Building a Personal Website from Scratch: A Two-Year Journey of Simplicity and Pride
Creating a website might seem straightforward in today’s fast-paced digital world, but sometimes, the process is more about the journey than the destination. After two years of dedication, I’m thrilled to unveil my personal platform—a project that defied complexity, focused on minimalism, and truly reflects my vision.
A Reflection on the Creative Process
This endeavor wasn’t hindered by technological limitations; rather, it was a matter of personal growth. I had the skills and ideas but lacked the final push—an essential version of myself committed to completion. For years, I worked with organizations claiming to prioritize “innovation,” only to encounter friction, superficial progress, or dashed expectations. Frustrated yet resilient, I decided to craft something entirely for myself: an authentic space where I can be seen and heard.
Simplicity in Technology
The website here eschews complex tech stacks. Instead, I opted for a straightforward approach, embracing the essence of minimalism:
- Built with classic React.js
- Used Markdown for content
- Avoided CSS frameworks, analytics, trackers, and SEO bloat
This deliberate choice allowed me to focus on craftsmanship rather than unnecessary features, giving the site a unique charm rooted in simplicity.
Features and Customizations
Despite the minimalist foundation, I integrated several personalized elements:
- Custom Styled Markdown: Tailored to match my aesthetic preferences.
- Procedural Backgrounds: Dynamic backgrounds generated algorithmically, currently CPU-bound. Exploring webGPU for smoother rendering is on my radar.
- Theme Awareness: Theme switching with careful adjustments to ensure readability, especially across WebKit browsers—a challenge I’m eager to refine.
- Embedded PDF Viewer: Using pdf.js, making document viewing seamless. Tips for customizing styles across platforms are always welcome.
- Easter Egg & Hidden Mysteries: A little surprise lurking within the site, inviting curious explorers. Feedback or playful roasts are appreciated.
- Content as Commit Logs: Posts written in a commit-like format—potentially paving the way for a future CMS.
Mindful Motion
Admittedly, the site features a generous amount of motion. Recognizing that motion dynamics can be overwhelming, I’m considering a “low chaos” mode for enhanced accessibility.
The Road Ahead
While the site remains a work in progress—glitchy at times and continually
