Website Designers in Seattle Really Have a Great Life
If you’re looking for an interesting place to work, then Seattle is the city that will get your blood flowing. In addition to having some of America’s most beautiful natural scenery and a plethora of events throughout any given year; there are also tons of opportunities available with great pay–not just as website designers but in various industries.
Aside from the rainy days and the sometimes grey and dreary weather, Seattle website designers have it pretty good.
Seattle Coffee
The first thing that comes to mind when you think about Seattle, of course, is coffee. We’re known in Seattle for our Starbucks and locally coffee shops. It’s not just about drinking either; if you want some fresh air with views from high up on top floors looking out over water then look no further than this city which boasts plenty more activities beyond caffeinating including hiking trails winding through nature preserves as well as stunning parks harboring large trees whose thick branches provide shade while providing glimpses into what lies beyond these shores.
Coffee it isn’t merely something to wake up with, but rather an experience. While you could always go for the bland stuff that comes out of a pot, why not take it up a notch?
Seattle Inspiration
Designing websites and living in Seattle seems to be a perfect match. There are several places for a Seattle website designer to draw creative inspiration. We have Paul Allen’s playground, the Experience Music Project, The Seattle Center, The Space Needle, and more.
As website designers, we’re in the business of inspiring people to bring their dreams alive. We use our creativity to help others visualize their vision and then turn it into reality.
But where do we find inspiration for real life? Where can we find that creative spark that inspires us on days when our motivation is fading fast? It’s like looking for the light switch when the electricity is out.
Here is my list of top creative inspirations in Seattle.
The Seattle Public Library
The Seattle public library has nine floors with enough space to house more than one million books, two coffee shops (with free wi-fi, of course), and an elevated park on the 5th floor with incredible views of downtown Seattle.
This award-winning architectural wonder has five levels of public spaces and seating. I’m not kidding when I say that this is a great place to find inspiration. One floor houses the Northwest Room, which is devoted to material about Seattle, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest in general.
I loved the natural light streaming in from the windows and the many art installations throughout this building. Just remember where you left your car because it could take an hour to find it, or walk out as everyone else does!
Experience Music Project & Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame
One step inside, and you know that you’re somewhere special – extraordinary music exhibits that inspire creativity and imagination with every note. This museum has over 3,000 music exhibits, mainly from rock ‘n’ roll royalty. The Jimi Hendrix exhibit was my personal favorite, and I spent hours combing through it. It’s fun for all ages, and you can still catch Paul Allen on his lunch break, playing the guitar in the glass-encased lobby.
Seattle Center: Space Needle & Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibit
The space needle is a marvel of engineering that has withstood Mother Nature’s test of time. No matter where you are in Seattle, this geodetic structure can be seen from miles away (hence its name). The views from the observation deck never disappoint, and if your timing is correct, you’ll get to experience their Sound and Light show.
I took the monorail from Westlake Center, which has one stop at Seattle Center. There’s also a great view of the space needle that you can see when you step outside Westlake station. If your budget allows for it, make sure you try out the delicious food in the sky with rotating views of Seattle.
The Fremont Troll & Gas Works Park
The Fremont troll is an artistic interpretation by four local artists (George Johanson, Donna Walter, Ross Whitehead, and Roger Dore) of a troll living under a bridge. This bridge is located in the Fremont district, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops along with a ton of street art – my favorite kind!
Gas Works Park is a unique public space that was once an industrial site. Today it’s completely overgrown by wild plants and flowers. It’s also home to many modern art pieces, including sculptures from Alexander Calder and Richard Serra (see photos).
Ballard Locks & The Aquarium
The locks are part-museum, part-attraction for anyone who loves wildlife or wants to learn more about water conservation efforts in the beautiful Pacific Northwest region. There are information panels along the way that share some fascinating stories about salmon migration and how much water is involved.
After you’re through here, definitely check out the Pacific Northwest Seaport/Aquarium, which is just across the street (see photos). This aquarium offers many ways to learn more about the Pacific Northwest marine life, including hands-on programs for children. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat without having to feed a small country, so plan accordingly!
Pioneer Square & International District
The oldest neighborhood in Seattle has an incredible story to tell. Be sure not to miss Market Ghost Tours, where you’ll be guided by men dressed up as Victorian brothel workers who will share their intimate knowledge with you – it’s definitely worth the money. In addition, there are plenty of shops here that will entice you to stay, including one of my favorites, The Seattle Mystery Bookshop (located in Post Alley).
Be sure to taste Seattle’s version of Little Italy – the International District. Treat yourself to some Thai food or sushi and soak up the vibrancy of this unique community!
Pike Place Market & Gum Wall
The famous gum wall is located right outside Pike Place Market behind a few small stores near Rachel Ray’s Fish Basket (see photo). Once you’ve gotten your picture next to it, make sure you head inside for an incredible market experience! You’ll find produce vendors, butchers, fishmongers, and cheese shops with samples just waiting for you to try them. Don’t miss the seafood aisle where they will throw a crab at you if you’re brave enough!
Many restaurants here offer fresh ingredients from all over Seattle and its surrounding areas – even down to the local farms. You can spend hours just exploring this area – so plan accordingly!
Alki Beach
After you’ve explored all of downtown and Pike Place Market, go west toward the water, where you’ll find Alki Beach (see photo). This beautiful stretch of coastline offers views along Elliott Bay and is a great place to relax. You can walk, jog, or take your camera to capture some incredible ocean views!
Seattle Tech Companies
All of the tech companies in the Seattle area are a Seattle website designer’s dream. We have the largest e-commerce retailer in the world: Amazon.com. We have one of the largest software makers in the world: Microsoft. One of the leaders in streaming audio and video: Real Networks. We’ve got Adobe, Nintendo, F5 Networks. Yes for a website designer, Seattle is definitely the place to be.
