When it comes to the web industry (or computer industry for that matter) men generally rule the roost. In 2007 A List Apart published their web design survey results and found that out of nearly 33,000 professionals who participated, 82.8% were male while only 16.1% were female (1.1% gave no answer).
However, as I browse the web today I’m finding more and more inspirational and creative websites from females across the globe. Just because there are more men involved in the web community doesn’t mean that the best stuff comes from us. There’s a certain elegance, beauty and tone that the female touch can add to a design.
I’ve compiled a list of 25 26 female web designers who I believe are hot at web design and whose designs are an inspiration to the whole of the web design community.
1. Larissa Meek
2. Veerle Pieters
3. Lea Alcantara
4. Jackie Ellse
5. Jan
6. Bel Koo
7. Shirley Ann
8. Mourylise Heymer Marreiros
9. Rina(Honey Design)
10. Sarah Parmenter
11. Emma Taylor
12. Cindy Li
13. Gisele Jaquenod
14. Grace Smith
15. Melissa Hie
16. Caty Ng
17. Natalie Jost
18. Inayaili de Leon
19. Kassy
20. Eva-Lotta Lamm
21. Estibaliz Landa
22. Sabrina Dent
23. Ali Felski
24. Tanya Merone
25. Jen Germann
26. Meagan Fisher
Who have I missed?
I’ve only shortlisted 25 26 designers above so obviously there are a lot more out there. Feel free to mention yourself or someone else below in the comments.
October 27th, 2008
Paddy says:
Nice list Chief. You might also want to check out Alex Beauchamp’s site.
Some pretty high profile clients there and some nice designs.
Keep up the good work!
October 27th, 2008
Chris M says:
Well done Jackie, number 4 as well!!!
October 27th, 2008
John Joubert says:
Spot on! All of the above are awesome designers! Nice one
October 27th, 2008
Adii says:
What about Jina Bolton?
October 27th, 2008
Harry Roberts says:
I’d suggest Amy Mahon: http://www.amymahon.com/
October 27th, 2008
Jan says:
Big thanks for including me in the list!
October 27th, 2008
Yaili says:
Hi Lee,
Thanks for including me in the list, and for letting me know about it.
Great blog you have here!
October 27th, 2008
Emma Taylor says:
Hi Lee,
Thanks for including me on the list, i’m super happy to be apart of it along with some other fab gals out there.
Thanks again!
October 27th, 2008
Sarah Parmenter says:
Thank you for including me in this list! Shame I didn’t have my new site up in time for you though!
Much appreciated
October 27th, 2008
Lea says:
Thanks for having me on the list even though my site design is so old and my new one is on the way…
I’m happy to be included in a list of such esteemed and incredibly talented women. I love seeing the nice versatility in styles.
October 27th, 2008
Pieter says:
I’m counting 26?
October 27th, 2008
Kyle Boyd says:
Chief,
Aaawwwhhh big hit with the ladies…
What about Nicolò Volpato from http://www.jek2k.com/ some nice stuff…
Keep up the great posts…
October 27th, 2008
Gis says:
Well, thanks so much!
hahaha
I am honoured and blushes, pst, I am hot!
hugs to the rest of the ladies!
October 27th, 2008
gary says:
drew europeo should be in the list..
October 27th, 2008
Grace Smith says:
Lee thanks for featuring me! Lovely surprise and great to be on it with so many other talented designers, go girls!
October 27th, 2008
Nicole says:
I’d definitely suggest Selene M. Bowlby of iDesignStudios. Not only did she design my website, but her portfolio is so awesome! Her biz cards and Twitter backgrounds are great, too! Check her out! http://www.idesignstudios.com
October 27th, 2008
Lee says:
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions so far!
@Pieter: True, it seems I got a bit excited and added in one extra
October 27th, 2008
Stu | Self Conlusion says:
Great post, but you missed out Lisa Bettany of http://mostlylisa.com, why don’t you stretch it to 30 Hot Female Web Designers
October 27th, 2008
Sabrina Dent says:
Wowzers, I’m thrilled out of my stripy socks to be on this list. You’ve picked out some of the designers I admire most on the whole world wide interpipes. Thanks a lot, that almost beats a bank holiday!
At the risk of bumping myself from the list, I must say that Denise Wilton is conspicuous in her absence. Moo and Fire Eagle are both hers. She’s a powerhouse.
October 28th, 2008
Brent says:
I’d nominate Laura of swizzle designs. Great work I thhink
October 28th, 2008
Mourylise says:
Hi Lee, thanks for considering me one of the 25 hot female web designers from your post. You’ve done a great job as well, nice portfolio
October 28th, 2008
Freddywang says:
Wow some of them I have never seen their work before. Great list.
October 28th, 2008
Gerard says:
I don’t normally likethese kind of round-ups Lee, but you’ve done an amazing job here. Some of these designs are truly inspiring.
Oh, and it’s nice to see someone else from Northern Ireland in the Blogosphere – I love your site design.
October 28th, 2008
honour chick says:
awesome collection. some pieces of ass too.
October 28th, 2008
Fubiz says:
Perfect selection!
October 28th, 2008
Trevor says:
Nice
October 28th, 2008
Rachel says:
Very nice list, and some very nice websites!
October 28th, 2008
Klaus says:
很漂亮！
Good job！
October 28th, 2008
Bel Koo says:
Thanks for including me in the list!
October 28th, 2008
Craig Farrall says:
Wow, nice list, its good to see many great women in the web design industry, I hope many more keep on coming through.
October 28th, 2008
Leon Poole says:
Nice work ladies! There’s a lot of talent in this list.
October 28th, 2008
Bruno Abrantes says:
Wow, nice list. It’s good to see so many women involved in the web design community. Some very hot designs as well! Go girls
October 28th, 2008
Evan Anderson says:
Pretty neat, I think you might want to add Adelle Charles onto that list over at http://www.fuelyourcreativity.com/ Shes also a great tweeter.
October 28th, 2008
Daniel Natale says:
Great list of web designers period. Does not even need to be qualified with “Female”
October 28th, 2008
snoe says:
another one to add – clean, elegant design: http://www.sushiandrobots.com
October 28th, 2008
Brian Artka says:
you forgot Jina Bolton:
http://www.sushiandrobots.com/
Great web designer and speaker. Oh, she is also pretty good at Rock Band.
October 28th, 2008
prabakaran says:
wow, great blog.
“There’s a certain elegance, beauty and tone that the female touch can add to a design.” 200% true.
October 28th, 2008
Adryenn Ashley says:
You’ve completely left off Jennifer Sedivy! Probably the hottest web designer I’ve ever met, both in her designs and her appearance… don’t believe me? Check her out, http://jennifersedivy.com or check out my photo album on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/adryenn and see us at the Emmy’s. She’s HOT, talented, and oh so belongs on this list.
October 28th, 2008
Ali Felski says:
Thank you so much for including me on a list with so many other great female designers.
October 28th, 2008
Mario De Zutter says:
My favorite: Jina Bolton
http://jinabolton.com/
October 29th, 2008
Rene Guillen says:
You might want to check out Drew’s work at:
http://www.grafikas.com/
http://www.dreweuropeo.com/
October 29th, 2008
Stephanie Lynn says:
Awesome list! But, hey, you totally forgot me.
My site is SweetCustomDesigns.com. 
October 29th, 2008
Joshua Smibert says:
Great List! Although I have to agree with Evan… Adelle is a must for this list! http://www.fuelyourcreativity.com
October 29th, 2008
Caty Ng says:
Thanks Lee for including me in the list.
October 29th, 2008
Lee says:
A few resounding mentions for these designers to be on the extended list:
Adelle Charles | @adellecharles
Jina Bolton | @sushimonster
Selene M. Bowlby | @idesignstudios
Denise Wilton | @pixellent
Amy Mahon | @amerz
Drew Europeo
Nicolò Volpato
Alex M. Beauchamp
Keep the suggestions coming in. Thanks for all the feedback.
October 29th, 2008
Martin says:
Really cool list, my favourite: Estibaliz Landa
October 29th, 2008
Jsring says:
Jen Gordon’s site has been around a while but it is certainly still relevant. http://whoisjengordon.com/
October 30th, 2008
Angels says:
Nice list! I hope you can make the part 2 of female web designers
October 30th, 2008
weberica says:
missy, jan,natalie and megan are my favorites
but all girls are great designers. Maybee one day my site will be listed here too 
October 30th, 2008
Jasmine says:
Great list! I’d like to include my friend Jennifer at tropice.com
October 31st, 2008
Martin Bavio says:
Seriously dude, there´s no way you forgot to mention Leah Culver in the number #1 of this list! She´s beatiful, and a succeed entrepreneur in the web world! And you commentators, shame on you!
October 31st, 2008
degs says:
A great addition would be http://imwithsully.com
October 31st, 2008
prada handbag says:
Seriously dude, there´s no way you forgot to mention Leah Culver in the number #1 of this list! She´s beatiful, and a succeed entrepreneur in the web world! And you commentators, shame on you!
October 31st, 2008
Jason says:
@Stu Lisa is not a designer.
November 1st, 2008
ZEUS__ says:
hey mann!!, where is Molly?She is master of all of these ladies!!
November 1st, 2008
Joyce says:
Compared to > milo317… These girls need a little bit more practise…
Milo… Well…I`m not even gonna talk about her…
This link will tell you enough > http://3oneseven.com/
November 2nd, 2008
Jenna says:
Wow! So great to see fellow females hard at work and I’m glad you didn’t forget Tanya Merone in there! I have adored her website for a long time.
Great work girls
November 3rd, 2008
kim says:
I’ve admired so many of these ladies for a long time. Especially Gisele Jaquenod. She is talented and an awesome person to get to know!
November 6th, 2008
Tasia says:
Nice list.. and here’s one more – Web Design Doc – a female web designer, animator and graphic artist in the beautiful islands of the Seychelles no less! – http://www.webdesigndoc.co.cc
November 6th, 2008
Deborah M says:
Dudes, you guys should add Casey L. Jones to the list. She’s the forum manager at FreelanceSwitch and is gorgeous AND talented! Check it: http://www.cljdesign.com and/or http://www.caseyjones.cc.
November 7th, 2008
Lynsey Broadhurst says:
Hi Lee!
Hows it goin? Hope your well Hopefully you remember me from uni, final year seems so long ago!
Great post and I’m lovin your work! I’m also putting my site up for suggestion – http://www.twelve4.com
November 8th, 2008
ADS Team says:
Very nice list. One of my favorite website design portfolio http://www.visitnetworld.com
November 12th, 2008
Peejeej says:
So inspirational, makes me feel a bit incapable
.
November 18th, 2008
ruben says:
you should check Diana Padron portfolio on behance http://www.behance.net/dippa
November 29th, 2008
Poppaea says:
Woah, they are so beautiful!
Very nice!
December 6th, 2008
Carlos Hermoso says:
Great collection. Some of them look unreal
December 6th, 2008
maisaiah says:
Hi , I suggest Doris [ http://www.doris.elicom.ee she is a great designer too…hope you add her…
December 7th, 2008
Mario says:
# 3 Lea Alcantara is an amazing designer.
December 7th, 2008
meerly says:
To me, the greatest thing about blogging or researching on certain topic is that they could inspired the industry. It makes the world even a better place to live.
I want to become a web designer, but I always slumber to improve myself. I afraid of failure, but I’m not hardworking! I’m not good at illustration, I’m not good in graphic design, and I’m not good in web design. But guess what, I still wanna become a hot female web designer! Next time when you do your research, you might see a little bit increase in the 16.1%
You motivated me!
December 9th, 2008
Lee says:
@meerly: Glad I helped motivate you. Don’t worry about failure, get out there, try stuff and keep at it
December 10th, 2008
nicole says:
You have to check out
http://imwithsully.com
Kim Coles is one of the best. She is very creative and talented.
December 10th, 2008
Lori says:
I love seeing all the beauty girl-power pushes to the web! Great list Lee!
December 10th, 2008
Virginia says:
It will be a great day when we can stop talking about hot women designers and simply include a mix of women and men in the lists of hot designers. You’ve gone a long way towards that goal in this article by including a photo of the designers web page, rather than a head shot of the “hot” female. Too many lists of women in tech devolve into discussions of female anatomy, However, by focusing on the actual design work done by these women, you’ve raised the list-making post to a higher level.
December 19th, 2008
preaxz says:
Man alive!
Hmmm .. I currently working on my blog at http://preaxz.com and my personal website, getting start to join in this design business.
Those hot women – borrowing your term – are indeed have a great design … make me wander, how many women web designer are in my country …
December 31st, 2008
eyeman says:
Please have a look at Manuela Hoffmann’s work : http://www.pixelgraphix.de/
January 5th, 2009
michelle says:
big congrats ladies!
January 6th, 2009
Web Design Company says:
beautiful women
check http://www.crystaltechesolutions.co.uk/web-design.htm
January 8th, 2009
Harka Lopchan says:
Great work. And congratulations to all of you.
January 8th, 2009
Lea says:
I just wanted to inform everyone I’ve updated my site with a new design.
Please visit and let me know what you guys think!
January 14th, 2009
graphic design portfolios says:
Love the designs there is a certain elegance about them all.. great post sparking some interesting comments and also a great resource to refer back to
January 14th, 2009
Matt says:
Great list. I’d have to vote for Mani Sheriar to be added to this list. Her work is just outstanding. http://www.manisheriar.com
January 17th, 2009
Jennifer Farley says:
Can I be bold enough to add myself to the list? Not that I think I’m hot b.t.w. I would just be happy to be hovering in the wings on this list of ladies who design.
January 19th, 2009
Mai says:
This list is an inspitation although the comment from sweetcustomdesigns…lmao!!
January 20th, 2009
Karl Craig-West says:
In my experience as a business adviser and trainer, I’ve often found that women come up with far more creative ideas for the web than men.
I know that sounds sexist but most websites that are built for businesses are designed around traditional business website themes. However women seem to be less constrained by business notions and can create some truly beautiful but highly functional websites.
Keep up the great work.
Karl
Training in the UK Midlands
January 21st, 2009
Lee says:
Great to see this list has been so inspirational. Keep the suggestions coming.
@Lea: Nice redesign!
January 21st, 2009
Pieter - Webdesigner @ PK says:
These are really great designers. We are doing a re-style of our website and if it looks any thing like these babes make I will be very pleased!
January 29th, 2009
Mike says:
Here’s a great designer that I’ve worked with for years. Incredibly talented, and incredibly easy on the eyes too.
Andrea Thomsom
http://www.GoldenPinecone.com
She’s taken her picture off that site, but you can find a tiny one here:
http://www.templatehappy.com/about.html
January 31st, 2009
Jenne says:
These websites inspired me, as I am a creative person myself and feel a womans touch makes a creative website.
February 2nd, 2009
Stacy Collins says:
I work for a female designer, Michelle Spain. I think her designs are great. Check it out: http://www.smartsley.com.
February 4th, 2009
web designer - david calvert says:
yes some great designs there. There are some really good female web designers around…..
February 7th, 2009
Blenster says:
You should see my good friend Deanna… Hot rock-climber/designer with a grace that is hard to describe…
http://viastudio.com/
I have some great pics…
Super hottie!
February 9th, 2009
Peter Wijnen says:
Who of this list are the dutch female web designers?
and who has affection with supermarketproducts in relation to webdesign.
any repley is welcome at info@boodschapper.nl
February 20th, 2009
Rob says:
number 1 & number 6, number 7’s got a nice pussy lol .
Gr8 list!
February 22nd, 2009
Gen says:
Love the list and all the other mentions. Still, kinda hurts. If you took “Female” out of the title and then just listed men, nobody would think the “hot” part meant anatomically hot. But use “hot” and “female” in the same phrase, and let the adolescent foolishness begin. Just look at the comment above mine, from Rob of websiteking.co.uk. “Nice pussy”? Seriously? Grow up!
March 22nd, 2009
esaam saeed says:
i want to say thank you Lee for this treasure of websites female designers…i feel it was very hard work for you to collect them so you deserve a lot of thanks words.
March 24th, 2009
saurabh shah says:
nice list .. but my fav is Larissa Meek.. and you can add in your list “Insic” … http://blog.insicdesigns.com/
March 31st, 2009
varant says:
Hey guys my name is varanti’m new amature designer i have a small problem well where i work they want me to design a mini book where shows all there past works and things which they will do in the future i did something but it’s not really good is here anyone would like to help me check my work and comment on it advice me what i have to change to make it look better??? please connect with me vkandilyan@glendalehills.am
April 17th, 2009
graphics cloud says:
This list is inspiring . great designs. May be one day my portfolio will aslo look so good.
April 19th, 2009
Nikki says:
A few of these are favorites, but some are new! Thanks for introducing me. They are quite inspirational. I will continue to try and live up to the standards they set other female designers.
April 19th, 2009
Ehsan says:
Do i love it or do i love it ;D
May 7th, 2009
david says:
pretty good list. theres some amazing designers our there. alist apart seem to be pretty spot on with their results.
May 12th, 2009
pinkalici0us says:
Suggesting Janelle Hitz: http://chickenpaper.com/
May 25th, 2009
Website Design Company says:
Ladies are not far behind in quality output. If they get the chance they will definitely rule the web world.
June 4th, 2009
iheartweb says:
Nice list, thank you!
Anyway, Nicolò is an italian male name
June 8th, 2009
EC (Lisa) Stewart says:
Nice list! Inspirational sites. One day, I’d like to become part of that list.
July 10th, 2009
Amy Stoddard says:
I’d love to be featured as an awesome female designer and developer. My site validates HTML and CSS, uses JQuery and is powered by Expression Engine Core. Love that CMS. I also have a sweet mobile version powered by http://mobify.me. Also see http://m.amystoddard.com
July 31st, 2009
Nick says:
I’d like to add yet another to the mix: http://www.calientecreative.com/
August 2nd, 2009
Kaplang says:
hey when I go to marketing meetings I often say that the unique thing about me is being a women in this industy
its a real advantage and a key tool for me to use 
August 2nd, 2009
Sundus says:
hi, have a look at this one: http://sunduslive.com/blog
August 13th, 2009
Juliette Plaxton says:
Hi, just wanted to let you know this is a truly inspirational website. This is what the web is best at, people sharing their knowledge to help others and expecting nothing in return.
Many thanks!
August 20th, 2009
web design sydney says:
hehe thanz for this detailed list of hot designers
September 3rd, 2009
Guru says:
Hi, Great work. Inspirational website for creative people.
September 17th, 2009
Freelance Graphic Design | Tony says:
Great post. Kudos for posting such interesting and informative read for those who need that extra push of trying out freelance graphic and web designing. Keep it up.
September 18th, 2009
progli.net says:
A expert freelance web designer “MUNNA BHAI”
http://progli.net
Skill: Web Design, Flsh, PHP-MySQL & Joomla
September 18th, 2009
Mark McCorkell says:
I definitely agree that some of the best work comes from the women in the industry – I love seeing their work. And you are quite right, the elegant feminine touch can certainly work wonders for a design.
September 22nd, 2009
adil says:
hey !
all the work is good.. awesome… they are jus professional and really nice work …. no words to explain their expertise.. keep it up girls…
Good Luck
September 26th, 2009
Yen Howell says:
Hi! I totally agree and I have to ad something. I’m a webmistress by the way, my name is Yen Howell, I’m 22 am I’m from Panama and I work with men (a lot of then since I’m a system engineer), I do the web design and men do the programming, even thoug they are capable of designing and I am capable of programming, I can say they don’t care about the little details (at least the ones I have worked with, who are a lot), they simply don’t. And people like things that look nice, as simply as it is. I’m not saying women are better, but let’s face it in some things we are, same way men are better for some other things. They’re a few men who are in touch enough with their female side.
One more thing, I am defenetily making my own verssion of this article for my blog. I think it’s brilliant. And the last thing… I invite all to visit my website YenHowell.com – http://www.yenhowell.com I defenetily think I should be on that list! hehehehehe! =D
Regards,
Yen.
September 28th, 2009
Jordan Henderson says:
^^ Did this lady just call herself a “webmistress”…you made my day, cheers.
“They’re a few men who are in touch enough with their female side.”
I don’t think a vagina is required for web design.
September 28th, 2009
Yen Howell says:
Hi Jordan! Yes. I called myself a webmistress =D
September 28th, 2009
Mark McCorkell says:
If she is from Panama then I would well believe that very few of the Panamanian males and in touch with their feminine side, so perhaps that’s her reasoning. Part of the reason I use pink in my own branding is to show I’m not scared to take such risks!
September 28th, 2009
Yen Howell says:
Yes! I am from Panama, and I think that’s a huge part of the reason. But I don’t know what’s the big deal, same way I can make a very masculine desiging with motorcycles and cars (and I like both), men should be able to put that “xtra touch” to their designs =)
September 28th, 2009
Lee says:
@Yen: ‘Webmistress’
Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback. Definitely a lot to choose from for volume 3 of the list
September 29th, 2009
Yen Howell says:
Hehehehehehe… Great Lee!
* Cheers *
October 22nd, 2009
web designers says:
Some really great designs here ladies. There should be more female web designers in the industry….
October 28th, 2009
freelancer web designer says:
wow
amazing collection .. especially last one
I like it much
November 4th, 2009
BigM75 says:
nice sites, womenpower is the future
November 5th, 2009
SIN-DESIGN says:
You forgot to add me
*site is outdated but still works*
November 20th, 2009
Padma Aleti says:
Flash website designed by Padma Aleti
November 28th, 2009
Blake says:
Spot on all of the designs are great.. Keep up the good work Ladies
December 5th, 2009
Cynthia N says:
This is a female owned web design company and they do fabulous work!
December 5th, 2009
Cynthia N says:
For the previous comment…the website address that I referred to is http://www.quirky-bird.com.
December 7th, 2009
Ayanim Design Studios NYC says:
Great Job Guys… Look at mine and let me know what you think?
January 4th, 2010
La Politica says:
great article! i am an aspiring female web designer in atlanta, ga. to get some feedback, i’d like to add this website, which i designed to showcase my artwork:
http://www.lapoliticatheartist.com/
what do you think?
-La Politica
January 6th, 2010
nice web portfolio says:
all designer a re very good and has good portfolio i like them
January 15th, 2010
iznyn says:
Great inspiration. Thanks!
January 22nd, 2010
cginspired web design says:
Great post idea – some decent design there as well, loving Emma Taylors work!
January 24th, 2010
Dennis Holton says:
Great Post And the selection of designers dude – but i think u have missed fiona of fionasdesigns.com /// have a look at her work and then see…… She is one of the upcoming artists on the internet.
January 29th, 2010
Webby Design Guru says:
These designs are so professional. Nice creativity ladies. Keep up the good work!!!
February 1st, 2010
Blogger Tips and Style says:
Great design, I admit it
February 3rd, 2010
LIC India says:
Amazing! Thanks for sharing these
February 4th, 2010
Diane Kennedy says:
This a fantastic list. It’s easy to feel isolated as a female designer, but terrible inspiring that there are kiss a** chicks out there doing it well.
February 19th, 2010
Diane Kennedy says:
Some shameless self promotion, as I am a pretty popular female web and print designer. Check out Blossom Graphic Design…
February 19th, 2010
Jenna says:
Kiss ass or kick ass? haha… careful!
February 26th, 2010
Angus - Freelance Web Designer says:
How about this one, Sarah Enid-Moule – http://www.sarahenid.net/. I stumbled across it on this site http://www.webmastershowcase.com.au/ that web designers can use to show off their sites and get feedback.
March 10th, 2010
Toni-Maree says:
I am feeling refreshed and inspired after reading your article and looking at the fantastic work of the web designers you have featured. I am a female new to the world of web design and I have to say I was starting to become a little disillusioned with the lack of representation of females in several lists of ‘top’ web designers that I have come across recently, both online and in print. Thank you Lee! You have provided a forum for these amazingly talented female web designers to receive some much overdue admiration. Gorgeous work everyone!