About Me
I build things for the web that people actually enjoy using.
I'm John, a frontend developer and occasional full-stack wanderer based in Portland, Oregon. For the past 6 years, I've been turning complex problems into simple, intuitive interfaces.
The short version
I fell into web development by accident. What started as building a website for a friend's band turned into an obsession with making things work beautifully on the internet.
These days, I specialize in React and Next.js, but I'm not religious about tools. Whatever gets the job done well, I'm game. I've worked with startups, agencies, and established companies—each teaching me something different about what "good" looks like.
What hasn't changed: I still get unreasonably excited when a design comes together perfectly.
When I'm not coding
You'll find me exploring coffee shops, hunting for vinyl records, or somewhere on a trail trying to remember why I thought running was fun. I also spend probably too much time reading about design systems and typography.
The Journey
The Beginning
Started learning HTML and CSS out of curiosity. Built my first website—a terrible portfolio that I was inexplicably proud of.
Going Deeper
Discovered JavaScript and React. Landed my first freelance client. Realized I could actually do this for a living.
Full Stack Journey
Expanded into backend development. Node.js, databases, APIs—the whole stack. Started taking on more complex projects.
Agency Experience
Joined a digital agency. Worked with major brands, learned to collaborate at scale, and refined my craft under pressure.
Independent
Went solo. Now I partner directly with startups and businesses to build products that matter.
How I Work
Craft Over Speed
I'd rather ship something excellent in two weeks than something mediocre tomorrow. Quality compounds.
Clear Communication
No jargon, no disappearing acts. You'll always know where things stand and why decisions are made.
User First
Every pixel, every interaction, every line of code serves the person using it. That's the north star.
Let's work together
I'm currently available for freelance projects and interesting collaborations. If you have something in mind, I'd love to hear about it.