Web Development

Having a background of computer science and the knowledge of a graphic designer I decided to start a course on Udemy called Web Developer Bootcamp I learned the basics of front-end web development: HTML, CSS, DOM manipulation, Flexbox, Bootstrap and SemanticUI frameworks, Javascript, jQuery.

After the completion of this course which provided me with a base of how web development works, I started developing my final year project.

Leafy - Final Year Project

My first large project in the web development field is my dissertation, a website builder. It includes a Bootstrap-based Material UI Kit front end, an AdonisJs back end and MongoDB database.

Featuring this three-tier architecture and an improved GrapesJs interface, the project aims to provide a scalable system which features a visual interface to common CSS options in order to enable users to create their own websites either by using templates or starting from scratch. The system also features a secure authentication system, and a simple to use interface. This project been the first environment in which I used common web technologies like Webpack, Babel and SASS.

It has been a very rewarding and interesting experience to create this project given that less than a year ago I had no knowledge about the web development field.

Below you can find a promotional video created in Adobe Premiere Pro:

YelpCamp

I also learned the basics of back-end development: working with Node.js files, npm package manager,server side frameworks such as Express.js, using mongoDB and mongoose, passport, and making use of RESTful Routing.

At the end of the course I created a dynamic application called YelpCamp which incorporates everything mentioned above. The application allows users to Signup and Login (using passport), add campgrounds, and comment on other campgrounds. Deployed the application using Heroku and mLab.

Click on the image below to see my deployed app!

RGB Color guessing game

To-do application

Soundboard application

Static soundboard application which allows the user to make sounds using different keys. Each keystroke has a different sound and colour along with interactive animations. Just click on the black square and press a letter!

Museum of Candy

See the full version here: Museum of Candy

Coding and Design Skills

My studies

Throughout my BSc degree at the University of Birmingham (currently in my final year) I have learned the basics of Computer Science such as Data Structures, Databases, Software Engineering, Security, Human Computer Interaction and many more. Regarding programming languages, I have worked with Java, C/C++, Haskell, and OCaml. Download my resume to see my full set of skills and awards!

IBM Award

Working in a team of 6 people we created a game which received the IBM University Team Challenge 2018 prize (out of 25 teams) in a competition organised by our University, as part of a module. This was a challenge in both designing and coding skills.

The game is based on the idea of the classic Bomberman, but in an isometric style. The idea behind the name "Polymorphous" is that inside the game you can choose from 3 individual maps and 12 characters, mix them up and make the game your own. Through playing you unlock multiple characters and different maps, which makes the game more desirable to play.

The game has a random map generator, multiplayer capabilities and an AI which you could play against in single player mode.

All the artwork was created by me, from scratch, for this game. Having experience as a graphic designer, helped me into getting into the mindset of designing artwork for the first time. The isometric perspective was a huge challenge. I started by working on a grid, developing the map and then adding the details like so:

There are three themes inside the game, each of them with their own atmosphere and specific music.

There are 12 characters in the game, each of which have 12 positions. This means that there were 144 positions for all characters.

Here is a video to demo the game:

Coding the game was a real challenge in terms of making it Object Oriented, drawing the actual artwork on screen, creating the collision mechanics in an isometric perspective. The game had a randomly generated map and an AI which you could play against in Single Player mode. Networking was a big issue as well, as we allowed up to 4 players in a lobby.

Graphic Design

SWEOTY Award

Most of my experience has been gathered throughout working as an Assistant Graphic Designer for the past 2 years at the Guild of Students where I have been awarded by my colleagues the title Student Employee of the Year 2018 in the category Commercial Impact. Whilst working here I have perfected my knowledge of the Adobe Suite – InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat as well as Photography and Video skills. I am very thankful to my co-workers for allowing me to grow and to use my creativity to it’s fullest. I am honoured to receive this award from them.

Web banners

Android Development

During my studies I created an Android Application called "Clean Food" which enables users to find places to eat based on Food Standards Agency’s Food Hygiene ratings. The application involves retrieving data from and API and displaying it, all while maintaining performance and saving the favorites to be available offline.

Old Joemance and Brumfess

Created two Facebook pages which aim to help students to find love while at the university. Students submit anonymous requests, and they go through a system of checking and then they get posted. The creation of these pages was a challenge of advertising and creating the branding.

The first page Old Joemance reached 500 likes within the first 24 hours of launch. Due to the high amount of people which requested to post, I had to assemble a team. We are currently a team of 8 people working on this project and dealing with issues and promoting the pages.

The second page Brumfess was created out of the need for mental health support and confessions that were coming from people.

Besides managing the page, I developed creative ideas and went on radio shows in order to promote the page, held a presentation with the Romanian and Lithuanian society at the University of Birmingham and managed disputes that arise from certain posts.

Click on the logos to go to the page!