A Git-based contribution workflow for a shared design system.
Figma / Git / GitHub / ChatGPT
A working prototype for proposing, reviewing, and versioning improvements to the USWDS Figma design kit through Git-based contribution patterns.
Design and digital systems DVBE · Los Angeles
We translate ideas with thoughtful craft, design, and technology.
We’re a deliberately small studio combining UX/UI, visual design, and web development to build digital experiences that work for people, teams, search, and AI — we work selectively.
Brand identities, UX/UI design, web development, and visual systems.
We bring complex ideas into focus through digital experiences, creating consistency across every touchpoint, and providing a clear foundation for what comes next.
Web design and development
Custom websites built on the way that fits your content and your team, structured to be easy to update, accessible, and readable by search and AI tools.
Brand design and visual systems
Logo, color, and type systems documented in a brand guide, so your identity stays consistent across your website, print, and presentations.
Web design and development
Custom websites built on the way that fits your content and your team, structured to be easy to update, accessible, and readable by search and AI tools.
Brand design and visual systems
Logo, color, and type systems documented in a brand guide, so your identity stays consistent across your website, print, and presentations.
UX/UI design
Research-led interface design for websites, apps, portals, and dashboards, shaped around how people complete tasks, with accessibility considered from the start.
SEO, AEO and GEO
Technical structure, organized content, and schema that help your site be found and described accurately in search results and AI-generated answers.
App design and development
Web and native iOS apps designed and built by one small team, from early idea and MVP through launch and continued iteration.
Graphic design
Visual identities and communication materials shaped around your message and audience—from brand systems and presentations to print and wayfinding—bringing clarity and consistency to every touchpoint.
We start with questions.
Every project we take on follows a thoughtful, collaborative and agile process that captures vision and function. We start with questions.
What do you need?
Starting from scratch? Updating an experience?
What do you have?
Give us your current branding, assets and implementation.
What do you see?
Tell us about what you envision and what you want to do.
Selected works and projects.
A selection of design and development projects crafted to solve real business challenges, enhance user experience, and provide clarity.
Yelu Marketing
Website
Yelu is a marketing agency from Chino in southern California that needed a website update. John met Josaf at Unis and offered to redesign and build an updated website at a special discount to help him with sales confidence; it's one of a few sites derived from Aether Systems.
NorseForged Gathering
Branding
A custom logo for John's sister's gathering of assorted vendors based in North Carolina that pairs forged, reduced letterforms with an expressive word mark, bringing distinct forms together into a cohesive identity.
Canvas Connection
Web
An accessibility-centered website for Canvas Connection, custom designed and developed to make the nonprofit’s mission, programs, and ways to participate easier to understand and explore. Built with scale in mind.
All Enterprises
Webflow / Figma
A brand refresh, full website redesign, and Webflow CMS for All Enterprises, an industrial company that moves, repairs, and services heavy machinery. Restructured content, CMS collections for services and articles, supporting graphics, and restored photography give the work a clearer, more credible presence.
Casa De Pancho
Webflow
A multi-location Webflow build for Casa De Pancho, an Anaheim-area restaurant group, with three location-specific site modes sharing one Client-First design system.
Client Testimonial
John and the team at Aether Creative Studios have been amazing to work with. They truly take the time to listen, understand their clients’ vision, and bring it to life with intention. We especially appreciate their willingness to understand and incorporate Universal Design principles focused on accessibility and inclusion throughout our website. They’ve been a great creative partner for Canvas Connection, and we highly recommend them.
Rinah Lerma
Canvas Connection
Capabilities Statement
Our capabilities include UX/UI, graphic design, web development, client portals, and CMS-driven digital platforms — delivered with clarity and accessibility.
- Subcontracting and teaming support
- Flexible integration into existing workflows
- Senior-led implementation and review
- Documentation-oriented collaboration
- CMS and frontend production support
Certified to support work that serves people.
Certifications reflecting our commitment to public sector work, structured digital systems, and clear, reliable delivery.
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Evaluation and Verification (SDVOSB)
The State of California DVBE certification confirms our status as a service-disabled veteran-owned business, meeting state standards for veteran ownership and operational integrity.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Small Business Administration
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status reflects a foundation of service, resilience, and accountability—demonstrating disciplined execution, clear communication, and a results-driven approach built for long-term reliability.
State of California Small Business
State of California Department of General Services (DGS) as a Small Business (SB)
State of California Small Business certification affirms our standing as a qualified local partner. It reflects compliance, accountability, and readiness to support public and private projects with dependable execution and transparent operations.
Local Small Business Enterprise
Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
Our Los Angeles County LSBE certification confirms our status as a qualified local small business, meeting County standards for compliance, accountability, and operational readiness to deliver dependable results on public and private projects.
Emerging Business Enterprise
Department of General Services Office of Small Business & Veterans Business Enterprise Services (OSDS)
A City-recognized category intended to help qualifying emerging businesses compete for City contracting opportunities.
Small Business Enterprise (Proprietary)
State of California Department of General Services (DGS) as a Small Business (SB)
Recognizes qualifying small businesses for contracting opportunities with City proprietary departments, including LAWA, the Port of Los Angeles, and LADWP.
Small Business Enterprise (Los Angeles)
Department of General Services Office of Small Business & Veterans Business Enterprise Services (OSDS)
City recognition for qualifying small businesses, supporting their visibility and participation in City contracting opportunities.
Creativity, patience, and positivity.
John founded the studio to solve problems through thoughtful use of design and technology in an open, positive, and driven atmosphere. He occasionally works with artists, designers, and developers. The studio isn't always active and engages projects based on interest and impact.
John Hansen
Founder & Principal Designer
John Hansen is a Veteran, designer, and developer focused thoughtful digital systems, brand experiences, and the web as a creative and functional platform. When at the studio he does creative direction, visual design, UX/UI, Webflow, and fullstack web development. Otherwise, he's eating spicy food, reading books, gaming, or playing classical guitar. He's from Long Beach, California.
Nikolai Annenkoff
Co-Founder & Software Engineer
Nikolai Annenkoff is a software engineer focused on iOS, backend systems, and building reliable digital products. He does iOS development, procurement, and project management at the studio. Outside of the studio, he enjoys gaming, solving technical problems, and creating software that quietly powers great user experiences. He's from Murietta, California.
We love to make things.
Based in Los Angeles, we’re an intentionally small team of artists, designers and builders driven by curiosity and a passion for crafting experiences that make a difference for people.
Contact us
Contact Aether Creative Studio to discuss graphic design, web design, branding, and digital platform development. Use our form or contact us directly:
We're based in Los Angeles, working with businesses and organizations locally and remotely.
- Email: john.hansen@aethercreative.studio
- Phone: (424) 248-8319