Joel Southall
Portfolio: greatlynxdesigns.com | GitHub: github.com/Vexmage
Professional Summary
Creative full-stack developer, designer, and storyteller with a strong foundation in .NET and front-end technologies. I specialize in building culturally grounded, user-focused tools for small businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations. Skilled in ASP.NET Core, React, WordPress, Firebase, and UX/UI design. My background in philosophy, journalism, and Indigenous community work informs a human-centered approach to software development and digital storytelling.
Technical Skills
- Backend / Full Stack: C#, ASP.NET Core MVC, Razor Pages, Blazor, EF Core, Identity
- Frontend: JavaScript, React, React Native, HTML/CSS, Bootstrap, Next.js, WordPress, Squarespace
- Databases: SQL, MySQL, SQLite, Firebase, MongoDB
- Tooling: Git, GitHub, REST APIs, Agile, Unit Testing (nUnit, xUnit), SEO, Accessibility
- Design & Writing: Adobe Suite, Inkscape, Copywriting, UI/UX Design, Animate, CreateJS
Education
- Lane Community College — AAS in Software Development, 2024 · GPA: 4.1
- • CPC in Database Specialist · Certificates in Front-End Development & Web Design
- University of Oregon — MA in Philosophy, 2015
- Oregon State University — BA in Philosophy
Professional Experience
Freelance Developer & Designer – Great Lynx Designs (2019–Present)
- Delivered custom WordPress and Squarespace websites, graphics, and UX for clients like ColorBliss and NAACM
- Produced logos, visual materials, and branding elements
Volunteer Organizer – EugDotNet (.NET Meetup) (2024–Present)
- Relaunched local .NET user group with regular events
- Built a Blazor-powered CMS for community updates
Software Developer Intern – Native Teaching Aids (2024)
- Built React Native app for Indigenous language learning
- Designed animated modules using CreateJS/TweenJS
Squarespace Developer Intern – Brent & Jo Studio (2022)
Board Member – LCC Native American Student Association (2021–2024)
Narrative Designer & Cultural Consultant (2018–Present)
- Work for Paizo (Pathfinder 2e), Starfinder, and When Rivers Were Trails (IndieCade 2019)
Co-Founder – MindFire Games (2016–Present)
- Lead narrative design and worldbuilding for Violentia & Novus Retro
Journalist & Editor – Corvallis Independent/Advocate (2012–2016)
Selected Projects
- Let’s Move Web App: Full-stack fitness platform with MySQL, Braintree, secure login
- TribeFinder: Web and React Native apps for mapping tribal offices via GeoJSON
- Hop with Waabooz: Ojibwe word-of-the-day React app with Firebase
- ColorBliss Site: SEO-tuned WordPress site for branding consultant
- NAACM: Bootstrap site with carousel, gallery, and vendor profiles
- Blackfoot Word App: Firebase-linked React Native mobile tool
- EugDotNet Site: Blazor + SQLite platform for community events
- Musician Portfolio: Next.js-based site for local hip-hop artist (in progress)
Marketing & Design
- GreatLynx Dispatch: Newsletter prototype with Canva + Mailchimp
- EugDotNet Mailer: Branded monthly events mailer
- Pow-Wow Posters: Event design for 2021–2024 cultural events
Community Engagement
- Volunteer, LCC Native American Student Association
- Enrolled member, Chippewas of Rama (Ojibwe)
- Promoter of equity, education, and Indigenous representation in tech