Hi, I'm Alex

Side projects

Programming

With the boom in frontend development, I found myself interested in modern-day HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I worked through freeCodeCamp and moved onto the challenges on Frontend Mentor. Some of my progress and designs are linked below:

  • Frontend Mentor

    Share menu cards - 'Enduro' design

    I created a set of 'enduro' themed cards based on a Frontend Mentor challenge.

    by Alex Roan9 Jun 2025

    A screenshot of the design of an enduro based card.

  • Frontend Mentor

    Four cards - 'Pokemon' design

    I created a Pokemon themed four card layout in HTML. This was inspired by one of the challenges at frontendmentor.com.

    by Alex Roan17 Nov 2024

    A screenshot of the design of a pokemon themed web page

  • Frontend Mentor

    Card - 'Ichigo' design

    I created a product card page in HTML and CSS based on the character Ichigo from the Anime called Bleach. This was an alternate design for one of the challenges on the Frontend Mentor website.

    by Alex Roan13 Nov 2024

    A screenshot of the a 'ichigo' themed web page. Ichigo is the main character of the anime called Bleach.

  • freeCodeCamp

    JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures

    I completed freeCodeCamp's course on JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures. This was way tougher than Responsive Web Design. One exercise 'building a spreadsheet app' was so hard to follow. But, overall I was impressed how much you can do with JavaScript.

    by Alex Roan22 Aug 2024

    A certificate from freeCodeCamp for the JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures course

  • freeCodeCamp

    Responsive Web Design

    I completed freeCodeCamp's course on responsive web design. This was quite a long course with a lot of exercises and five certification projects. Read more to see my 'Toyota' theme solutions to the challenges.

    by Alex Roan16 Feb 2024

    A certificate from freeCodeCamp for the responsive web design course

Classic cars

While living back in the Highlands of Scotland in 2020-2022, I rekindled my interest in classic cars and spent time working on a few light projects.

Look, it's me wrestling the steering gearbox out of a MK3 Toyota Hilux in the depths of a snowy Highlands winter!

Here are a list of the projects I worked on:

  • 1989 Renault Alpine GTA

    Work done:

    • Input manifold rebuilt
    • New coolant hoses fitted
    • Pedal assembly rebuilt
    • Dashboard removed, restored, and refitted.
    A picture of a Renault Alpine GTA

  • 1985 Toyota Landcruiser HJ60

    Work done:

    • Engine oil changed and a new filter fitted
    • Rear suspension bushes replaced.
    A picture of a Toyota Landcruiser

  • 1997 Toyota Hilux (MK3)

    Work done:

    • Chassis, inner wings, and bulkhead restored
    • Front swivels rebuilt (all bushes, seals, grease, etc.)
    • Steering gearbox rebuilt
    • Engine oil changed and new filter fitted.
    A picture of a Toyota Hilux

  • 1985 Toyota Celica Supra

    Work done:

    • Engine oil changed and a new filter fitted
    • Alloy wheels refurbished
    A picture of a Toyota Celica Supra

  • 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

    Work done:

    • Engine oil changed and a new filter fitted
    • Automatic gear box oil changed, a new filter and new seal fitted
    • Rear diff oil changed and new seals fitted
    • Windscreen wiper motor rebuilt
    • Brake system overhauled.
    A picture of a Pontiac Firebird

Teching English as a foreign language

Lately, I've been interested in improving my writing. I've also been thinking of ways to work in more countries.

Join these together, and I decided to start a basic qualification in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).

I've always found that writing is a good way to consolidate learning, so I've created a blog about TEFL. I'll be sharing what I learn, as well as trying to capture some consulting perspectives on TEFL.

My first blog post is on teaching methods.

Photography

My photography is over on my personal blog page.