About Port City Pixel - Wilmington Web Design
With over 15 years of enterprise and agency experience, we've seen what works—and what doesn't. Port City Pixel was built to bring real strategy, clarity, and performance to local websites that need more than just good looks.
Let's build your site the right wayTrusted by clients across Wilmington and beyond:
How We Got Here
Port City Pixel is the result of 15+ years of freelance experience, a decade of client wins with Tidemark Creative, and a renewed focus after relocating to Wilmington, NC. What began as a solo web design career evolved into a trusted agency model—built on real UX strategy, clean code, and long-term client partnerships. We collaborate with Ford Design on projects for brands like Guy C Lee, Lancaster Electric, and Bella Homes, and continue to work alongside Matthew Woodard, the #1 ranked freelance web designer on Google, whose UX insight continues to shape the way we build. Today, Port City Pixel helps Wilmington-area businesses grow with websites built to perform—not just exist.
People First
We don’t build for algorithms—we build for the real people who use your website. Strategy starts with understanding the journey.
Integrity Over Hype
No vague scopes or padded proposals. You’ll always know what you’re paying for and what to expect. Honesty is our core.
Design That Performs
A website isn’t done when it looks good—it’s done when it brings in leads. We build fast, conversion-focused websites that get results.
Local Matters
We live and work here. We understand Wilmington buyers, Cape Fear industries, and what makes a site connect locally.
Results-Driven
Every decision we make is based on data and user behavior. We double down on what works and improve what doesn’t.
Long-Term Partnership
We don’t just build your website and disappear. We’re here for the long haul, growing alongside your business.
"Port City Pixel transformed our online presence. We've seen a 40% increase in project inquiries since launching our new website."
- Mike Thompson
Thompson Construction
About the Crew
We're not just a team. We're your creative partner.
Founded by a former UX consultant for Capital One, Webroot, and University of Arizona, Port City Pixel brings enterprise-level skill to the small business table. Whether it's a single site or a full ongoing strategy, you'll work directly with professionals who understand business, not just design.
Tony Shaw
Founder & Lead Designer
25+ years of experience. Former UX consultant for Capital One and University of Arizona.
Matthew Woodard
UX Designer & Collaborator
#1 freelance web designer on Google. Brings modern UX insight and conversion magic.
Greg Ford
Brand Consultant & Apparel
Owner of Ford Design. Leads brand identity, apparel, and offline collateral for select clients.
Kaylee Shaw
Social Media Manager
Owner of Twenty Two Social in Wilmington, NC.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Port City Pixel
Port City Pixel officially launched after relocating to Wilmington, NC, but the story goes back much further. With over 15 years of freelance experience and a decade running Tidemark Creative, we’ve helped businesses across the Carolinas grow online. The move to Wilmington sharpened our focus—bringing enterprise-level strategy to local small businesses that want more than just a basic website.
We’re not just designers—we’re strategists. Our background includes UX and web design work for national brands like Capital One, the University of Arizona, and Webroot. That same level of thought and clarity goes into every local site we build. You’ll never deal with an account manager or get passed off—we stay hands-on from first call to final launch.
While we're based in Wilmington and specialize in serving the Cape Fear region—from Leland to Carolina Beach—we do work with clients beyond our local area. Our focus is on small to medium businesses who value strategy, quality, and direct communication. Being local to Wilmington helps us understand the market, but our expertise travels well. That said, we believe local knowledge creates better results, and we’re deeply committed to the Wilmington business community.
Our founder started building websites in the early 2000s and has worked as a UX consultant for national brands. That experience taught us that design isn’t just about how something looks—it’s about how it works. We also collaborate with Matthew Woodard (ranked the #1 freelance web designer on Google) and partner with Greg Ford at Ford Design to bring even more UX and branding muscle to the table.
Extremely hands-on. You work directly with the people building your site from the first call to launch day and beyond. No account managers, no junior developers, no surprises. We believe in real collaboration, which means clear communication, transparent timelines, and direct access to the expertise you're paying for. Your project gets our full attention because we're personally invested in your success.
After years of working with enterprise clients, we saw a gap in the market: small businesses deserved the same level of strategic thinking and technical expertise, but in a way that actually fit their needs and budgets. Port City Pixel was built to bring enterprise-level web design and UX strategy to Wilmington small businesses without the enterprise-level complexity or cost. We're here to help local businesses compete and win online.