WEBSITE DESIGNER
HIGH LEVEL MARKETING, BIRMINGHAM AL
Makayla Wright is a web designer based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally aspiring to be a forensic scientist, she discovered her passion for graphic design through her high school yearbook club. Her interest for design grew during her time at the University of Montevallo, where she gained hands-on experience as a graphic design intern and took on editorial roles with both the yearbook and literary magazine.
Makayla graduated in 2020 with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Public Relations, right as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite the challenging job market, she secured a position at High Level Marketing just two months after graduating. Throughout her 4+ years at HLM, Makayla has been dubbed the “QA Queen” of the design department, a title she earned for her meticulous attention to detail.
High Level Marketing is a nationwide, full-service digital marketing company that helps small and mid-sized service-based companies strengthen their online visibility and grow in their local market(s). The company specializes in web design, SEO, and paid search advertising. Awarded as a top website design company in the country, HLM consistently delivers new sales opportunities through nationwide marketing programs and local SEO campaigns.
HLM’s dedicated team of industry experts is driven by a set of core values: do what’s right, deliver meaningful outcomes, embrace change, learn every day, pursue what’s next, work as one team, and celebrate wins.
HOW DO YOU SEE AI AND OTHER EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IMPACTING THE FUTURE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN? ON CREATIVITY? PRODUCTIVITY? EMPLOYMENT?
AI has the potential to boost creativity and productivity, accelerating progress when used as a tool. While it lacks human touch and understanding, it can help bring ideas to life more efficiently. That said, I think it’s overly optimistic to assume that some companies and clients won’t rely more heavily on AI as it improves. As designers, it’s crucial for us to demonstrate our value and expertise in creating meaningful and impactful work—something that AI alone cannot achieve.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING A CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGN?
My advice is to stay open to opportunities you might not have initially considered. After college, I envisioned myself focusing on publication or branding work, but a chance opportunity at my current job led me to web design — and I absolutely love it.
My other key piece of advice is to never stop learning. While you’ll certainly learn on the job, it’s essential to actively seek ways to improve both in your role and beyond it, whether through courses, personal projects, or exploring new design trends.
