Hello. I'm Teejay VanSlyke, a human being in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
I've loved making things since I was a child. My grandpa taught me how to program in QuickBASIC when I was six years old. Two years later I was teaching my classmates. I started my own paper-bag-puppet business when I was in first grade. In third grade, I led my class in producing a library of handmade books to share. By my teenage years I'd discovered electronic music and video production. Creativity has always been central to my identity and integral to my wellness.
In 2012, I sold most of my belongings and moved into a small motorhome. It taught me about resourcefulness, minimalism, and carpentry. I gave a short talk about the experience at Ignite Portland 11. I miss the challenge of living in a tiny space, and hope to someday build a tiny house or a stealth conversion van.
I run the webform service Formbot to make it easier to accept feedback from website visitors.
When I used to live in Eugene, Oregon, I built the We Are EUG professionals directory to help establish the city as a hub for technology and creativity.
In 2017 I started the Portland FIRE meetup group for financial independence and simple living enthusiasts. It has attracted hundreds of members who want to learn more about how to live life on their terms.
I've produced original art and music since I was 15 years old. My art and music website chronicles every last bit of it—the good, the bad, and the beautiful.