Hello! I’m AJ. I am a Front-End Developer residing in the beautiful city of Los Angeles. My road to becoming a developer was not a straight one. As with all aspects of life, there were challenges along the way, some more difficult than others, that I had to overcome. Decisions had to be made, and lessons had to be learned the hard way to get where I am today.
Let me share my story with you…
Where My Journey Started
My journey started with my love of animation when I was a child. My favorite hobby was making stop motion videos with my Ninja Turtle figures and drawing silly comic strips that had no purpose other than being funny for the sake of humor. One day though, something changed regarding this interest; it shifted from a formative fun activity into an ambition that would later lead to success! Just not in the way I had initially thought.
After watching “Toy Story,” I knew whatever career path awaited ahead must involve working alongside Pixar Studios. So I focused on learning everything related to animation and filmmaking throughout my high school years. This led to me eventually going to Westwood College of Technology for their animation program, where I studied 3D modeling and character animation.
My Career Path to Web Design
The program was well-rounded and covered everything from character modeling to web design and development. This made me an attractive candidate for a local camera store looking for an in-house web designer. I took the job and quickly fell in love with web design. I learned so much working there and was able to apply my creativity in ways I never thought possible.
After completing the program in 2006 and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Animation, I realized that the path of becoming an animator at a studio like Pixar was not meant for me. During this time, I realized my true passion was web design. I loved being able to create something from nothing and see it come to life on the screen.
Change of Scenery
In 2007, I decided to leave my hometown of Los Angeles in search of a change of scenery. I had always been intrigued by Las Vegas – it was a booming city with so much to offer, and I wanted to experience life away from home. I played it smart by lining up a job before packing up my belongings and moving to Sin City.
I found a full-time job as a Graphic Designer for a company that provided services to car dealerships. The work was challenging and kept me busy, but I loved it. And I loved living in Las Vegas. I enjoyed exploring all the city offered, from the famous strip to the numerous restaurants and bars. After ten years, though, I decided it was time to move back to Los Angeles. But, I will always treasure the time I spent living in Las Vegas – it was a truly unforgettable experience.
My Career Shift to Web Development
in 2018, my passion shifted from web design to front-end development. I had always been interested in code and how it worked but never thought of it as a career option. My cousin, Chris, convinced me to enroll in the Full Stack Coding Boot Camp with him at the UCLA Extension. And I’m so glad I did!
This was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. The boot camp gave me the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and gain practical experience working on real-world projects. It was also great to meet other students who were passionate about web development. Since completing the boot camp, I have been able to land a job as a Front-End Developer at an amazing company. I’m so grateful that I took the leap and invested in myself by getting formal training. It has definitely paid off!
I also run my own web design and development business called Pixel Motives. I work with small businesses and entrepreneurs to help them build beautiful and user-friendly websites. I love being my own boss and helping others achieve their dreams. If you’re looking for help on your website, you can also connect with me at www.PixelMotives.com.
Final Thoughts
If you had told me ten years ago that I would be where I am today, I would have never believed you. But, I’m so glad that I followed my passions and took the road less traveled. It has led me to a career that I absolutely love. And, for that, I am truly grateful.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you to follow your dreams and pursue your passions.
All the best,
AJ