The Nitty Gritty

How I Work

Background

I specialize in web development and strategy, focusing on projects and clients that might not fit within a larger agency's scope due to various limitations.

I create customized, high-performing apps and websites with a focus on optimization, mobile responsiveness, and environmental sustainability.

My services include strategy, UX design, development, e-commerce, goal-setting and managing the project from start to finish.

Collaborative Approach

The majority of my engagements involve project-centric tasks, although I'm open to working on retainers as well. Retainers are structured around a mutually agreed-upon number of days per month or based on a specific issue, feature or goal.

During project collaborations, I scheduling regular meetings to maintain a seamless workflow. Typically, these meetings occur weekly, especially in the project's initial stages, though we can customize the frequency to better suit our needs.

For project management, I use Basecamp for collaboration and organization and Clockify for time tracking and invoicing.

Costs

Estimation is always a challenge, akin to determining the length of a ball of string. Although we typically establish a clear understanding of a project's goals in the early stages, uncertainties inevitably arise, and our grasp of the best solutions evolves with progress.

Given the shifting ground, my recommended approach is to provide estimates based on a day rate rather than a fixed price. Embracing this flexible method allows us to concentrate on delivering the most suitable solution as we gain further insights.

However, if a fixed quote is a prerequisite, I recommend opting for a brief discovery project. The outcome of this will be a fixed scope, or at least a narrow range, with associated costs, ensuring clarity and transparency in the pricing structure.

Development

If you need a website, I suggest using WordPress or Strapi as the tools to organize your content. While other content management systems are available, I lean towards using a Headless CMS. This type of system separates how your content looks (the presentation layer) from where it's stored and managed (the backend). With a Headless CMS, you can manage your content in one central location and easily display it on various digital platforms.

When it comes to crafting the visual elements of a website, my preference leans towards leveraging Nuxt. Nuxt is an open-source framework designed to streamline web development for high-performance applications.

Design

While I possess a strong understanding of the principles of good design and adhere to best practices, I don't identify as a 'designer.' If you already have a designer, I'm happy to collaborate with them during the design and development phases.

Other Services

Over the years, I've developed a network of people who can provide design and content services if the need arises.

If you would like to discuss a project or have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Email Me
As a writer and photographer, Lionel was a key contributor to Outpost Magazine - around the time we won Magazine of the Year. Lionel was critical in helping us develop an overall online strategy and site architecture.

Chris Frey

Founder Outpost, No Media Co.

Lionel was responsible for development of a complex site for Planet in Focus, Canada's largest Environmental Film Festival. He is a reliable, accessible and inventive programmer with amazing problem solving skills.

Natalia Kantor

Communications Manager, Planet in Focus

Lionel is goal-oriented and adds value to multi-faceted team-based projects. He works well with team members and in identifying and capitalizing upon their strengths and developing their weaknesses.

Michael Budd

Director, Advisor Digital Activation Strategy, RBC

In his time at CCS, Lionel developed a track record of researching and presenting ideas that were understandable, actionable and measurable, and successfully managing those resulting projects.

Cathy Moore

Director, Online, Canadian Cancer Society