About | Laurence Mercer - Python and Django developer

Overview

Hi, I'm Laurence Mercer, a full-stack Python and Django developer with eighteen years' site building, module development, and theming experience.

Timeline

Broadly, my professional career comprises three periods:

Drupal developer (2006–20), initially frontend then full-stack
Academic study, part-time (2016–22), including two master's degrees:

MA in Music (Musicology), Open University, 2016–18
MSt in Literature and Arts, University of Oxford, 2020–22

Python and Django developer (2023–present), full-stack

Skills

Python, Django (models, views, ORM, etc.), Django REST Framework (DRF), Django Template Language (DTL), NGINX, Apache, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Docker, DDEV, virtual machines, Git, Git repository platforms (GitHub, GitLab, etc.), CLIs, C#, PHP, Drupal, Hugo, HTML, CSS, Sass, LESS, PostCSS, responsive design, htmx, JavaScript, JavaScript libraries (jQuery, React, etc.), JavaScript frameworks (primarily Next.js), TypeScript, Node.js, package managers (pip, npm, Yarn, etc.), bundlers (esbuild, webpack, Laravel Mix, etc.), Symfony, Twig, RDF, SPARQL, Linked Data, APIs (primarily REST/JSON, JSON:API, and GraphQL), mapping solutions (primarily Google Maps, OpenLayers, Mapbox, and Leaflet), and graphics/UI/UX applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Inkscape, Figma, etc.).

Current dev setup: Linux and VS Code (plus Windows and Mac machines if required).

Python and Django

I have a comprehensive knowledge of Python and Django—a leading, open-source Python-based web framework.

On the backend, my day-to-day work includes Python programming, (Linux) server and database administration, and Django project building (coding models, views, etc.). Meanwhile, on the frontend, my day-to-day work predominantly comprises Django website/app building and theming, using technologies including the Django Template Language (DTL), JavaScript/TypeScript, and CSS.

Services

I provide development services for clients across the world, most often working remotely from London, UK. Previous clients have been located in the UK, Australia, Belgium, and the US.

For all work enquiries, quote requests, etc. please contact me (preferably via email) and provide as much information as possible.

Drupal

I worked with Drupal from version 4.6 (you can find me on drupal.org as laurencemercer) and built and themed many Drupal-based sites, including michaeljackson.com and jimihendrix.com.

CV

A copy of my CV is available upon request.