Jacob Martella - Web Developer

Sometimes the best projects come from problems you didn't expect. I was deep into building Digital Shopfront CMS when I realized the UI libraries I was using had licensing terms that weren't compatible with an open source CMS. That meant I had to build my own component library from scratch. The result is ArtisanPack UI — an open source collection of Laravel packages anchored by a Livewire UI Components package. It wasn't easy (there were plenty of false starts), but finding Mary UI as a foundation gave me the boost I needed to get it off the ground. I just released v2.0 with Livewire 4 support, glass background controls, and ApexCharts integration — and there's a lot more on the roadmap. In this video, I walk through the full story: the problem, the pivot, and where it's all headed.

I believe in building the tools you need to do your best work. In Episode 4 of What I'm Working On, I’m sharing updates on two very different projects: - The Visual Editor: A first look at the drag-and-drop page builder package I'm creating for my internal CMS. - Hangar: A brand new terminal window manager application I'm developing to streamline server and site management. From client-facing UI to developer-focused CLI tools, I'm building it all in public. Watch the update here:

After nearly 14 years in web development, I've seen the industry evolve dramatically—from hand-coding everything to today's AI-powered tools. But here's what hasn't changed: the fundamentals still matter. I just published a video sharing my advice for anyone getting started in web development. The key takeaways: → Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript before jumping into frameworks → AI tools are helpful, but you need the knowledge to spot and fix their mistakes → Even if you're a developer, learn basic design principles → Accessibility isn't optional—it's what separates good websites from great ones → There are no shortcuts. Invest the time now, and it will pay off for years Whether you're considering a career change, looking to upskill, or just curious about web development—this video covers where to start and what to focus on.

Building tools that empower users means focusing on the details—like design systems and user experience. In Episode 3 of What I'm Working On, I share major milestones for Artisan Pack UI: - Livewire UI Components v2.0: Released with a new "Glass" design system, improved charts (switching to ApexCharts), and full Livewire 4 support. - Visual Editor Prototype: I’m deep in development on a custom block-based editor. I demo how I'm implementing responsive styling and state-based styles (hover/focus) to give users more control than standard solutions often provide. This editor is the linchpin for the websites I plan to build this year. Check out the progress here:

This weekend's project that spilled into this week was moving all of the ArtisanPack UI packages from GitLab to GitHub for better visibility and collaboration. A lot of work, and still not 100 percent done, but it's nice to be mostly complete.

There is always something fun about seeing how other developers work. I’ve just released a comprehensive look at my 2026 web development setup. I walk through the entire stack—from the hardware on my desk to the IDE and productivity tools that help me build better websites for small businesses. It’s not just about having the "best" gear; it’s about finding the workflow that helps you deliver value efficiently. Watch the full setup tour here:

I'm excited to share a comprehensive update on my work for the ArtisanPack UI suite this past month. January highlights include: - Three New Packages: Introduced new Laravel packages for Forms, Analytics (local-first, privacy-focused), and SEO. These are key for the internal CMS I'm building and are fully compatible with any Laravel application. - Livewire UI Components v2.0: A major release featuring Livewire 4 compatibility, a new liquid-glass visual style, and a switch to ApexCharts for superior data visualization. - Strategic Planning: Kicked off a long-term support plan to ensure the stability and maintenance of all ArtisanPack UI packages. See the full details on package updates and future plans:

Thankfully it looks like the power grid will hold this time around. *furiously knocks on the nearest piece of wood* This winter storm is no joke!

Woke up to a good bit of sleet on the ground. Looks like we’ve missed most of the freezing rain that was predicted, so that’s good news. Hoping the sleet turns into snow, but that might be wishful thinking.

Consistency is key when building software. In Episode 2 of What I'm Working On, I’m showing off the results of a very productive sprint. I walk through functional demos of three major components for Artisan Pack UI: 1️⃣ Forms: A robust form builder that handles conditional logic, multi-step forms, and frontend rendering. 2️⃣ Analytics: A privacy-first approach that prioritizes local storage over third-party cookies. 3️⃣ SEO: A complete toolkit for managing sitemaps, redirects, and content analysis scores. These tools are the foundation for the custom internal CMS I'm building. Check out the demos here:

An accessible website isn't just a technical requirement—it's an open door to every potential customer. For small businesses, ensuring your site is accessible means you aren't leaving anyone behind. In my latest video, I break down practical ways to improve your web accessibility, whether you're a developer or a business owner managing your own site. Key takeaways include: Forms: Always associate labels with inputs so screen readers know what information is required. Navigation: Ensure your site is fully operable without a mouse using visual focus indicators and skip links. Social Media: Use Pascal Case for hashtags (e.g., #SmallBusiness) so readers pronounce words correctly. Empowering your business means making sure everyone can experience it. Watch the full video here:

One of my goals for this year is to talk more about what I build. To that end, I am launching a new video series: What I'm Working On. Every other week, I’ll be sharing updates on the tools and platforms I’m developing to help small businesses succeed online. In this first episode, I cover: ✅ Artisan Pack UI: Releasing stable versions of the Media Library, CMS Framework, and Livewire Starter Kit. 💻 Internal CMS: Why I decided to build a proprietary CMS for my web design clients rather than using WordPress. 📅 Roadmap: Updates on the Digital Shopfront CMS timeline. Transparency is key to building trust—and better software. Watch the first update here:

As we kick off 2026, I’m not setting resolutions. I’m setting a theme: Momentum. Reflecting on 2025, I realized that to truly empower small businesses with the best digital tools, I needed to evolve. After much thought, I’ve decided to close down the Crosswinds Framework and transition my work entirely from WordPress to the Laravel ecosystem. This shift allows me to focus on building custom, scalable solutions like Digital Shopfront CMS and expanding the Artisan Pack UI library. In my latest video, I break down: 🔹 Why "Themes" work better than rigid goals. 🔹 The roadmap for my new Laravel-based tools. 🔹 How I plan to integrate DevOps into my workflow this year. Here is to a year of building and moving the needle forward. Watch the full breakdown here:

Spending the last moments of 2025 listening to my favorite podcast episode of all time. We're here because we're here because we're here because we're here.

No matter what you celebrate, I hope y'all all have a wonderful and restful holiday season!

Ending the year on a high note at the university. We launched a new website for the university this week!

It's a band kind of night. UIL 5A state championship prelims on the TV and UNT Symphonic and Concert Bands on the laptop.