Tess Coniglio
Web Designer / Squarespace Plugin Developer / Founder of Digital Moves
Melbourne, AUS / Remote
www.digitalmoves.com.au
instagram @digital__moves
Q What do you do?
“G’day, I’m Tess – A (fully remote) web designer & developer pushing the boundaries of Squarespace through clever design and strategic thinking. Founder and head designer at Digital Moves, we are more than just the behind-the-scenes coding, downloading and choccie overloading, we’re all about handing you the agency to take an active role in your creative web design. Because your site has to authentically reflect you. Naturally.”
Digital Moves designs and develops fully custom, one-of-a-kind, crème de la crème Squarespace websites and online products for the service-based industry. We also build premium (and sometimes free!) Squarespace plugins for creatives – placing the creative freedom back into the hands of our wonderful community, so you can refresh your site and make tweaks for those in their DIY era.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Web design fell into my lap because I literally needed a website of my own. The more time I spent learning to code, the more I realised how – wait – I’m actually pretty damn good at this! I enrolled in the holy grail ILoveCreatives Squarespace course, and from there, I knew this was where I wanted to go. Since then, I’ve completed further coding courses at SuperHi, learnt from the best teacher ever – YouTube – and have spent countless hours reading up on everything I can find on the .com. The best thing about web development? The learning never ends; there’s always something cool, new and exciting to code up. So, with the trademark and the domain to prove it, we had lift off. Boom.
As I learnt the tricks of the web-building trade, I spotted a gap in the market: While talented developers were building amazing websites, they were costly and didn’t offer clients the ability to make quick updates. There was a platform for building websites, but designers weren’t using it to offer this flexibility to clients. Here’s where I come in. As an all-in-one designer and developer service, Digital Moves taps into the best software so that service-based businesses can have a website that showcases their brand personality and – you guessed it – manage it themselves. Because cool brands deserve the best, don’tcha think?
Q How do you stand out in your field?
While standing out was always at the forefront of what I felt like I needed to be successful, for me to be able to do that, I really needed to be myself, and show up in ways that work for me. So how I stand out in my field is really what my vibe is –– Refreshing, experimental and fun designs that capture attention and make people feel seen when they land on your home page. Oh, and I’m not afraid of a challenge. I’m an extension to my client’s team; Collaboration, honesty and a human-centric approach drives how I do things. Ideas flow freely, and collaboration feels more like a good chat than a business meeting, it’s not just about getting stuff done (though, obviously important) it’s about having a good time doing it too.
Q What are you working on right now?
Something exciting – always. And look I’ll probably be working on something else when you read this but right now, I’m working with Sydney-based Photographer, a Las Vegas inspired Wedding Chapel in Melbourne and building some premium (and free!) Squarespace Plugins for creatives to elevate their own Squarespace websites.
Q What’s your style?
Definitely –– and yet, I could say my style evolves regularly.
I am always open to working with people who aren’t afraid to experiment while maintaining functional integrity to their website.
My latest projects:
Madeline Kate – Capturing special moments in an iconic way
Lizzie Mulherin – A words smith who works with brands who don’t compromise
High St – Street vibe medicinal marijana store and dispensary in sunny Sydney.
Good Times Pilates – An inclusive-movement Reformer Pilates studio for everybody.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Up until 2023 I was doing bits and bobs for others because, honestly, it’s pretty scary to go all-in on one thing, especially when it’s your own business. Having different skills has serviced me incredibly well, but I got to the point where It wasn’t serving the business I wanted to grow. Today, I focus only on Digital Moves. So if you are in the same position, my advice – take the leap.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Client deadlines — I know, it’s a part of the job. But in my experience, those with hard deadlines have been the toughest to work with. Often not even meeting these deadlines on their own side, so I cannot meet them on mine. Having timeframes is important, and it helps me stay in check, but if I’m working with someone who doesn’t have any buffer, it’s a red flag.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Admin chief, for sure. Admin takes up a lot of my time and often drains my creative juices so I tend to stay away from emails and important things when I’m deep in client work. Luckily my processes are *chef's kiss* so on-boarding/off-boarding is a dream. Maybe even someone just to stand there and tell me "you're doing great sweetie!".
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I had started, or should I say, taken the leap sooner. Personally I’m not one for living in the past and wondering what could have been. How I got here, is a melody of the choices I’ve made. I’m really stoked and proud to be where I am today.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Expanding in a sustainable way –– What can we do better with our digital footprint.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
*Shake shake shake.*
My Magic 8 Ball says it’s out there in the universe.
I want to work with:
→ Graphic designer
→ Copywriters
→ Photographers
→ Artists & galleries
→ Cafes & bars
→ Florists
→ Interior designers
→ Architecture studios
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is honest, open and understands the importance of clever design for their business.
Q: What is your rate?
At Digital Moves, we tailor project packages to your needs. Depending on your input, assets and specifications we can provide you with a budget based on your needs. Custom Squarespace websites start at $7000 AUD. Drop us a line here.
Our Squarespace Plugins range from $0 to $80, and they are perfect for all types of creatives and web designers to use (unlimited licence baby!) and small business owners who are in their DIY era.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Great question! Head over to our website and come see what we are all about. If we are your vibe, I’d love to hear from you –– you can submit a project enquiry form on our contact page.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I’ve worked with some fantastic people these past couple years, so I’m stoked to share my go-to’s. I love salt-of-the-earth, friendly people who are incredibly skilled and these two are always at the top of my list when collaborating on projects.
Happy Hungry – Graphic Designer
Naughty Nancy – Copywriters
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Travel, movement & nature
This member profile was originally published in April 2023, Updated March 2025.