Thoughts on developing a Name Copybook Generator with AI over the weekend
Recently, I spent two days and one night developing a Next.js-based Name Copybook Generator. Utilizing two open-source Chinese character libraries, I maxed out Claude's $20 usage limit every day. Later, I subscribed to Codex as well, spending a total of $40 to work with both, but even Codex reached its limit quickly last night.
However, my focus over these two days has been incredibly intense and fulfilling—a feeling I haven't experienced in a long time. This satisfaction comes from learning and applying a new technical architecture, developing for a new platform, and seeing lightning-fast real-time previews, which provided a lot of dopamine.
During this process, I also thought of using Gemini to generate UI design mockups. This method is truly effective. Although this time I coded first and optimized the UI last, I believe the correct future workflow should be: discuss the product with Gemini first, let it design and produce mockups, then summarize requirements for Claude or Codex to implement. I think this will be much faster.
Essentially, my product ideas are mostly conceived through graphical user interfaces, so it's better to front-load this work to reduce overall effort. Otherwise, as with this and the previous CalmWait development, the process can be quite exhausting.
After AI programming for a while, for the first time, I'm actually looking forward to subscribing to the $200/month Claude Pro plan, as the usage is indeed being pushed higher. However, the passive income generated from independent development is still too low for now. I need to wait a bit longer and fully utilize the $40 usage first!
Of course, I cannot always immerse myself in product development. Market research, competitor analysis, and most importantly, sales work still require a lot of time. These determine whether a product can generate revenue; otherwise, it's just self-indulgence.
For some reason, I haven't felt like expressing myself much lately and lacked the drive to create content. I need to adjust and carve out enough energy to promote my products. Only when the products I develop can sustain themselves financially can I continue to create indefinitely.