thinking during our editors’ meetings. Tekla gets things done. It was always rewarding reading her articles.

    Uwe Westphal
    Uwe Westphal
    Director at westphal Ltd London-Berlin
  • “Thank you, from all of us, for your professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail.
    Your expertise and competence helped us to complete the project on time. It’s been a pleasure to work with you. Your forward-thinking, professionalism, excellent writing, attention to detail and fast turnaround made my job as an editor very easy.”

    Christina Beavan
    Christina Beavan
    Senior Editor, Berlitz Corp.
  • “Tekla was an absolute pleasure to work with! She was always readily available to meet to discuss projects and processes as well as take on work. Our team was impressed with her editorial skills, especially when it came to reviewing translated content against our guidelines and brand voice.”

    Diane Garcia
    Diane Garcia
    Senior Content Editor, HubSpot Academy
  • “Tekla has a unique mix of talents that make her an asset to any organization looking to communicate better digitally. She blends the best attributes of print journalism—strong reporting, writing and editing skills— with an in-depth understanding of web design, technology and usability.”

    Gail Griffin
    Gail Griffin
    Digital Product Strategy & Execution
  • “Tekla was an amazing team member in a fast moving campaign. She added a new dimension to the group and fit well into the rapidly changing demands of the project. Tekla is highly recommended as an asset to anyone lucky enough to work with her.”

    Michelle Kraus
    Michelle Kraus
    CEO Government Affairs, Sliicon Valley
  • “Tekla’s expertise in interpreting information and configuring it for ease of readability by the end user made executing my project not only simple but sensible. She brought insights that expanded the page architecture and delivered the project on time and within budget. The page is functional and beautiful—the perfect combination!”

    Joanne Sephine
    Joanne Sephine
    Vice President, Creative
  • “Tekla helped me so much by creating my LinkedIn profile to tell my story! With an eye for design and color and intuitive creativity, she guided me in choosing the right media to display on my profile to highlight my professional background as a costume and interior designer. Tekla is your go-to-person to strengthen your creative brand and to enrich your narrative online.”

    Arlene Grande Perler
    Arlene Grande Perler
    Costume & Interior Designer
  • “Tekla was a great asset to the team of editorial assistants and completed her work with great attention to detail. Her questions and comments were succinct and to the point and demonstrated her experience as a content strategist.”

    Berlitz
    Hadrien Tournier
    Assistant Director Content Development, Berlitz Corporation
  • “Tekla showed her creativity, reliability, flexibility, judgment and all-around superior website skills when we worked together. It required Tekla to function independently but as part of a far-flung team working on a rush project to build and support a content-rich advocacy website. Her professionalism is impeccable.”

    Gloria Feldt
    Gloria Feldt
    Author, Activist, Co-Founder Take The Lead
  • “At a time touted as an “either-or” situation—new media versus old—Tekla has launched a business that very wisely marries the two. I have been impressed by her vision, dedication, talent and willingness to seek out a solution to every situation.”

    Michelle Lodge
    Michelle Lodge
    Senior Editor
  • “Tekla consulted me on my company’s web site that targets Fortune 500 companies. She fine-tuned our message and understood how to best convey it in a succinct, easy to follow way. Tekla understands the target audience and is able to tailor the content to best convey the essence of a story.”

    Yori Lavi
    Yori Lavi
    Business Strategist & Entrepreneur
  • “Tekla worked as Homepage Editor for our U.S. News Portal mail.com and has been very successful in increasing the traffic on our editorial section. Besides being a joy to work with, Tekla is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and develop new concepts to increase web traffic.”

    Thomas Rebbe
    Thomas Rebbe
    Head of Editorial Content, 1&1Mail and Media
  • “Tekla can do it all: She can write well, edit perfectly, and she understands how the content works in the context of the web. Because she’s knowledgeable about the workings of websites, her content is right on the mark. And she’s a pleasure to work with, because she’s so smart and a really nice person.”

    Deirdre Wyeth
    Deirdre Wyeth
    Web Developer
  • “Tekla’s skills and talents are vast, as well as precisely specialized and interconnected. She’s someone you can always trust to not just get the job done, but to do it the right way; she truly wants things to be the best they can be. Tekla is essentially drama-free with immense skills and mindful dedication.”

    Kristen Dolle
    Kristen Dolle
    Creative Director
  • “As a long time former Board member of New York Women In Communications, Inc., I know Tekla as a professional, thorough and hard working team player. If you have Tekla on your team, she’ll be the “go to” person to get things done in a polished way.”

    Ginny Pulos
    Ginny Pulos
    Presentation & Media Trainer
  • “Tekla is extremely intelligent, resourceful and hard-working. Oh, and did I mention she speaks five languages? She’s also dedicated and pays strict attention to detail. Tekla is a great addition to any team!”

    Laura Allen
    Laura Allen
    Founder ThePitchGirl.com
  • “Tekla has been in charge of content strategy, management and overall maintenance of the NYWICI website since 2008. She is a pleasure to work with, managing multiple priorities without skipping a beat.”

    Maria Ungaro
    Maria Ungaro
    Exec. Director, NYWICI
  • “Tekla consistently approaches the problematic relationship of design to content (and vice versa) with thoughtfulness and a high standard in planning and execution. She is a compassionate listener and is fiercely organized and focused. Though you may classify her as your external resource, she will quickly become an indispensable part of your organization.”

    Susan Soriano
    Susan Soriano
    Director of Communications & PR
  • While I was editor-in-chief at the bi-weekly AUFBAU in New York, Tekla worked as the managing editor for national and international affairs. She was a highly efficient editor with that special “journo” feeling for great stories. Tekla is a terrific writer and brings the stories she finds via her thorough research to a conclusion. As a colleague, I’ve always appreciated her straight forward input and thinking during our editors’ meetings. Tekla gets things done. It was always rewarding reading her articles.

    Uwe Westphal
    Uwe Westphal
    Director at westphal Ltd London-Berlin
Google Project Management Certificate
WBE
NYWICI Award-winning member
Society of Professional Journalists
Ellevate Member
Yoast SEO
EFA Member
Pen America
Published Member
Freelancer Union
National Writers Union
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