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My Journey into No-Code Development: Scratching My Own Itch and Building a Portfolio

I started exploring no-code development tools out of necessity—a need to expand my portfolio while tackling real-world problems I face daily. The challenge I set for myself? Create at least three apps that solve practical issues. It’s been a fascinating journey of learning, iteration, and discovery. Here’s how it started and where it’s going.

The First App: AICalCount

In November 2024, I began a weight loss journey in preparation for total knee replacement surgery scheduled for March 12, 2025. With this goal in mind, I decided my first app would be a calorie-counting tool, optimized for mobile use. Weight loss is a deeply personal journey for me, and I wanted to create something that would make tracking calories easier, faster, and smarter.

Inspired by YouTube videos mentioning calAI.app, I started researching the competition. I found only two apps leveraging AI to simplify calorie tracking for users. This gap motivated me to build my own solution. Version 1 of AICalCount is now live: https://vitamai-ithinkmedia.replit.app/. It’s functional, mobile-optimized, and an exciting first step. I’ll be sharing an in-depth review of the other apps I explored and what I learned during the creation of AICalCount in an upcoming article.

The Second App: ArtSpark

Next, I turned my attention to a tool for artists, ArtSpark. This app aims to inspire creators and help them ignite their artistic ideas. ArtSpark has gone through several iterations, but it’s not quite ready to share as a functional app. While I was making progress, I decided to shift gears and tackle a project that felt more tangible and closer to my heart.

The Dream App: Artsy Gallery

Artsy Gallery (a working title) is the app I’ve dreamed about creating for years. It will be a feature-rich tool allowing me to showcase and share my catalog of images with the community. It’s designed to be intuitive, beautiful, and practical, serving both artists and art enthusiasts. Building this app is a labor of love, and I’m excited to begin testing it soon. Once it’s ready, I’ll launch it right here on vlane.ART!

Why These Apps Matter

These apps are more than projects; they are stepping stones to building a new career and life after losing my love on March 9, 2024. Creating tools that solve real problems and sharing my journey along the way has been therapeutic and motivating. Through these projects, I’ve learned new skills, challenged myself, and started building a portfolio of SaaS and web apps that I hope will support me in this next chapter of life.

What’s Next?

I’ll be reviewing both AICalCount and other AI-driven calorie-counting apps in detail, sharing insights on what worked, what didn’t, and what sets AICalCount apart. I’ll also keep you updated on ArtSpark and Artsy Gallery as they progress. These stories are just the beginning, and I’m ready to share more—stories filled with suspense, heroes, cannabis, and intrigue.

Stay tuned for updates, app launches, and a deeper dive into the world of no-code development. It’s been a journey of learning, creating, and rediscovering myself, and I’m excited to take you along for the ride.


Feature Comparison: ARTify vs. Dream App Vision

This comparison evaluates the features implemented in ARTify against the envisioned functionalities of the Dream App, helping identify what’s aligned, what needs improvement, and what remains to be developed.


Image Processing & Storage

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Multi-resolution image processing ✔ Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, Ultra resolutions Same, with batch processing and dynamic resizing. Already implemented. Confirm if resolutions match desired sizes.
Automatic image resizing ✔ Fully implemented Same Matches your vision.
Color palette extraction ✔ Integrated Same Ensure extraction is accurate and appealing to users.
Batch upload support ✔ Available Essential for bulk image management Satisfies bulk upload requirement.
Organized file storage system ✔ Implemented Same Ensure storage scales as the library grows.

AI & Metadata

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
AI-powered image analysis ✔ OpenAI-powered Advanced AI for tagging, descriptions, categorization Matches vision but ensure metadata accuracy and style relevance.
Automatic metadata generation ✔ Automated metadata creation Same Meets expectations.
Smart tagging system ✔ Integrated Same Ensure tags enhance search functionality.
Art style classification ✔ Implemented Needed for better categorization and Pro-tier enhancements Review if style classifications align with user goals (e.g., artistic movements).
Automated descriptions ✔ Available Same Matches vision; confirm description quality.

Gallery Features

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Responsive image grid layout ✔ Fully functional Same No changes needed.
Advanced image modal ✔ Implemented with detailed view Popup with title, tags, Pro/free options, color palette display Confirm modal integrates Pro/free download functionality.
Tag-based search ✔ Integrated Same Ensure search is intuitive.
Color palette visualization ✔ Included Same Matches expectations; consider color-based filtering.
View count tracking ✔ Functional Same Meets analytics needs.
Image category management ✔ Admin tool available Needed for organized navigation Matches expectations; ensure flexibility for growth.

User Management

Feature ARTify Dream  Notes for Improvement
User registration/authentication ✔ Implemented Same Fully functional.
Role-based access control ✔ Public, member, admin roles Same Matches vision perfectly.
Admin dashboard ✔ Admin tools integrated Same Sufficient for now; consider custom options.
Password reset ✔ Fully functional Same Meets expectations.
Session management ✔ Secure session handling Same Matches vision.

Pro Subscription System

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Monthly/yearly billing ✔ Stripe integration complete Same Ensure billing flexibility and ease of use.
Pro-exclusive high-res downloads ✔ Integrated Pro users should access high-res, watermark-free images Matches vision; ensure clear upselling for Pro features.
Subscription tracking ✔ Available Needed to manage user tiers effectively Fully implemented.

Admin Features

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Image management ✔ Batch processing, visibility controls, metadata editing Same Could add advanced tools like duplicate detection.
User management ✔ Admin-level user controls Needed for managing user accounts Matches expectations.
Analytics dashboard ✔ Basic analytics available Advanced user behavior analytics Add granular data like Pro user activity and trends.

Technical Features

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
PostgreSQL integration ✔ Integrated Same Matches vision; ensure scalability.
Secure file handling ✔ Available Same Fully implemented.
API endpoints ✔ Exposed for image operations Needed for frontend-backend integration Matches vision.
Logging system ✔ Included Needed for error tracking/debugging Ensure logs capture critical data.

UI/UX

Feature ARTify Dream App Vision Notes for Improvement
Responsive design ✔ Functional Same Fully implemented; optimize further for mobile.
Image modal with zoom ✔ Included Same Matches vision.
Download resolution selector ✔ Included Needed for Pro/free distinctions Ensure clear resolution labels and upsell messaging.
Loading states/progress ✔ Functional Needed for large galleries/uploads Matches expectations.

Next Steps

This comprehensive analysis shows that ARTify aligns well with the Dream App vision, but a few refinements and additional features could elevate it further. Prioritizing scalability, advanced analytics, and Pro features will ensure your app continues to meet user needs and your long-term goals.

Stay tuned as this dream evolves!

Why is Art so Vital in Our Daily Lives?

Art, in its many forms, has been a part of human culture for centuries. From the earliest cave paintings to modern-day digital art, it continues to be a means of expression and communication. In this article, we delve into why art holds such significance in our daily lives.

Emotional Outlet and Healing
Art serves as an emotional outlet, allowing individuals to express feelings and emotions that might be difficult to put into words (1). Whether it is through painting, music, or writing, art can be therapeutic. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is an integrative mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals through active art-making (2)

Encouraging Creativity and Imagination
Art stimulates the imagination and encourages creativity. This is especially vital in children’s development but remains important throughout life. A report from the NEA states that children who engage in the arts are more likely to be creative, and this creativity carries over into their academic and professional lives (3)

Cultural Identity and Heritage
Art is an integral part of cultural identity. Through art, societies can express their values, traditions, and history. UNESCO recognizes the importance of cultural heritage and how it links our past and our future (4). Artifacts, paintings, and traditional music are examples of how art preserves the cultural identity of communities.

Social Change and Awareness
Art has historically been a medium for social change. It can raise awareness of social issues and even influence public opinion. For example, during the Harlem Renaissance, African American artists used art to express cultural pride and address issues of racism and segregation (5)

Economic Contributions
Art contributes significantly to the economy. The creative industries, including visual arts, music, and film, provide employment and stimulate economic growth. According to a report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year

Aesthetic Enrichment
On a more personal level, art enriches our surroundings and our daily experiences. From the architecture of the buildings we live into the design of our favorite mug, art makes our environment aesthetically pleasing and stimulating.

Conclusion
Art is not just a luxury but an essential component of human life. It heals, inspires, educates, and entertains. By valuing and integrating art into our daily lives, we can foster emotional well-being, stimulate innovation, preserve our heritage, and build a more culturally rich and diverse society.

References

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. American Journal of public health, 100(2), 254-263.

American Art Therapy Association. (2017). About Art Therapy. Retrieved from https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/

National Endowment for the Arts. (2012). The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies. Retrieved from https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/Arts-At-Risk-Youth.pdf

UNESCO. (2017). Culture: Heritage. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/themes/culture-and-heritage

Watson, S. (2001). Harlem Renaissance: Pivotal Period in the Development of Afro-American Culture. Retrieved from https://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1978/2/78.02.03.x.html