Open to junior developer roles in the UK

Michael Downard

Full-stack web developer · Isle of Wight, UK

Building production web apps with React, Next.js, and TypeScript. Through Emberzo I've shipped client Shopify storefronts and community platforms — and I'm looking for a junior developer role on a product team in the UK.

About

I'm a web developer on the Isle of Wight, building for the web since 2021. My first real web work was college work experience with The Ecology Centre in Scotland, where I helped maintain their public site. Through my studio Emberzo I've also shipped client and community projects — from React and Next.js builds to custom Shopify storefronts. I'm now focused on joining a team as a junior developer where I can keep growing, while Emberzo remains available for selected freelance work.

2026

Visca Gaming

Community platform & product contributions

Rebuilt the public community site and contributed full-stack features to the forum and player app — map, daily rewards, Stripe store, and reliability fixes.

Result — A clearer mobile-friendly community presence, a working store path, and a tighter rewards/map loop members can actually use.

ReactTypeScriptTailwind CSSStripe

2026

Property Care

Lead-generation product site

A conversion-focused site for trades and property maintenance businesses — service clarity, local trust signals, and a simple quote path.

Result — A straightforward, conversion-ready site pattern that presents services clearly and captures better leads.

ReactTypeScriptTailwind CSS

2025

Padraigs Fireworks

Paid client · Shopify

Shopify customisation and catalog rollout for a fireworks retailer preparing for seasonal demand and a wider product range.

Result — Launched with a cleaner shopping experience and stronger operational support for peak seasonal sales.

ShopifyLiquidShopify Apps

Skills

Stack I use in production work and can walk through in an interview.

Frontend

  • React
  • Next.js
  • TypeScript
  • JavaScript
  • HTML & CSS
  • Tailwind CSS

Backend

  • Node.js
  • REST APIs
  • Prisma
  • PostgreSQL / SQLite
  • Stripe

Tools & Platforms

  • Git
  • Vercel
  • Shopify
  • Liquid
  • Linux

Experience

Client delivery, charity web work, and deliberate full-stack practice — from college work experience through to shipping for clients.

Dec 2025 — Present

Emberzo

Freelance / Independent Web Development

  • Ship client and community websites and apps with React, Next.js, TypeScript, and Shopify.
  • Own delivery end-to-end: scoping, build, Vercel deployment, and iteration from feedback.
  • Recent work includes Visca Gaming contributions, Padraigs Fireworks (Shopify), and product demos for local businesses.
Sep 2024 — Dec 2025

Personal development

Full-stack practice · michaeldev.dev

  • Built and deployed full-stack applications with Next.js, TypeScript, and Prisma.
  • Practised REST APIs, data modelling, and production deploys on Vercel while growing toward client work.
Oct 2024 — Jan 2025

The Ecology Centre

Web Developer · College WEX & Volunteer

  • College work experience in Scotland helping the charity maintain and improve their public website.
  • Day-to-day fixes, content/structure updates, and other technical support alongside the staff team.
  • Worked directly with non-technical stakeholders on a live site used by the organisation and its community.
Nov 2024 — Dec 2024

The Nomad Alliance

Web Developer

  • Short engagement as web developer on the Need a Bed (NAB) project.
  • Contributed to delivery on a social-impact web initiative under tight timelines.

Contact

I'm actively looking for junior developer opportunities in the UK. If you're hiring — or want to talk about a role — email is the fastest way to reach me. Selected freelance work is still available through Emberzo.