The Internet is so customizable that developers are continuing to find new ways to push the possibilities of creative design, and you only have to look at someone like Preston Kent to see how ripe the medium is for artists looking to build innovative web content.

Preston is a graduate of Full Sail’s Web Design and Development program, and only three months after graduating, he has already launched his own successful web design company, PrestonKent.com. This one-man operation is based out of his hometown of Panama City, Florida, and specializes in graphic design and web solutions for local and statewide companies.

“It’s always been a goal to mine to start my own business, and it all came together pretty fast after graduation,” he says. “I moved back here and just started passing out my business card around the city. My name really got out there, and people started contacting me through word of mouth. It’s been a great experience so far, and I’ve really loved developing these professional relationships.”

Preston’s work is highlighted by a clean design aesthetic, which has already attracted a number of clients, including Kingdom Agenda International, Lovely Lulu, Professional Translations, and Restoration 1 Inc. His work for these companies has been extensive, as he’s designed and coded the functionality of their websites, helped with their social media presence, and handled their search engine optimization.

“The Web is always changing, so the most important thing to help you stay relevant is to have a clean site with clear navigation, because people just want to find what they’re looking for,” he says. “I think what sets me apart is that when I first meet with a client I really try to get to know them as individuals, and talk about the mission and vision of their company. That’s a really important step - understanding how to balance the whole usability of a site with what the client wants.

“I think the biggest thrill for me as a designer is after a project is done. I’ll meet with the client and just watch the expressions of their face when they go through a site and see my design and the functionality. You really feel like you’re helping their company.”

The main purpose of any website is to communicate with its target audience, and looking at Preston’s portfolio, it’s obvious that he has a keen understanding of interface design and layout that captures the sensibilities of his clients. That personal approach is really the key to the quick success of his own company, and his biggest piece of advice for other up and coming developers.

“The most important thing is to maintain a focus and mindset on giving your clients work that will inspire them,” he says. “If you develop clean code, clean design, and the usability is there, people will recognize you, so just continue to have that drive and you can do anything. Curves are always going to be thrown at you, but if you love what you do and have that passion you’ll start to make a name for yourself.”