Close-up of crumpled white paper with uneven, wrinkled surface.

About Max Burns UX

Founder & Owner, Max Burns, MLIS & MS (they/them)

Hey there! I’m Max, the person behind Max Burns UX.

I first started building websites and teaching myself how to code after graduating from Union College with a degree in English in 2007. Following a decade working as a college librarian, personal assistant to a prominent scientist, and crisis intervention worker, I decided to go to grad school and pursue web and logo design full-time. I hold a MLIS in Library & Information Science and a MS in User Experience Design from Kent State University.

Since then, I’ve worked with values-driven nonprofits, freelancers, and small businesses, creating websites and logos and testing the user experience (UX) with their users. I get excited to help my clients express their values and mission through digital design. I’d love to do the same for you!

When I’m not working on Max Burns UX projects, you can usually find me looking through binoculars at birds, tinkering with a home DIY project, training for my next big run, and serenading my family on the guitar. Over the past decade, I have cultivated a mindfulness practice that includes daily meditation and yoga. I currently live in North Carolina with my partner, and our fur baby, Max the Cat, aka Junior.

Follow me on insta @UXmaxburns

Max Burns UX logo, outline of bald head with glowing heart inside. Max is a queer, trans non-binary web and logo designer. Max specializes in making accessible and affordable websites and logos and absolutely loves working with fellow queer folks.

  • I am unique from other web developers because I have both front-end and back-end web development skills and center your users’ experience in the design.

    I am a consummate problem solver. If you have a problem, I can likely solve it. And when I can’t do it alone, I work with a network of other experts in my field to come up with a solution.

    Also, I ❤️ designing logos and offer full branding packages that you can use to market yourself and grow.

    And I try to make the entire process as painless and as fun as possible for you!

  • UX stands for user experience. My websites prioritize the user and ensure an intuitive and pleasant navigation experience! My clients report that their users spend more time on their websites and the UX research and design leads to more donations for non profits and more positive user engagement. Email me to learn more about how I can do this for you!

  • I specialize in building custom Squarespace websites to meet my clients’ needs. I am also skilled at Wix, Canva, and Wordpress platforms though I far prefer Squarespace!

    If there is a custom feature you’re dreaming of, chances are I can make it happen. I love when clients bring me challenges in the form of coding. 🤓

  • Typically, basic sites take a couple weeks to complete. I’m quite speedy once I’ve started on a project so if you have a deadline in mind just let me know.

    And if you need something FAST, reach out, sometimes I can squeeze folks in right away.

  • The design and build of a small website including an accessibility audit and how-to workshop typically starts at $3,200-$4,000 USD. This is 20-25 hours at my current website hourly rate of $160 USD/hour.

    A basic logo starts at $525-$875 USD. This is for 3-5 hours at my current graphic design rate of $175 USD/hour.

    User-experience work is very scalable, starting at 3 hours—whether I’m working on a new or existing site. This is billed at the $160 USD/hour rate.

    If cost is a barrier to your project, please still reach out! I am sometimes able to offer sliding scale prices to clients with smaller budgets. And I am always happy to offer flexible and extended payment plans with no extra fees.

  • Yep! I sure do. Retainer contracts help you save money by locking in hours with me each month at a reduced rate ($140/hr).

    Shoot me an email to learn more!

  • I work with mission-driven nonprofits, freelancers, and small businesses to increase the usability of their digital homes.

    I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ creatives and with small businesses and nonprofits committed to LGBTQ+ equality.

  • I primarily work with HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

  • Kind design means prioritizing all users and their needs. It means creating a digital home that is comfortable and welcoming to all folks regardless of their ability or background.

    All of my websites are made with love. I am proud of my work and I strive to have a client relationship that is above all, based on kindness.

  • Yes! If you're in need of website copy or revisions, I partner with a writer who does copy development and editing. Please inquire if you're interested in this service!

We would be a good team if…

  • You value custom, inclusive design that’s easy and intuitive to navigate.

  • You know your work could make a big splash with just a little help.

  • You are mission-driven, committed to your community, and excited to evolve.

  • You need a customized Squarespace site created by a front-end and back-end web developer.