Darren Stevens
Verified Expert in Engineering
WordPress Developer
Truro, United Kingdom
Toptal member since December 27, 2019
Since the early 2000s, Darren's been building all sorts of websites, including static sites to Joomla and ExpressionEngine—currently, he's solely focusing on WordPress. Where Darren excels is in quickly building full site themes along with front- and back-end customizations without sacrificing code security. Darren has experience working freelance, so he understands the need for exemplary communication and always strives to exceed expectations.
Portfolio
Experience
- HTML - 18 years
- Website Optimization - 10 years
- WordPress Themes - 7 years
- WooCommerce - 6 years
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) - 6 years
- WordPress - 6 years
- WordPress API - 6 years
- China - 5 years
Work Experience
Freelance WordPress Developer
Market Me China
- Developed custom Chinese language WordPress websites for universities based in the US, UK, Poland, and Turkey.
- Internationalized and localized website developments for international clients.
- Established best practices for website development, allowing visible and fast loading times within China (working with China's firewall).
- Provided website hosting both in Hong Kong and within mainland China while staying within ICP licensing laws.
- Installed and set up Linux images on Baidu Cloud services.
- Developed landing pages while utilizing Marketo services.
Freelance WordPress Developer
Stevens Web Design
- Worked as a remote contractor for web and graphic design agencies.
- Developed full websites for high-profile TV personalities.
- Built a custom WordPress search and integrated the results with two HTTP API data responses.
- Implemented starter themes for complete bespoke website development including front-end and back-end customizations.
- Built a high-profile website for an international animated film.
- Developed websites for high-profile events.
- Constructed a full WooCommerce shop along with third-party payment and shipping services.
Web Developer
Nixon Design
- Worked on several high-profile clients' custom websites or enhanced their existing sites, utilizing the ExpressionEngine CMS.
- Worked locally within a team of developers and designers, using Codebase for Git version control and the DeployHQ code deployment tool.
- Enhanced my own skills and technologies through self-motivated learning.
Web Designer | Developer | Magazine Designer | International Magazine Editor
Gasworld, Ltd.
- Helped to develop an international English language industry-related website and accompanying magazine.
- Worked on an international conference organization and international printing services.
- Edited and produced English international, Chinese language, Russian language, and US-based magazines.
Experience
Multi-level Search, Holiday Property Hosting Website
http://www.forevercornwall.co.ukMulti-data-level Holiday Resort Website
https://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/London-based Multi-author News Portal
https://www.onlondon.co.ukInternational Holiday Rental Website
http://www.holidaycottagesandvillas.comEducation
Master's Degree in Multimedia and Information Design
University of Wales, Newport - Newport, UK
Master's Degree in Fine Art
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff - Cardiff, UK
Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff - Cardiff, UK
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Google Maps JavaScript API 3, JSON API, jQuery, WordPress API, REST APIs
Tools
ACF PRO, WP All Import, Bower, Adobe Photoshop, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), Adobe InDesign, Bitbucket, NPM, Git, Gulp
Languages
PHP, JavaScript, CSS, Sass, HTML, HTML5
Frameworks
Bootstrap, Divi
Platforms
WordPress, WooCommerce, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Apple, MacOS, Joomla
Storage
MySQL
Other
Web Development, Custom Post Types, China, WordPress Rescue, PSD to HTML, Website Optimization, Agency Websites, WordPress Themes, Yoast SEO, Elementor, ExpressionEngine, WordPress Plugins, APIs
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