Darren Stevens, Developer in Truro, United Kingdom
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Darren Stevens

Verified Expert  in Engineering

WordPress Developer

Location
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.

Web DevelopmentWebsite OptimizationWordPress ThemesWordPress RescueCSSPHPGoogle Maps JavaScript API 3BootstrapWP All ImportjQueryWordPressWordPress APIAdobe InDesignSassBower

Portfolio

Market Me China
Gulp, Bower, NPM, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP, CSS, HTML, WordPress
Stevens Web Design
ExpressionEngine, Joomla, NPM, Bower, Gulp, Git, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP, HTML...
Nixon Design
ExpressionEngine, jQuery, PHP, CSS, HTML

Experience

HTML - 18 yearsWebsite Optimization - 10 yearsWordPress Themes - 7 yearsWordPress - 6 yearsWordPress API - 6 yearsAdvanced Custom Fields (ACF) - 6 yearsWooCommerce - 6 yearsChina - 5 years

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

MacOS, Apple, Bitbucket, Git, Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

The most amazing...

...thing was building a customized responsive mobile site. I integrated WordPress and HTTP API search data with Google Maps systems and third-party video streams.

Work Experience

Freelance WordPress Developer

2013 - PRESENT
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.
Technologies: Gulp, Bower, NPM, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP, CSS, HTML, WordPress

Freelance WordPress Developer

2000 - PRESENT
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.
Technologies: ExpressionEngine, Joomla, NPM, Bower, Gulp, Git, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, APIs, WordPress

Web Developer

2012 - 2013
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.
Technologies: ExpressionEngine, jQuery, PHP, CSS, HTML

Web Designer | Developer | Magazine Designer | International Magazine Editor

2004 - 2010
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.
Technologies: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, PHP, CSS, HTML

Multi-level Search, Holiday Property Hosting Website

http://www.forevercornwall.co.uk
I developed a bespoke WordPress website that provided location-based property searched along with integrating third-party booking availability data and separate special-offer data. The data was received through front-end vanilla JavaScript HTTP API requests. It was a mobile responsive build based on provided designs.

Multi-data-level Holiday Resort Website

https://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/
I developed a UK-based high-profile tourist resort website specifically on the multi-data level admin input customizations and front-end display. I also built the Google JavaScript API mapping display and enabled custom SMS receiving of data, which allowed for last-minute holiday discounts.

London-based Multi-author News Portal

https://www.onlondon.co.uk
Working with a UK-based agency, I developed a highly successfully multi-level author London-based news portal. The website includes third-party donation services, and full eCommerce functionality using WooCommerce.

International Holiday Rental Website

http://www.holidaycottagesandvillas.com
I developed a bespoke WordPress site for a European based holiday rental company. I integrated a third-party booking API to make live availability searches with pricing and discount information along with implementing the Google Maps JavaScript API and video streams.

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

Languages

PHP, JavaScript, CSS, Sass, HTML, HTML5

Frameworks

Bootstrap, Divi

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

Platforms

WordPress, WooCommerce, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Apple, MacOS, Joomla

Storage

MySQL

2002 - 2004

Master's Degree in Multimedia and Information Design

University of Wales, Newport - Newport, UK

1998 - 2000

Master's Degree in Fine Art

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff - Cardiff, UK

1994 - 1997

Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff - Cardiff, UK

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