Unveiling a Personal Journey: Crafting a Minimalist Website in Two Years

Building a simple website may seem straightforward, but sometimes the journey behind it is anything but. After two years of dedicated effort, I am thrilled to share the outcome—an intentionally minimalist platform that reflects both my creativity and perseverance.

A Personal Reflection on the Process

This project wasn’t hindered by technical complexity; rather, it was about finding the right mindset to see it through. I had the skills and ideas, yet the finalization required a version of myself committed to completion. Throughout my career, I often faced challenges working on innovation-driven projects for organizations that claimed to value progress but struggled with focus and genuine inquiry. This disconnect was exhausting and disheartening.

So, I decided to create a space for myself—an authentic, handcrafted platform designed to give my voice visibility and clarity.

The Technical Approach

My goal was to keep things simple, avoiding overly complicated tech stacks. I chose a classic React.js setup, coupled with Markdown for content rendering—no CSS frameworks, no analytics scripts, no tracking cookies, and no SEO gimmicks. This was about authenticity and personal expression, not chasing traffic or optimization.

Key features include:

• Custom Styled Markdown: Tailored to match my aesthetic.
• Procedural Backgrounds: Generated dynamically, currently CPU-intensive, with future plans to leverage WebGPU for smoother performance.
• Theme Awareness: Implemented a light/dark mode, though cross-browser compatibility—especially with WebKit—poses ongoing challenges.
• Integrated PDF Viewer: Using pdf.js, with a keen eye on improving style consistency across platforms.
• Hidden Easter Egg: A playful secret embedded within the site—intriguing for those who explore.
• Commit-based Posts: Inspired by version control workflows, with potential plans for a lightweight CMS.
• Motion Effects: Used liberally, but considering a “low motion” mode for accessibility.

The Journey Continues

While the project remains a work in progress—glitchy at times and continuously evolving—I take pride in bringing it to life. It’s an honest reflection of my experimentation and growth.

Curious about the story behind this site? Read more in my detailed blog post, where I share the creative process and lessons learned.

Experience the Result

Visit the site and see if it resonates with you—whether you find inspiration, reflection, or simply enjoy the minimal aesthetic.

[Check out the website