Ask good questions
Before I open a design file, I want to know what’s going on. Who’s it for? What’s getting in the way? What would make it better?
ABOUT ME
A few hats.
All me.
I’m Jethro Watson. Dorset-based designer, developer and music promoter. A mix of creative ideas, hands-on building and a lifelong obsession with music.
Jethro Watson / Dorset, UK
MY STORY
Ideas are good.
Making them is better.
I’ve been at this for more than 20 years: websites, brands, interfaces, software. Plenty of different briefs. Plenty of things built.
I like being involved from the first “what if?” to the finished thing. Figuring it out, finding the idea, designing it, building it. That’s my kind of project.
Bodega Blue is my independent studio. It’s where I make websites, custom software and tools that take the boring bits out of the day. AI is part of the toolkit. Years of design and development are what steer it.
Then there’s HSWRK. I’m the co-founder and promoter: booking artists, shaping the events, building the community and making the whole thing happen. I DJ too — one part of a much bigger picture.
WHAT MATTERS TO ME
Make it useful.
Make it feel right.
Keep it simple
The bits that matter can be complicated. Using it shouldn’t be. I’m into clear words, good design and things that just make sense.
Stay curious
New tools, new sounds, new ideas. I like trying things out and seeing where they go. Then keeping the bits that actually work.
THE REST OF THE PICTURE
Music, cameras
and a bit of competition.
Music takes up a fair bit of my headspace. DJ sets, electronic events, tracks taking shape in Ableton. I’m also into getting out with a camera and finding a story — on the dancefloor, in a showroom, wherever there’s something worth sharing.
Clothing and merch ideas find their way into the mix too. And Fantasy Premier League gives me another line-up to overthink.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about Jethro Watson
Direct answers about background, companies founded, location and key specialisms.
Who is Jethro Watson?
Jethro Watson is an independent British digital designer, full-stack software developer, and electronic music promoter based in Dorset, UK. With over two decades of commercial experience, his work spans user experience (UX/UI) design, bespoke web applications, practical AI tooling, and high-profile electronic music events.
Is Jethro Watson the founder of Bodega Blue and the DJ behind HSWRK?
Yes. Jethro Watson is the single founder and creative director of independent digital studio Bodega Blue, as well as the co-founder and resident DJ of UK electronic music brand HSWRK (famous for the Pier Pressure parties on Bournemouth Pier). His career unifies 20+ years of digital craft and software architecture with large-scale music event production.
Where is Jethro Watson based?
Jethro Watson is based on the south coast of England in Dorset, UK (Bournemouth and surrounding region). He works directly with UK-wide and international clients for digital product engineering, software automation, and creative direction.
What digital and development services does Jethro Watson provide?
Through Bodega Blue, Jethro Watson delivers end-to-end digital craft: brand creative direction, UX/UI design, full-stack modern web development (zero bloat, ultra-fast performance), custom internal business tools, and practical artificial intelligence integrations.
What is Jethro Watson’s background in music and live events?
Jethro Watson has over 20 years of electronic music experience as a promoter and DJ. As co-founder of HSWRK, he curates artist line-ups, directs sound and lighting production, and hosts iconic sunset parties including the sell-out Pier Pressure series on Bournemouth Pier.
CURRENT PROJECTS & EXPLORATIONS
On my desk.
In my headphones.
Web, portal & content
Lombard Rally
Working with Tim on the website, driver portal, event promotion and video. Plenty happening on screen and on site.
Ongoing creative work
Wool & Bovington Motors
Isuzu, Subaru and the dealership team in Wool. An ongoing mix of creative work, video, social content and digital tools.
Exploration
School systems
Exploring how custom tools could make life easier alongside a local school’s existing software.
In the studio
Music production
Progressive house ideas in Ableton. Another version, another listen, alongside DJ sets and HSWRK nights.
DESIGN · SOFTWARE · CONTENT · MUSIC
Got something
in mind?
A new project. A good collaboration. A slightly wild idea.
I’m listening.