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louisdiep edited this page Dec 21, 2024 · 2 revisions

Personal Portfolio Website Roadmap

Stage 1: Foundation (1-2 Weeks)

Goal: Build a basic static portfolio using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, hosted on GitHub Pages.

Steps:

  1. Set Up GitHub Pages:

    • Create a repository named username.github.io.
    • Add a basic index.html file and enable GitHub Pages in the repository settings.
  2. Build Basic Structure:

    • Design the main sections:
      • Home: Your name, a tagline, and a professional image.
      • About: A brief description, skills, and CV (downloadable link).
      • Art Gallery: Use an image grid or a simple carousel.
      • Coding Projects: Add links to GitHub or simple project descriptions.
      • Contact: Include email/social media links and a basic form.
  3. Style the Page:

    • Use pure CSS or a simple CSS framework like Bootstrap for responsiveness.
    • Add custom branding (fonts, colors) to reflect your style.
  4. Learn Basic Git/GitHub:

    • Use Git to track changes in your project.
    • Push updates regularly to the repository.

Stage 2: Enhancements (3-4 Weeks)

Goal: Add interactivity and improve visuals using JavaScript and CSS techniques.

Steps:

  1. Responsive Design:

    • Use CSS media queries to ensure the site looks good on all devices (mobile-first approach).
  2. Add Interactivity:

    • Implement a dark/light mode toggle.
    • Use modals for displaying detailed views of artwork or projects.
  3. Improve Design:

    • Experiment with CSS techniques (Flexbox, Grid).
    • Try UI design trends like Glassmorphism or Neumorphism.
    • Add animation for signature
  4. Optimize Content:

    • Add lazy loading for images.
    • Use SVGs for logos or custom art icons.
  5. Custom Domain (Optional):

    • Set up a custom domain using GitHub Pages if you want a personalized URL (e.g., yourname.com).

Stage 3: Advanced Frontend (1-2 Months)

Goal: Use React (or another framework) to create a dynamic, component-based portfolio.

Steps:

  1. Learn React Basics:

    • Understand JSX, state, and props.
    • Build a few small React components to practice.
  2. Rebuild the Portfolio:

    • Structure the site as a React app with reusable components:
      • Header, Footer, ProjectCard, etc.
    • Add routing with React Router (e.g., /about, /projects).
  3. Add Advanced Features:

    • Dynamic filtering/sorting for projects or art.
    • Create reusable project templates with React.
  4. Deploy on Vercel:

    • Set up continuous deployment for your React app.
    • Integrate your GitHub repository with Vercel.

Stage 4: Showcase Your Skills (Ongoing)

Goal: Continuously update and enhance the site as your skills grow.

Steps:

  1. Add New Features:

    • Implement animations with Framer Motion or GSAP.
    • Showcase advanced UI components, like a 3D carousel (using libraries like Three.js).
  2. Highlight Frontend Projects:

    • Include detailed descriptions, tools used, and live demos for each project.
    • Use custom styling or themes for project cards.
  3. Blog/Case Studies:

    • Add a section for blogs or case studies about your projects or design process.
  4. Improve Performance:

    • Optimize images with tools like ImageMagick.
    • Use a build tool (e.g., Webpack, Vite) to bundle and minify your code.
  5. Experiment with APIs:

    • Fetch and display real-time data (e.g., a list of GitHub repos).
    • Use APIs to add dynamic features like form submissions or comments.

Stage 5: Advanced Development and Networking (Ongoing)

Goal: Use the portfolio to showcase your skills and build your online presence.

Steps:

  1. Portfolio Updates:

    • Continuously improve as you learn new skills.
    • Add seasonal design updates (e.g., themes for different holidays).
  2. Networking:

    • Share your portfolio on LinkedIn, Twitter, and developer forums.
    • Use it as a tool when applying for internships or freelance work.
  3. Collaborative Projects:

    • Include links to collaborative or open-source work to show teamwork skills.
    • Create a section for testimonials from people you’ve worked with.
  4. Explore Backend (Optional):

    • Add simple backend functionality (e.g., a Node.js API for contact forms).
    • Experiment with full-stack projects (e.g., MERN stack).

Resources