Involved in the media industry since 1993, Design Queen can assist you in the following ways:

{ why choose DQ? }

My clients describe me as:

• A perfectionist
• A highly creative media and web designer
• Someone with an amazing grasp of the power of Social Media (especially Twitter & Facebook applications)
• Calm & very well organised
• Highly intelligent
• Totally honest, reliable & trustworthy
• A designer able to see the 'big picture' while paying exceptional attention to detail
• Punctual & hard working
• Efficient, a skilled communicator & great listener
• Proactive & client-focused
• Totally professional with high ethical standards
• Highly knowledgable of the media industries

{ photography }

Family portraits, Children and Babies, Engagements, Weddings, Promotional or Product photography - let me photograph your special occasions and business needs.

I'm based in beautiful Matakana village, just north of Auckland and I'm happy to travel to Auckland or shoot on location on the Matakana coast.

ENGAGEMENTS. WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY. CHILDREN. FAMILY PORTRAITS. PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY.

{ about the Design Queen, Debra Stratford }

I'm the self-employed 'Design Queen' (DQ), offering a boutique design and photography service for gorgeous, user-friendly websites, Facebook pages, social media, logos, printed media and much more.

I've been involved in most forms of printed and digital media since 1993 and have worked in a wide range of industries including newspapers, TV, publishing, web design, fashion and office management.

I design and project manage:

• Websites (brand new websites + redesigning existing ones - in today's rapidly changing technology and information scene a fresh look and new information are vital.)
• Social media (Facebook, Twitter) ideas and design
• Layouts Digital (internet) + Print (CMYK)
• Typography
• Marketing ideas for your business or project
• Web banners (digital advertising)
• Print design, advertisements
• Logo design + Branding
• Photography

{ testimonials / reviews }

"Thanks so much Debra for all your work on our Facebook makeover! It was perfect timing when Debra got in touch as we were planning a big event at the same time so we were able to combine Debra's makeover with our approach and it worked a treat! The extra traffic to our website and facebook sites all saw our new landing page and welcome page which was very exciting. We were also able to put a teaser campaign in place which helped gain more facebook likes. Debra was a joy to deal with, always helpful, very quick and informative and we loved her designs. We now have more fans to keep in touch with, which is fantastic. Looking forward to working with her again!"

"Debra, thank you so much for all the help and guidance in our first 'social media' campaign, graphics and design was spot on, functionality perfect and it exceeded our expectation by way of sheer results, I look forward to working with you in the near future. Thanks."

"On the recommendation of a friend, I recently engaged the services of Design Queen to develop our companies new website. What an absolute pleasure it has been working with Debra. She is a super talented lady who really has gone the extra mile to make sure we have the best possible marketing tools available to us! We went to Debra looking for a web site and come away with a whole lot more. New logo, business cards, and letter head, all in a timely and cost effective manner. Debra, you really are the Design Queen!"

"Debra did a fantastic job getting our new website up and running - helping us out of a really bad experience. We are so pleased with the result and would recommend her to anyone wanting to update their online presence!"

"Design Queen you've done at again. Thank you for creating the Facebook shop for Petersen's Homeopathics for Pets. Your creativity and attention to detail is exceptional."

"Sometimes someone does something that helps make big changes. Check our website (kiwihouse.org.nz), Facebook and Twitter. Thanks Design Queen for helping us to realise awesome potential. Your web designs and signage stuff is brilliant. Importantly your understanding of us as an organisation is first class. You take time to listen - good skill that. And lead us when we need it. Keep surprising! thanks!"

"Debs and I go way back about 3 years. We've always had something special going. I sold concepts & innovations that she created. My job was the easy part. Basically she made me look good. There's no other way to say it. I've tried to re-create the magic with others and they just don't measure up. In fact if there is such a term as "professional infidelity" then I have committed it by going behind my current designer's back to deal with the lovely DQ. The heart wants what the heart wants. I strongly recommend her services to any organization, large or small. I'm in Sydney. She's in Auckland. Doesn't matter. She's that good and makes the whole process that effortless. She's the 2nd best graphic designer that I've had the pleasure of dealing with (Sorry Debs but my wife has to be #1. It's the rules). I'd give you 6 stars if I could..."

"When I first got Debra's quote I was a bit wary, because it seemed too good to be true...I was wrong. Not only was her pricing incredibly reasonable, but she was a joy to work with. Great design ideas, incredibly quick with her work (but never careless) and always totally in touch with my requests. I have never enjoyed a more collaborative approach than I had with Debra. I felt in control at every step and was kept fully informed at all times. Thanks so much for everything, Debra."

"A huge thanks to HRH for designing my elegant business card and giving my Facebook page a major revamp. She gets 5 stars for her creativity, knowledge and speedy but extremly thorough service.
She is one talented Design Queen, I will definitely be using her expertise again. Thank you!"