Tara Pattie
Q What do you do?
“I am a designer and director of Studio Otto, a boutique digital design and web development company. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I studied art and design in college, and founded the studio with my partner (and now husband) 15 years ago. We started out when e-commerce was just beginning, and have helped our clients grow ever since as the industry has exploded.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
We have true technical expertise in our field, but we develop everything to a higher design standard than many developers. We are a small team that offers excellent customer service and integrated partnerships. I've built long, trusting relationships with our clients— some I have worked with for over a decade.
Q What are you working on right now?
We are currently building a site for a luxury handbag brand based in New York, and as well as working on a micro-site for Solange Knowles' Saint Heron dossier project, an ongoing online exhibition series we have worked on for the past five years.
Q What’s your style?
Our projects always feel highly custom, functional and intuitive, built for longevity, not a passing trend. Maybe minimalist, but always interesting.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to work on more experimental digital design projects.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
It is tough for us to find time to bring in new projects, as it has all been work of mouth thus far!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
That seems low for anything I'd have someone do! But my garden needs some help at the moment, and I have considered looking for an expert in that field.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could tell myself to worry less when just starting my business. It all will work out!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
As stated above, gardening. :)
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
We are looking for brands that want beautiful and performant e-commerce sites.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
We love helping fashion brands translate their stories to web. I also have really enjoying building sites for art institutions.
Q: What is your rate?
Most websites start around $10,000 USD and go up from there depending on features. We also offer development work hourly at $190 per hour.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me and we can chat : tara@studio-otto.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Luca Venter — luca-venter.com He's a talented photographer and graphic designer. Sabla Stays — @callmesabla — a brilliant art director.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I am so inspired by old books, history, interior design, my town of Los Angeles
This member profile was originally published in February 2025.