IN DEVELOPMENT
[ OPEN FOR WORK ]
TJ THE PROGRAMMER
Tyler Johnson
GAME DEV · SOFTWARE ENGINEER · TUTOR
// WHO AM I?
I'm Tyler Johnson — I'm a software engineer with a passion for game dev, programming education, and custom software. I've been writing code professionally for about 10 years, building everything from indie games in Unity to automation tools, full-stack web applications, and end-to-end solutions with networked microcontrollers. Born in raised in New Mexico, I enjoy learning all I can about new ways of approaching challenging problems and finding solutions! When I'm not sitting at the battlestation, I'm with my family (and our 6 animals), working on house projects and cars, or collecting/playing Magic the Gathering and Pokemon!
For contract work: I work directly with clients — no middlemen, no agencies. When you hire me, you get me. I communicate clearly, ship on schedule, and write code that's documented and maintainable. Right now I'm only working with US clients, and if you're in Albuquerque, NM that's a bigger plus.
[ 15+ PROJECTS ]
[ 5+ STUDENTS ]
[ 10+ YRS EXP ]
// TECH STACK
[BASH]
[C#]
[C++]
[GIT]
[HTML/CSS]
[JS]
[LINUX]
[NODE]
[PHP]
[PYTHON]
[RUST]
[SPACETIMEDB]
[SQL]
[UNITY]
// MY SETUP
MACHINE
Jupiter
- CPU: AMD 5950x
- GPU: PowerColor Radeon 6900xt
- RAM: 64GB
- Cooling: Custom loop
- OS: POP!_OS
MACHINE
Carbon - 2018 Dell XPS 15
- CPU: Intel i7
- GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050
- RAM: 32GB
- OS: Ubuntu
DISPLAYS
2x Samsung G7
- Size: 28"
- Resolution: 4k
- Refresh: 144 Hz
DISPLAYS
Samsung UJ59
- Size: 32"
- Resolution: 4k
- Refresh: 60 Hz
INPUT
Cherry MX Board 3.0 S Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Browns
- Mouse: Logitech G502
AUDIO
Headset / Speakers
- Headset: Logitech Pro X Wireless
- Mic: Blue Yeti
- Speakers: Edirol MA-10A
// IN DEVELOPMENT
ON HOLD
Periodic
// SERVICES & PRICING
GAME DEV
Full game builds in Unity with C#. Mechanics design, physics, AI, and optimization.
TUTORING
1-on-1 sessions for beginners through advanced developers. CS fundamentals, algorithms, multiple languages.
SOFTWARE
Custom web apps, automation, Linux systems, databases, networking, full-stack. Built to spec, documented, yours to own.
[ TUTORING ]
$35/hr
5-session pack: $250
- 1-on-1 live sessions
- Recordings available
- Beginner to advanced
- Flexible scheduling
- Session notes provided
- Multiple languages
MOST POPULAR
[ PROTOTYPE ]
FROM $500
Fixed scope, fast turnaround
- Proof-of-concept build
- Core feature only
- Source code included
- Great for pitching ideas
- Upgradeable to full project
- Will work to minimize scope to keep cost down
[ PROJECT ]
Custom software development
STANDARD
FROM $1,500
PLATINUM
FROM $3,000
- Web apps & automation
- Clear written scope
- Source code ownership
- Documentation included
- Follow-up support
[ GAME DEV ]
Unity game development
STANDARD
FROM $2,000
PLATINUM
FROM $4,000
- Full game builds in Unity
- Mechanics, AI, optimization
- Clear written scope
- Source code ownership
- Art/Sound assets extra
[ RETAINER ]
MONTHLY
Contact for details
- Ongoing dev support
- Priority response time
- Bug fixes & updates
- Monthly review call
- Dedicated availability
- Time-based with rollovers
// rates are starting points — contact for exact quote
// HOW IT WORKS
[ 01 ]
DISCOVERY
Free 30-minute call to scope your project, understand your goals, and figure out exactly what you need built.
[ 02 ]
PROPOSAL
Clear scope and price — no surprises. You get a written proposal. Work starts only after you approve.
[ 03 ]
DELIVERY
Shipped with full documentation and follow-up support. You own everything delivered.
// PORTFOLIO
Small Business Automation Tools
I’ve done various automation tools for a local small business querying their system’s backend API and generating reports or file conversions. Other tools involve a file watcher for an SFTP directory that will automatically send emails based on new files to clients. Config files are updated from a web portal to fit the needs of […]
Home Network/Server Install
This is my personal home lab/business setup. I have my entire house wired for 10 gigabit Ethernet, two servers with services/virtual machines, and a Windows mini PC for when I need to use Windows tools. This setup is ever-evolving, with more recent changes being using GitLab runners on my home servers for automatic deployment/builds of […]
// WHY WORK WITH ME
// FAQ
Easy — just reach out via the contact form or social links below. We'll schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to talk through your project or tutoring goals. No commitment required.
Tutoring is priced per hour with session packs available at a discount. Project work is scoped and quoted individually — the price depends on complexity and timeline. Rates listed on this page are starting points; contact for an exact quote.
Absolutely. I've worked with students who had zero programming experience and helped them reach job-ready skills. Tutoring sessions are tailored to your current level — there's no minimum experience required.
For game dev: Unity3D. For software: C#, C++, JavaScript/Node.js, Python, SQL, and Linux. For tutoring: almost any language — If I need to I'll learn with you!
It depends on scope. Small automation scripts or prototypes can be done in days to a week. Full game or app builds typically take weeks to months or longer. Every project gets a written timeline in the proposal so you know exactly what to expect.
I stand behind my work. If delivered software doesn't match the agreed scope, I'll fix it. For tutoring, I offer a free replacement session if you feel you didn't get value from a session — just let me know.
Yes. I'm happy to sign a standard NDA before discussing sensitive project details. I treat all client information as confidential regardless.
I'm US-based, specifically Mountain time. I can accommodate early morning or evening sessions for most US time zones. Not accepting International/non-US citizens for the time being.
// FROM THE BLOG
So long 2021! A Year in Review
Hey everyone! What a year 2021 has been. There’s been a lot that’s happened this year, and I think now is the perfect time to do a recap! So, the first thing I’m going to touch on is Periodic. This year I managed to get quite a bit of the framework done, from revamping the […]
Read More →
November Update && Burnout
Hey everyone! Almost missed this one, so better late than never, as I have a new years goal that I’m not gonna miss out on. In short, it’s been a hectic month. I haven’t spent much time if any doing anything game dev related, and as I’m writing this finishing off a sinus infection that […]
Read More →
Tips on Refactoring Large Pieces of Code
Hey everyone, Happy Halloween! I was planning on having a post sooner than this but having been working on a huge refactor project at work, my brain has been a little fried and time limited. I’ve developed a few useful skills, especially after reading Clean Code by Uncle Bob Martin. The project at work was […]
Read More →// CONTACT
// OR REACH OUT DIRECTLY
> Ready to start? Let's build something.