
Introduction

Opening a new road in my career excites me, even though it also makes me a bit nervous (in a good way!). I've always enjoyed developing, but creativity has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. What excites me most now is bringing that creativity to life through the technology I've mastered.

LuJenKa's Journey

I began my career as a developer in December 2020 while still in university. However, a life-changing experience led me to pursue what I truly love—creating. After surviving a near-death medical emergency and spending months recovering, I realized how short life can be. I didn't want to wait to do what I truly loved: creating and crafting. This realization pushed me toward UI/UX design, where I could combine my love for creativity with the technical skills I had built. Interestingly, a belly dance workshop taught by a superstar Egyptian dancer—who himself switched from engineering to dance—also inspired me to follow my creative instincts. His journey mirrored my own, reminding me that it's never too late to pursue your passion.

Unique Style of LuJenKa

I'm drawn to cute things because they heal my soul. I've always been a fan of classic anime since I was a kid, which has influenced my design style. I aim for simplicity but love adding tiny details that might go unnoticed, like a character's ears. It's like adding a little spice—some people will notice, some won't. My design philosophy is simple: I want my designs to feel alive. I don't want them to just exist as static visuals; I want them to carry life, energy, and spirit.

Behind the Brand

Having both Japanese and American backgrounds, I think my designs are naturally a mix of manga and cartoon styles, though I’m not always conscious of it. My hobby, belly dancing, has also influenced my work. When I'm designing or dancing, it’s about enjoying the flow. If I overthink or stress, the process suffers. I believe creativity should be enjoyed, not forced.

Skills and Expertise

I’m proficient in TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Nuxt 3 (and Nuxt 4), full-stack engineering, and database management. I’m also skilled in Affinity Designer and Procreate for digital art and illustrations. My website itself showcases my ability to combine both design and development. As I complete it, I hope it becomes a clear reflection of the seamless integration of technical development with creative design.

Vision

Facing death changed my perspective on how I use my skills. The idea of not being able to use my abilities to do something I love—and something that brings joy to others—scares me more than anything. I don’t want to be stuck in a job where I’m just developing while not interfering with an upstream process. I want to create things that make people smile, have fun, and experience joy. Eventually, I hope to build a platform where other designers and developers can enjoy creating, even if they don’t have all the technical skills. I want to help others pursue their passions, just as I’ve chosen to follow mine. While financial freedom is a goal, the bigger dream is to create something meaningful for both myself and others.