Interview: Noble Grad Yayoi Sugishita

After completing Noble's web design certificate program, what was your first real-world project?

The first project I tackled was creating a wedding invitation website for my own wedding. It was the perfect way to apply everything I'd learned while working on something personally meaningful—and it gave me complete creative freedom to experiment without client pressure.

The Sakebar Shigure website is beautifully executed. Can you walk us through how this project came about? Was this a paid commission?

The sake bar had an existing website, but it was completely outdated—not mobile-responsive and hadn't seen updates in years. I approached them with a proposal: I'd redesign their entire web presence at a significantly reduced rate in exchange for using it as a portfolio piece. It was a win-win situation that allowed me to gain real client experience while they received a modern, functional website that actually served their business needs.

Did you have complete creative control, or were you working within specific brand guidelines?

They gave me complete creative freedom, which was both exciting and challenging. I designed everything from the ground up—the visual identity, user experience, and overall aesthetic. Having that level of trust from a client early in my career was invaluable for building confidence in my design decisions.

The scrolling animations are particularly smooth. What technologies did you use to achieve those effects?

I implemented the interactive elements using JavaScript paired with jQuery. The combination allowed me to create those fluid scrolling transitions while maintaining compatibility across different browsers and devices.

What inspired your design approach for Sake Bar Shigure?

I drew inspiration from three core elements: the rich color palette of traditional Japanese aesthetics, the intimate atmosphere of the physical space, and carefully selected typography that balanced modern readability with cultural authenticity. The goal was to translate the sensory experience of visiting the sake bar into a digital environment.

Did Noble's Design & Build a Website Meetup play a role in completing this project?

Absolutely. Dan provided crucial guidance during the development phase, helping me troubleshoot technical challenges and refine the user experience. Having that community support made the difference between delivering a good website versus a polished, professional one.

What's your current work situation? Are you freelancing full-time or maintaining other commitments?

I'm currently balancing part-time employment with freelance web design work. This hybrid approach gives me financial stability while I build my client base and reputation. It's a strategic choice that allows me to be selective about projects and focus on quality over quantity.

What types of projects are you pursuing next?

I'm specifically targeting retail businesses that need strong e-commerce presence. There's a significant opportunity in helping traditional brick-and-mortar shops establish or improve their online presence, especially as consumer behavior continues shifting toward digital-first experiences.

How is your portfolio development progressing? Are you able to focus on it alongside client work?

I'm taking a deliberate approach to portfolio building—I want to complete several more diverse projects before launching my official portfolio site. Each project teaches me something new, and I'd rather present a smaller collection of exceptional work than rush to showcase everything I've done. Quality curation is essential in this field.

What advice would you offer to aspiring web designers and developers just starting their journey?

Expect to encounter significant technical and creative challenges—they're inevitable and actually valuable for growth. The key is persistence and viewing obstacles as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks. When you finally solve a complex problem or see your vision come to life in the browser, that sense of accomplishment makes every frustrating debugging session worthwhile. Don't underestimate the importance of community, either—connecting with other designers and developers accelerates your learning exponentially.

Editor's note: Yayoi is currently accepting freelance web design projects, particularly for retail and hospitality businesses. You can contact her at