Big Ocean Studios

Great Websites for Great People

Solutions for Small Business Owners

Web Development Studio from Chicago, IL

Big Ocean Studios is a web design and web development company that works with individuals and small business owners crafting websites that fit their needs and budgets.

About me

My dream is to have an office with an ocean view. As a kid from Long Island now land-locked in the suburbs of Chicago, I yearn for salt water. I had a fish tank once, but it wasn't exactly the same.

My name is Marc Miller. I create websites. By day, I work for ReFrame Ministries, developing cool ministry websites. At night, I help individuals and small businesses create and then run successful sites. And I've been doing it for over 10 years.

I do my best work using the Craft Content Management System (CMS), although I also do some pretty cool stuff with WordPress and ExpressionEngine, too. I strive to make beautiful websites that are standards compliant, mobile friendly and optimized for search engines.

Start a project Want to work with me? Let's Get Started

Services

Making you happy and helping you succeed are my number one goals. Here are some of the ways I make that happen for you:

Discovery and Planning

Whether you're starting a brand new website or redesigning your current one, the key to success is developing a solid plan. Together we'll work through a creative brief, site map, and wireframes before we even begin to design. These important documents will form a foundation on which your site will be built.

Website Design

Ah the fun stuff. Once the boring paperwork is out of the way, it's time to start visualizing what your site will look like. I work with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to craft websites. These are powerful, industry standard tools that really help get the job done.

Website Development

To most people, this area is the most mysterious. This is where the design comes to life as a real, interactive website. And it's the area I excel in. I work on Linux/Apache webservers making sites that run in XHTML and PHP. Throw in some advanced scripting with javascript and you end up with a site that makes you say "wow."

Content Management Systems

Content Management Systems (CMS) are tools that make updating your website content a breeze. I recommend Craft for most sites. However, if you need a simpler, more cost-effective solution, I also work with the WordPress system.

Support

After your site is launched, I don't disappear. I will help you succeed and grow. From spot troubleshooting to regular contract support, I will continue to help you get the most out of your new website.

Web Hosting

Need a place to put your new website? I can help you find the right host. My two preferred hosts are Digital Ocean or Hostinger depending on your needs.

Process

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll be upfront with you: I can't turn around web projects as fast as if you hire a full time agency because I have a 32 hour a week job as the web producer for ReFrame Ministries and I do my Big Ocean Studios work on nights and weekends (and lunch breaks and occasional coffee break).

However, I'm also more affordable than bigger companies. Additionally, I don't take on too many clients at one time so that I can give each project the necessary attention it deserves.

I bill hourly at a reasonable rate, use Asana for consolidated client communications, and use Pancake for billing so that invoices can be paid with check or credit card.

This all culminates in a very efficient process that delivers outstanding results. Read some of my client's testimonials below for further proof.

Projects

Here is a sample of some of the great projects I've had the privilege of working on. These sites have been made with a variety of content management systems and hosting platforms.

ReFrame Ministries

Kids Corner

Church Juice

Digital Songs and Hymns

Christ Church Cathedral

Hano Henry

Hinsdale Humane Society

Faith Church

St. James Episcopal Church

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church

Lucas Van Engen

South Shore Pediatric Dentistry

Clients

Over the years, I've been able to work with some great clients like these. Authors, politicians, actors, small business owners, bookstores, non-profits organizations, churches and Christian schools. I've had wonderful experiences with all my clients. I'd love to meet you and see if I can help you, too!

Testimonials

Marc has designed many websites for me. He has exceeded my expectations each time. I get a lot of positive feedback from people who visit my sites.

Rafael Rivadeneira ~ VoteRafael.com, Epiphany Portfolios, Republican National Hispanic Assembly of IL

Marc has been managing the website for Roseland Christian School in Chicago for several years. Twice, he has implemented a redesign of the site. Each time, he provides more functionality and creativity. We continue to receive complements on our web site - for its overall look and for its wealth of information. Marc has implemented several features that make the site easier for us to maintain. He continues to be a great asset to us as we make a difference in the lives of our students!

Roger DeGroot ~ Roseland Christian School

Contact

Whether you're unsure of how to get started or ready to get to work, send me an email and let's chat! I'll help you figure out the next steps.

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