Eleventy in a Box
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How I designed composer Michael Baugh’s website around his interests and music
A composer’s website shouldn’t look like everyone else’s. Here’s how I designed a portfolio for Michael Baugh that reflects the person behind the music.
Creative portfolios become more memorable when they reveal the person behind the work. Here’s how conversations about science fiction, illustration, and typography shaped a website that feels unmistakably Michael Baugh.
Creative portfolios become memorable when they reveal the person behind the work
Every creative person has a story that extends beyond their work. The books they read, the films they love, and the people who inspire them who they are and the things they make. I wanted Michael’s website to express those influences as naturally as it presents his music.
Getting to know the composer behind the music
Michael Baugh is a British composer and multi-instrumentalist whose work spans film, television, and concert music. He wanted a website that reflected both the quality of his work and the personality behind it.
As we talked, our conversations moved far beyond composing. We discussed the people who had influenced his career, his fascination with classic science fiction, and his admiration for Isaac Asimov. Those conversations interested me because they suggested something more distinctive than a traditional music portfolio.
Developing a visual language
Michael’s enthusiasm for vintage science fiction suggested a visual language drenched in colour, full of bold typography, and brought to life with original illustrations. I spent time studying classic paperback covers from the 1950s and 60s to learn how they balanced clarity with imagination. Those references became the starting point for a design that feels nostalgic without becoming a pastiche.
Developing the design
The colour palette, layout, typography and illustrations all evolved together. Working on illustrations for Michael was one of the most enjoyable parts of his project. I made a cast of robot characters built from amplifiers, guitar components, and other equipment in Michael’s studio. They’re playful and couldn’t belong to anyone but Michael.
What I learned
Composer portfolios become more engaging when they reveal the character of the artist. The conversations I had with Michael shaped every part of this project. They reminded me that personality isn’t something sprinkled on top. It’s the foundation for every design decision and helps people connect with the artist as naturally as they do with their work.
See the finished project
Michael Baugh’s design combines bespoke illustration and expressive typography, and a visual language inspired by his interests. If you’d like to see how my ideas translated into the finished website design, you can explore Michael Baugh’s website.
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January 1, 2026 • Andy Clarke • design