Sway Rise Creative is a Chicago brand and website studio led by Diane Whiddon. We turn accomplished experts into the recognized authority in their field.
Your book, your method, your talks and your client results each prove something. We bring them together into a brand and website that make the case that you're the authority in your field, then give each visitor a clear next step.
We do three things, and they work best together: brand strategy, custom websites and AI brand photography.
After launch, we can host and care for the website and run its SEO and social media. Not sure where to start? The Website Audit covers your brand, your website and how people find you on Google.
You can't land the keynote, the book deal or the premium client without a premium-looking brand. We build your visual brand and imagery from the themes in your own work, so a stranger sees an established leader at first glance.
Experts read as just another consultant when they aren't leading a new conversation in their field. We find the conversation you're positioned to lead and build a website that takes a stand for it.
We use AI to create believable brand imagery, explore design directions and speed up production. Diane directs and reviews every word, image and design decision before you see it. Read our approach to AI and the standards behind it →
When the website does its job, a prospect arrives already knowing what you're known for, what you offer and who you've done it for. Our client work shows what that looks like. The first conversation goes straight to fit and scope, and you skip the hour of explaining your credentials, offers and method.
Your website should introduce the leader you've become.
Diane Whiddon started designing websites in 2006 for novelists. She read each book, found the idea holding it together, and built a site that felt like opening it.
We work the same way for consultants, coaches, authors, speakers and therapists today. We learn what makes your work matter, decide how it should look and feel, and build a site that shows a stranger, in seconds, the expert they were told about.
Referrals, event planners and readers look you up before they reach out. If your site still reads like a capable consultant's, that's who they think they're calling, and they weigh your fee against cheaper options.
And yes, we’re an agency, but Diane leads your project herself.
She sets the strategy and visual direction on every Authority Platform, from kickoff to launch, so the person who understands your work is the one making the calls.
5.0★
20
Years
Building things online since 2006
100+
Websites
Designed and built
12+
Years
Average client relationship
The Authority Platform builds all of it in one project: your Brand Document, visual brand, imagery, seven-page website and lead tool, live 30 days after kickoff.
Kickoff call. We pick the number this platform has to move, like speaking inquiries or program applications, and write down where it stands today. Then we work out what you should be known for, who it's for and the proof that backs it, and draft your Brand Document.
You approve the Brand Document. We set the visual direction and plan every page and your lead tool.
We write and build your pages, the lead tool and the search setup.
You review the whole site in one round. We make the changes, test everything on desktop and phone, and launch it on your domain.
| Company | Sway Rise Creative |
|---|---|
| Founder | Diane Whiddon |
| Building websites since | 2006 |
| Based in | Chicago, Illinois, working with clients worldwide |
| Services | Brand strategy, custom websites (including the Authority Platform and the Spotlight Site), AI brand photography and The Website Audit. After launch: hosting and care, SEO and social media for websites we build. |
| Who it's for | Accomplished consultants, coaches, authors, speakers and therapists who want to be seen as the authority in their field |
| Experience | 100+ websites and 200+ projects |
| Google rating | 5.0 |
| Average client relationship | 12+ years |
| Credentials | Top 15 finalist, 2026 Women Build AI Build-a-thon (Before You Design); WordCamp Denver organizer and speaker, 2015–2019; SquareKicker template creator, 2025–2026; founder, AI Designers Academy |
Diane Whiddon. She has designed websites since 2006, and she sets the strategy and visual direction on every Authority Platform herself.
Chicago. We work with clients across the country and around the world.
We make accomplished experts look like the industry leaders they are, through brand strategy, custom websites and AI brand photography. After launch, we offer hosting and care, SEO and social media for websites we build.
Consultants, coaches, authors, speakers and therapists whose reputation has outgrown their website.
Yes. She sets the strategy and visual direction on every Authority Platform, from kickoff to launch, so the person who understands your work is the one making the calls.
Yes. We use AI to create believable brand imagery, explore design directions and speed up production. Diane directs and reviews every word, image and design decision before you see it.
The Authority Platform launches 30 days after kickoff. Custom websites get their own agreed schedule.
Building since 2006
Based in Chicago, working worldwide
If your reputation has outgrown your website, tell us what you sell and what your new site needs to make possible.
Book a Strategy Call