My Cutting-Edge Tools and Software Advantages

I believe in equipping myself with the best professional tools to benefit my clients. I invest in a wide range of software subscriptions and services—often at my own expense—so you get access to premium capabilities without having to pay for them separately.

Here are some of the tools I use regularly:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: I subscribe to Adobe CC, which gives me access to Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more. This means top-tier graphic design, photo editing, and even video production for your project. While many freelancers use Adobe, not all maintain the full suite or latest versions. Agencies use Adobe too, but my formal training in art and design allows me to fully exploit these tools for high-quality visuals.
• Premium WordPress Plugins (Gravity Forms, etc.): I maintain developer licenses for powerful tools like Gravity Forms. Whether your site needs contact forms, quote requests, or surveys, I can implement them with advanced features—spam protection, conditional logic, and integrations—without extra licensing fees. Many budget freelancers rely on free tools with limited features. I include premium plugins for forms, SEO, backups, e-commerce, and more as part of your package.
• AI Tools – ChatGPT and Claude: I actively use Artificial Intelligence tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude. These AI assistants help me generate copy, brainstorm ideas, write better code, and quickly answer complex marketing or development questions. Most designers haven’t integrated AI into their workflow at this level. I use it to improve quality, speed, and creativity across your entire project.
• Automation (Zapier): I use automation tools like Zapier to connect your website with other platforms—Google Sheets, CRMs, email platforms, and more. For example, I can automate lead capture forms so that every submission goes straight into your sales funnel. This kind of integration goes beyond what most freelancers offer, but it’s standard in my workflow.
• Cloud Services (AWS, IONOS, Cloudflare): I have experience working with Amazon Web Services and IONOS hosting, and I often deploy Cloudflare CDN to improve website performance and security. These tools enable faster load times, SSL certificates, and protection from attacks. Most freelancers won’t touch this level of optimization—and agencies often charge extra for it. I include it when it benefits your site.
• Stock Photography & Media Libraries: I maintain active subscriptions to stock image and video platforms—and I also have a personal library of assets. That means your website gets clean, legal, high-quality visuals without you needing to buy stock photos separately. Many freelancers will ask you to provide imagery or use free, low-quality stock. I handle it all for you.
• Video Editing & Social Media Tools: I use Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and quick-edit apps like CapCut to create fast, polished video content for websites and social platforms. If your project includes reels, YouTube clips, or animated explainers, I’ve got the tools and the skills to make it look great.
• Other Development Tools: I use professional-grade IDEs, version control systems like Git, prototyping tools, and performance testing platforms to ensure quality. I’m fluent in Windows, Mac, and Linux, which allows me to adapt to any server or system setup.

Bottom line: I spare no expense when it comes to having the right tools for the job. As my client, you benefit from an agency-grade toolkit—without the agency markup. These tools allow me to produce high-quality, modern results faster and more efficiently. When you’re comparing designers, be sure to ask if they include things like premium plugins, professional design software, stock images, or AI-enhanced content. I do—because I believe your website should have it all.

When you hire me, you’re not just getting a web designer—you’re gaining access to over $5,000 worth of professional software, subscriptions, and tools that I already invest in so you don’t have to. From premium plugins and cloud hosting enhancements to advanced AI writing assistants, automation platforms, and agency-level design tools, I bring everything to the table—without tacking on extra fees.

While most freelancers pass these costs to you (or skip them entirely), and agencies bury them inside bloated invoices, I include them as part of my standard service. That means you get enterprise-grade capabilities—custom forms, top-tier design, security, automation, SEO, video, and more—for a fraction of the cost.

Working with me can save you thousands of dollars a year in software alone—before you even consider my speed, flexibility, or technical depth.

John Schuster vs Freelancers vs Web Design Agencies
Should you work with a solo freelance designer, partner with a larger web design agency, or hire John Schuster (Company Chicago Inc.)?