The start of Memories Crate

So today is the day when I launch the landing page of my first product https://www.memoriescrate.com. I will share some feelings and some tips that I learned from this experience.

I have been lurking around indie makers` communities, reading about their projects and stories feeling happy for them, and being inspired. And as a Frontend developer, I always wanted to be a part of them, build something on my own and treat it like my child, let others hold it, and bring the same happiness and inspiration to others.

I tried this path a lot of times with many different ideas and projects but surprise, surprise I never finished one before. I think you know why. The projects were too big in scope or my skills were not enough to achieve the expected result and after some time I would get tired of the process and I would start searching for some serotonin somewhere else. I would also make the mistake of doing something differently than at my full-time job like choosing a new framework or database.

So what changed?

The current project doesn't scare me with its scope, and I feel confident in my ability to implement everything I have planned. The project is also small enough for me not to get tired of it and big enough to keep my interest. Also liking the idea and creating it just because I can is a big motivation boost for me. I don't have big expectations about the project but I still hope it can find a home for some people.

To add, I was never good at designing things, and even thinking about how some features should look cost me a week of procrastination. This time I worked with my friend who is a graphic designer and she took a ton of weight off my shoulders. I think the landing page looks amazing.

I'll finish with some tips I would have told my past self:

• Start with a small idea you believe you can finish.
• Choose the tools that you are already familiar with. I wouldn't recommend learning a new framework or language if it's not necessary, you will learn tons of things during your project journey anyway, don't burn out.
• If there are tasks that you avoid with your whole heart, try to find people who could help you, may it be design, frontend, backend, or content work.
• Don't rush yourself, it's called a side project for a reason. Going slowly and making small wins every other day makes a big difference.
• Write down a list of things you need to do to reach a certain goal. Your mind cannot keep everything at once.

What would you recommend to your past self?
That's all I wanted to share today. Happy building.