James Russell

Quick facts

Title: Web Development Manager
Developer: Front End Engineer
Email: james@jrsl.dev
LinkedIn: james-russell-dev
Github: jrsl-dev
Location: Michigan, United States
jrsl: The short abbreviation I chose because having a first name for a last name sort of limits my options.

10+ years of front end experience
I've been a
1. Individual Contributor
2. Team Lead
3. Manager
I take pride in clean, readable, accessible code and like to make a real impact in the end user experience.
I value front end basics and keeping things simple over individual libraries and frameworks. For example, I'm writing this site with just HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript but enjoy using libraries like React, Svelte, and XState.
I enjoy teamwork, continuous learning, and helping others learn and grow as developers.

I love the basics of HTML, CSS, JavaScript!
React and Next.js (really interested in Remix though)
Svelte and SvelteKit
CSS - I like to use CSS as much as possible but understand CSS-in-JS solutions. I could probably come around on Tailwind. I like to stay lightly opinionated and flexible.
Cypress and the Testing Library suite
Storybook - really improves communication across teams (technical and non technical)
Netlify - a great user experience to a complex space
Accessibility and Inclusive Design - I am by no means an expert, these are large disciplines in of themselves but I strive to do my absolute best at both

Outside of web development, I'm an avid fan of music, and greatly enjoy sci-fi and fantasy in all forms of entertainment.

I enjoy kettle bells, heavy clubs, and traditional Japanese budo (martial arts).

I have trained in Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu since 2006 and currently hold the rank of rokudan (6th degree) and jokyo (associate professor) through the Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Genwakai. As of 2022, I assumed the role of head instructor for United States Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu Gennakai.