/* ==========================================================================
   STYLE GUIDE & DESIGN SYSTEM
   ========================================================================== */
:root {
  /* Colors */
  --bg-primary: #0A0A0A;
  --bg-secondary: #121212;
  --bg-tertiary: #1A1A1E;
  
  --text-primary: #FFFFFF;
  --text-secondary: #E0E0E0;
  --text-muted: #A0A0A0;
  
  --accent-gold: #D4AF37;
  --accent-gold-hover: #E5C158;
  --accent-gold-subtle: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15);
  --border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  --border-gold: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25);
  
  /* Fonts */
  --font-serif: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;
  --font-sans: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;
  
  /* Layout */
  --container-width: 1200px;
  --header-height: 80px;
  
  /* Transitions */
  --transition-smooth: 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);
}

/* Base Reset */
*, *::before, *::after {
  box-sizing: border-box;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

html {
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  background-color: var(--bg-primary);
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  line-height: 1.6;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
}

body {
  overflow-x: hidden;
}

/* Typography */
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  color: var(--text-primary);
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.2;
}

h1 {
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}

h2 {
  font-size: 2.1rem; /* Larger base h2 size */
  margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-align: center; /* Center aligned headings */
}

h3 {
  font-size: 1.35rem;
}

p {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  line-height: 1.68;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
}

p:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

a {
  color: inherit;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

/* Helper Classes */
.container {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: var(--container-width);
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 1.5rem;
}

.text-gold {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.text-center {
  text-align: center;
}

.bg-sec {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
}

.section-padding {
  padding: 3.5rem 0;
}

.section-indicator {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.95rem; /* Larger indicator font size */
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 800; /* Bolder font weight */
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  display: block;
  text-align: center; /* Center-aligned headings */
}

/* Custom Scroll Reveal Classes (GPU Accelerated) */
.reveal-on-scroll {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translate3d(0, 20px, 0);
  transition: opacity 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94),
              transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);
  will-change: opacity, transform;
  backface-visibility: hidden;
}

.reveal-in {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0);
}

/* Ensure Above-the-Fold Hero Content is Immediately Visible */
.hero-section .reveal-on-scroll,
.sub-page-hero .reveal-on-scroll,
.academy-hero .reveal-on-scroll {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: none;
}

/* Elegant Staggered Cascade for Multi-Card Grids */
.works-grid .work-card:nth-child(2),
.portfolio-grid .work-card:nth-child(2),
.framework-grid .step-card:nth-child(2) {
  transition-delay: 0.08s;
}

.works-grid .work-card:nth-child(3),
.portfolio-grid .work-card:nth-child(3),
.framework-grid .step-card:nth-child(3) {
  transition-delay: 0.16s;
}

/* Buttons and Touch Targets */
.btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 0.8rem 1.8rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  border-radius: 4px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  min-height: 48px; /* Tappable minimum */
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.btn-primary {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
}

.btn-primary:hover {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold-hover);
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.4);
}

.btn-secondary {
  background-color: transparent;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
}

.btn-secondary:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.btn-link {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 0.5rem 0;
  min-height: 48px; /* Tappable minimum */
}

.btn-link:hover {
  color: var(--text-primary);
}

.btn-hero-primary {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold);
  border-radius: 4px;
  text-transform: none; /* Title case */
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  padding: 0.8rem 1.6rem;
  min-height: 48px;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.btn-hero-primary:hover {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold-hover);
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.35);
  border-color: var(--accent-gold-hover);
}

.btn-hero-outline {
  background-color: transparent;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold);
  border-radius: 4px;
  text-transform: none; /* Title case */
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  padding: 0.8rem 1.6rem;
  min-height: 48px;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.btn-hero-outline:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold-hover);
  color: var(--accent-gold-hover);
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.1);
}

/* Circular Arrow Icon Styling */
.arrow-icon {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 28px;
  height: 28px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  background-color: transparent;
  margin-left: 0.8rem;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  flex-shrink: 0;
  vertical-align: middle;
}

.arrow-icon svg {
  width: 12px;
  height: 12px;
  fill: none;
  stroke: var(--accent-gold);
  stroke-width: 2.5;
  stroke-linecap: round;
  stroke-linejoin: round;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

/* Arrow Icon Hover behaviors */
.btn:hover .arrow-icon,
.btn-link:hover .arrow-icon,
.social-pill:hover .arrow-icon {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
}

.btn:hover .arrow-icon svg,
.btn-link:hover .arrow-icon svg,
.social-pill:hover .arrow-icon svg {
  stroke: var(--bg-primary);
}

.btn-link:hover .arrow-icon.diagonal svg {
  transform: translate(1px, -1px);
}

.btn-link:hover .arrow-icon:not(.diagonal) svg {
  transform: translateX(1px);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   NAVIGATION
   ========================================================================== */
header {
  height: var(--header-height);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  background-color: rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.9);
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  z-index: 1000;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-color);
}

.nav-container {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  width: 100%;
}

.logo {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.logo span {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.nav-links {
  display: none;
}

.nav-toggle {
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  display: block;
  padding: 0.5rem;
  min-height: 48px;
  min-width: 48px;
}

.nav-toggle span {
  display: block;
  width: 25px;
  height: 2px;
  background-color: var(--text-primary);
  margin: 5px 0;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

/* Active Hamburger Close Animation */
.nav-toggle.active span:nth-child(1) {
  transform: translateY(7px) rotate(45deg);
}

.nav-toggle.active span:nth-child(2) {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateX(-10px);
}

.nav-toggle.active span:nth-child(3) {
  transform: translateY(-7px) rotate(-45deg);
}

/* Mobile Menu Panel */
.mobile-nav {
  position: fixed;
  top: var(--header-height);
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  background-color: var(--bg-primary);
  z-index: 999;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: 3rem 2rem;
  gap: 2rem;
  transform: translateY(-100%);
  opacity: 0;
  transition: transform 0.4s ease, opacity 0.4s ease;
  pointer-events: none;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-color);
}

.mobile-nav.active {
  transform: translateY(0);
  opacity: 1;
  pointer-events: auto;
}

.mobile-nav a {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-color);
  padding-bottom: 0.8rem;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   HERO SECTION
   ========================================================================== */
.hero-section {
  position: relative;
  padding: 3.5rem 0 0 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--bg-primary);
}

.hero-grid {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column-reverse;
  gap: 0;
}

.hero-content {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  z-index: 10;
  margin-top: -130px; /* Overlap portrait photo chest area */
  position: relative;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.9);
}

.hero-badge-container {
  margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
}

.trust-badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  padding: 0.4rem 1.2rem;
  border-radius: 50px;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

.hero-title {
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  line-height: 1.15;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.95);
}

.typewriter-container {
  min-height: 2.2rem;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  text-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.95);
}

.typewriter-cursor {
  animation: blink 0.75s step-end infinite;
  border-right: 2px solid var(--accent-gold);
}

.hero-subheadline {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  line-height: 1.68;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 2.2rem;
  max-width: 580px;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 5px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.9);
}

.hero-actions {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1.2rem;
}

.hero-image-side {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  z-index: 1;
}

.hero-portrait-container {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 100%;
  height: 55vh;
  max-height: 55vh;
  aspect-ratio: 1;
  overflow: visible; /* Allow badges to float outside bounds */
  z-index: 2;
  border: none !important;
  outline: none !important;
  box-shadow: none !important;
  background: transparent !important;
  background-color: transparent !important;
}

.hero-portrait-container img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: contain;
  object-position: center top;
  display: block;
  border: none !important;
  outline: none !important;
  box-shadow: none !important;
  background: transparent !important;
  background-color: transparent !important;
}

.hero-portrait-container::after {
  display: none;
}

.hero-portrait-glow {
  display: none;
}

/* Floating Badges (Aesthetic Reference) */
.hero-floating-badge {
  position: absolute;
  background-color: var(--text-primary);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  padding: 0.5rem 0.9rem;
  border-radius: 50px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.55);
  z-index: 10;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  white-space: nowrap;
}

.badge-left {
  bottom: 20%;
  left: -20px;
}

.badge-icon {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  width: 18px;
  height: 18px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  font-weight: 800;
}



/* ==========================================================================
   INFINITE MARQUEE
   ========================================================================== */
.marquee-wrapper {
  background-color: var(--bg-primary); /* Dark background */
  border-top: none;
  border-bottom: none;
  padding: 0.8rem 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
}

.marquee-container {
  display: flex;
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.marquee-content {
  display: flex;
  white-space: nowrap;
  animation: marquee-scroll 25s linear infinite;
}

.marquee-item {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 0 1.5rem;
  text-transform: none; /* Neutral casing */
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

.marquee-star {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  margin-left: 1.5rem;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  font-weight: 900;
}

@keyframes marquee-scroll {
  0% { transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0); }
  100% { transform: translate3d(-50%, 0, 0); }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   WHAT I WRITE (GRID LAYOUT)
   ========================================================================== */
.pillars-header {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  max-width: 750px;
  margin: 0 auto 3rem auto;
  gap: 0.8rem;
}

.pillars-header h2 {
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.pillars-header .section-indicator {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  font-weight: 600;
}

.pillars-intro-text {
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
}

.pillars-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
}

.pillar-card {
  background-color: #FAF7EE; /* Warm milk/cream */
  border: 1px solid var(--border-gold);
  padding: 2rem 1.8rem;
  border-radius: 12px; /* Uniform rounded corners */
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  min-height: auto;
  color: #0A0A0A; /* Dark text */
}

.card-inner {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  height: 100%;
  justify-content: flex-start;
  flex-grow: 1;
  width: 100%;
}

.card-header-row {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: start;
  width: 100%;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}

.pillar-icon {
  width: 28px;
  height: 28px;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.pillar-num {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.4);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

.pillar-card h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  margin: 0 0 0.6rem 0;
  color: #0A0A0A;
  line-height: 1.2;
}

.pillar-desc {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
  color: #2B2B2B;
  font-weight: 450;
}

/* Highlighted Dominant Card (Breaking News) */
.pillar-card.card-dominant {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 16px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15);
}

.pillar-card.card-dominant h3 {
  color: var(--bg-primary);
}

.pillar-card.card-dominant .pillar-desc {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
  color: #111111;
  font-weight: 500;
}

.pillar-card.card-dominant .pillar-num {
  color: rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.6);
}

.pillar-card.card-dominant .pillar-icon {
  color: var(--bg-primary);
}

/* Hover effects */
.pillar-card:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12);
}

.pillar-card.card-dominant:hover {
  box-shadow: 0 12px 24px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25);
}

/* SEE MY WORK Pill Button with circle arrow */
.pillars-cta {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
}

.btn-see-work {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  padding: 0.6rem 0.6rem 0.6rem 1.8rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  border-radius: 50px;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.btn-see-work:hover {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3);
}

.arrow-icon-circle {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 32px;
  height: 32px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.btn-see-work:hover .arrow-icon-circle {
  background-color: var(--bg-primary);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.arrow-icon-circle svg {
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   BY THE NUMBERS
   ========================================================================== */
.stats-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  margin-top: 3rem;
}

.stat-card {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: none;
  padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
  border-radius: 4px;
  text-align: center;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.stat-card:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.stat-number {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 3rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  line-height: 1;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.stat-label {
  font-size: 1rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   WHAT I WRITE
   ========================================================================== */
.pillars-container {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 1rem;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: 3rem;
  max-width: 800px;
  margin-left: auto;
  margin-right: auto;
}

.pillar-tag {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  padding: 0.8rem 1.5rem;
  border-radius: 50px;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.pillar-tag:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  background-color: var(--bg-tertiary);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   ABOUT & FOLLOW ME
   ========================================================================== */
.about-wrapper {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 2rem;
}

.about-image-container {
  width: 100%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
}

.about-portrait-img {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 420px;
  height: auto;
  aspect-ratio: 4/5;
  object-fit: cover;
  display: block;
  border-radius: 8px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3) !important;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) !important;
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary) !important;
}

/* Unified Page Headers and Subheadlines across sub-pages */
.page-header-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 2.2rem; /* Mobile default */
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  text-align: center;
  line-height: 1.2;
}

.page-header-subtitle {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.05rem; /* Mobile default */
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  max-width: 650px;
  margin: 0 auto 2.5rem auto;
  text-align: center;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .page-header-title {
    font-size: 2.8rem; /* Tablet */
  }
  .page-header-subtitle {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.05rem; /* Mobile default */
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  max-width: 650px;
  margin: 0 auto 2.5rem auto;
  text-align: center;
}
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .page-header-title {
    font-size: 3.5rem; /* Desktop */
  }
}

.about-bio {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.checklist {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0 0 2rem 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.8rem;
}

.checklist li {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.8rem;
}

.check-icon {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
}

.follow-block {
  margin-top: 3rem;
  padding-top: 2rem;
  border-top: none;
  width: 100%;
}

.follow-title {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  font-weight: 600;
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
}

.follow-socials {
  display: flex;
  gap: 16px;
}

.social-icon-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  background-color: transparent;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.social-icon-btn:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold-hover);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25);
}

.social-icon-btn svg {
  width: 18px;
  height: 18px;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   WORDS I'VE WRITTEN (WORKS)
   ========================================================================== */
.trust-bar {
  text-align: center;
  padding: 0.5rem 0;
  border-top: none;
  border-bottom: none;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

.trust-bar span {
  color: var(--text-primary);
  font-weight: 600;
  margin-left: 0.5rem;
}

.works-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
}

.work-card {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 4px;
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  position: relative;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.work-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08);
}

.work-card-header {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  padding-top: 56.25%; /* 16:9 Aspect Ratio */
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: var(--bg-tertiary);
}

.work-card-header img {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.5s ease;
}

.work-card:hover .work-card-header img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

.work-num {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1.5rem;
  left: 1.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  background-color: rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.7);
  padding: 0.2rem 0.6rem;
  border-radius: 2px;
  z-index: 10;
}

.work-tag {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1.5rem;
  right: 1.5rem;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  padding: 0.3rem 0.8rem;
  border-radius: 2px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  z-index: 10;
}

.work-card-content {
  padding: 2rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  flex-grow: 1;
}

.work-sub {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 0.6rem;
}

.work-title {
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.3;
}

.work-desc {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  flex-grow: 1;
}

.work-credit {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  border-top: none;
  padding-top: 0.5rem;
}

.works-action {
  text-align: center;
  margin-top: 4rem;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   ACADEMY TEASER
   ========================================================================== */
.academy-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 3rem;
  align-items: center;
  margin-bottom: 4rem;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .academy-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 1fr; /* Text left, collage right */
    gap: 4rem;
  }
}

.academy-text-col {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}

.academy-section-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 3.5rem;
  line-height: 1.1;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.academy-description {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  max-width: 580px;
}

/* White Join Now button */
.btn-academy-join {
  background-color: var(--text-primary) !important; /* Pure white */
  color: var(--bg-primary) !important; /* Dark text */
  border: 1px solid var(--text-primary) !important;
  border-radius: 4px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  padding: 0.8rem 2rem;
  min-height: 48px;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.btn-academy-join:hover {
  background-color: transparent !important;
  color: var(--text-primary) !important;
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
}

/* 3-column photo collage */
.academy-collage {
  display: flex;
  gap: 0.8rem;
  align-items: flex-start;
  width: 100%;
}

.collage-column {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.8rem;
  flex: 1;
}

/* Align columns to match the staggered heights in the reference */
.collage-column:nth-child(1) {
  margin-top: 2.5rem;
}
.collage-column:nth-child(2) {
  margin-top: 1rem;
}
.collage-column:nth-child(3) {
  margin-top: 0;
}

.collage-item {
  width: 100%;
  border-radius: 12px;
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02);
}

.collage-item img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  display: block;
}

/* Aspect ratio presets matching the grid visual rhythm */
.collage-item.portrait {
  aspect-ratio: 3/4.5;
}

.collage-item.square {
  aspect-ratio: 1/1;
}

/* Placeholder card styles */
.collage-item.placeholder {
  border: 2px dashed rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25);
  background-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.02);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  text-align: center;
  aspect-ratio: 3/4.5; /* Tall vertical */
  padding: 1rem;
  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  border-radius: 12px;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.collage-item.placeholder:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  background-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.05);
}

.placeholder-content {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.3rem;
}

.placeholder-content span {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.placeholder-content .placeholder-sub {
  font-size: 0.65rem;
  opacity: 0.75;
}

/* Bottom Benefits Bar */
.academy-benefits-bar {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  padding: 1.5rem 0;
  border-top: none;
  margin-top: 3rem;
  width: 100%;
}

.benefit-item {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.8rem;
}

.benefit-item .arrow-dot {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--text-primary);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
}

.benefit-item .arrow-dot svg {
  width: 10px;
  height: 10px;
  stroke: var(--bg-primary);
  stroke-width: 3.5;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   TESTIMONIALS & BLOG PREVIEWS
   ========================================================================== */
.grid-2col {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-top: 3rem;
}

.placeholder-badge {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.9rem; /* Enlarged font size */
  background-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08); /* Warm gold tinted background */
  color: var(--accent-gold); /* Gold text for readability */
  border: 1px dashed var(--border-gold);
  padding: 0.4rem 0.8rem; /* More generous padding */
  border-radius: 4px;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 600;
}

.testimonials-carousel-wrapper {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  margin-top: 3rem;
}

.testimonials-carousel {
  display: flex;
  gap: 2rem;
  overflow-x: auto;
  scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  scrollbar-width: none;
  -ms-overflow-style: none;
  padding: 1rem 0;
  width: 100%;
}

.testimonials-carousel::-webkit-scrollbar {
  display: none;
}

.testimonial-card {
  flex: 0 0 100%;
  scroll-snap-align: center; /* Snaps to center on mobile/tablet for better visual margins */
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: none;
  padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
  border-radius: 8px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.carousel-btn {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  z-index: 50 !important;
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
  color: var(--text-primary);
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  min-width: 48px;
  min-height: 48px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  cursor: pointer;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  touch-action: manipulation;
  pointer-events: auto !important;
  user-select: none;
  -webkit-user-select: none;
  -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;
}

.carousel-btn:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  transform: translateY(-50%) scale(1.05); /* maintain vertical alignment on scale hover */
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15);
}

.carousel-btn:active {
  transform: translateY(-50%) scale(0.95);
  background-color: var(--bg-tertiary);
}

.carousel-btn svg {
  display: block;
  pointer-events: none;
}

/* Position arrows for desktop (outside row) */
.prev-btn {
  left: -60px;
}

.next-btn {
  right: -60px;
}

.testimonials-mobile-hint {
  display: none;
}

@media (max-width: 1399px) {
  /* Bring them closer or overlaying slightly so they don't clip off screen edges */
  .prev-btn {
    left: -20px;
  }
  .next-btn {
    right: -20px;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 767px) {
  /* Remove arrow buttons on mobile */
  .carousel-btn {
    display: none !important;
  }

  .testimonials-carousel-wrapper {
    margin-top: 2rem;
  }

  .testimonials-carousel {
    padding: 0.5rem 0.25rem !important;
    gap: 1rem !important;
    scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
    -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
  }

  .testimonials-carousel .testimonial-card {
    flex: 0 0 calc(90% - 0.5rem) !important;
    scroll-snap-align: center;
    padding: 1.5rem 1.25rem !important;
  }

  .desktop-quote {
    display: none !important;
  }

  .mobile-quote {
    display: inline !important;
  }

  .testimonials-mobile-hint {
    display: block !important;
    text-align: center;
    font-size: 0.85rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    color: var(--accent-gold) !important;
    margin-top: 1.25rem;
    letter-spacing: 0.03em;
    opacity: 1 !important;
  }
}
  .quote {
    font-size: 0.95rem !important; /* compact font size for narrow cards */
    margin-bottom: 1rem !important;
    line-height: 1.4 !important;
  }
  .client-role {
    font-size: 0.75rem !important;
  }
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .testimonials-carousel .testimonial-card {
    flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 1rem);
    scroll-snap-align: start;
  }
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .testimonials-carousel .testimonial-card {
    flex: 0 0 calc(33.333% - 1.33rem);
    scroll-snap-align: start;
  }
}

.stars {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
}

.quote {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-style: italic;
  line-height: 1.5;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  flex-grow: 1;
}

.desktop-quote {
  display: inline;
}

.mobile-quote {
  display: none;
}

.client-info {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.client-name {
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.client-role {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

.blog-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-top: 3rem;
}

.blog-card {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 4px;
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.blog-card:hover {
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.blog-card-img {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  padding-top: 50%;
  background-color: var(--bg-tertiary);
  overflow: hidden;
}

.blog-card-img img {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
}

.blog-card-content {
  padding: 2rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  flex-grow: 1;
}

.blog-card-title {
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
  line-height: 1.3;
}

.blog-card-desc {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.blog-card-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}

.blog-tag {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.3);
  padding: 0.2rem 0.5rem;
  border-radius: 4px;
}

.blog-date {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   FAQ SECTION (ACCORDION)
   ========================================================================== */
.faq-list {
  max-width: 800px;
  margin: 3rem auto 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1rem;
}

.faq-item {
  border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border-radius: 4px;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.faq-item:hover {
  border-color: var(--border-gold);
}

.faq-header {
  width: 100%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 1.5rem 2rem;
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  text-align: left;
  min-height: 48px;
}

.faq-header h3 {
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin: 0;
  padding-right: 1.5rem;
}

.faq-icon {
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.faq-icon::before,
.faq-icon::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

/* Horizontal line */
.faq-icon::before {
  top: 7px;
  left: 0;
  width: 16px;
  height: 2px;
}

/* Vertical line */
.faq-icon::after {
  top: 0;
  left: 7px;
  width: 2px;
  height: 16px;
}

.faq-item.active .faq-icon::after {
  transform: rotate(90deg);
  opacity: 0;
}

.faq-content {
  max-height: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: max-height 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);
}

.faq-body {
  padding: 0 2rem 1.8rem;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  font-size: 1.02rem;
  line-height: 1.65;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   FINAL CTA / CONTACT
   ========================================================================== */
.contact-header {
  max-width: 650px;
  margin: 0 auto 3rem;
}

.contact-subheading {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-top: 1rem;
}

.contact-cta-wrapper {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  max-width: 850px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.contact-cta-card {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 6px;
  padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
  text-align: center;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.contact-cta-card:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: 0 15px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}

.contact-cta-card h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.contact-cta-card .support-line {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.98rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 1.8rem;
}

.contact-cta-card .btn {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 280px;
}

/* Forms styling */
.form-group {
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.form-row {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.form-group label {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 0.6rem;
}

.form-control {
  width: 100%;
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
  border-radius: 8px;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  padding: 0.9rem 1.2rem;
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  min-height: 48px;
}

.form-control::placeholder {
  font-size: 0.95rem; /* Ensure standard legible size */
  color: var(--text-muted);
  opacity: 0.85;
}

.form-control:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25);
  background-color: var(--bg-primary);
}

textarea.form-control {
  resize: vertical;
  min-height: 120px;
}

form button[type="submit"] {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold) !important;
  color: var(--bg-primary) !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 1.05rem !important;
  border-radius: 8px !important;
  padding: 1rem 2rem !important;
  border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold) !important;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  width: 100%;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

form button[type="submit"]:hover {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold-hover) !important;
  border-color: var(--accent-gold-hover) !important;
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.45) !important;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* Success Overlay State */
.form-success-container {
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  text-align: center;
  padding: 3rem 1.5rem;
}

.form-success-container.active {
  display: flex;
}

.success-icon {
  font-size: 3rem;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

/* MODALS for Bolder Ink Academy */
.modal-overlay {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  background-color: rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.85);
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
  z-index: 2000;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  padding: 1.5rem;
}

.modal-overlay.active {
  opacity: 1;
  pointer-events: auto;
}

.modal-box {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 6px;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 550px;
  max-height: 90vh;
  overflow-y: auto;
  position: relative;
  transform: translateY(30px);
  transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);
  padding: 1.5rem; /* Mobile padding */
  box-shadow: 0 10px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}

.modal-overlay.active .modal-box {
  transform: translateY(0);
}

.modal-close {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1.5rem;
  right: 1.5rem;
  background: none;
  border: none;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  min-height: 44px;
  min-width: 44px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.modal-close:hover {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   FOOTER
   ========================================================================== */
footer {
  background-color: var(--bg-primary);
  border-top: none;
  padding: 4rem 0 2rem;
}

.footer-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 3rem;
  margin-bottom: 3rem;
}

.footer-brand h4 {
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
}

.footer-brand p {
  color: var(--text-muted);
  max-width: 320px;
}

.footer-links-group h5 {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
}

.footer-links-group ul {
  list-style: none;
}

.footer-links-group ul li {
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
}

.footer-links-group ul li a {
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
}

.footer-links-group ul li a:hover {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.footer-contact-info p {
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
}

.footer-contact-info a {
  color: var(--text-primary);
}

.footer-contact-info a:hover {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.footer-socials {
  display: flex;
  gap: 0.8rem;
  margin-top: 1rem;
}

.footer-socials a {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 38px;
  height: 38px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.footer-socials a:hover {
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
}

.footer-socials a svg {
  width: 18px;
  height: 18px;
  display: block;
}

.footer-bottom {
  border-top: none;
  padding-top: 2rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1rem;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   RESPONSIVENESS (TABLET & DESKTOP SCREEN WIDTHS)
   ========================================================================== */

/* Tablet breakpoint */
@media (min-width: 768px) {
  h1 {
    font-size: 3rem;
  }
  
  h2 {
    font-size: 2.6rem; /* Enlarged h2 size on tablet */
    text-align: center;
  }
  
  .section-padding {
    padding: 5.5rem 0;
  }

  .modal-box {
    padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
  }
  
  /* Hero Grid (desktop structure unified at min-width 768px) */
  .hero-section {
    padding: 3.5rem 0 0 0;
  }

  .hero-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr);
    position: relative;
  }

  .hero-content {
    grid-column: 1 / 8;
    grid-row: 1;
    padding-right: 2rem;
    margin-top: 0;
    text-shadow: none;
  }

  .hero-title {
    text-shadow: none;
    font-size: 4.8rem;
  }

  .hero-subheadline {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  line-height: 1.68;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 2.2rem;
  max-width: 580px;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 5px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.9);
}

  .typewriter-container {
    text-shadow: none;
  }

  .hero-image-side {
    grid-column: 6 / 13;
    grid-row: 1;
    justify-content: center;
  }

  .hero-portrait-container {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    height: 650px;
    max-height: none;
    aspect-ratio: auto;
  }

  .hero-actions {
    flex-direction: row;
    gap: 1.5rem;
  }
  
  /* Numbers */
  .stats-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  }
  
  #about h2 {
    text-align: center;
    margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
  }

  /* About layout */
  .about-wrapper {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 6fr 4fr; /* Bio left, Photo right (60/40) */
    gap: 3rem;
    align-items: stretch;
  }
  
  .about-image-container {
    grid-column: 2;
    grid-row: 1;
    justify-content: flex-end;
    height: 100%;
  }
  
  .about-text-content {
    grid-column: 1;
    grid-row: 1;
  }
  
  .about-portrait-img {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 420px;
    height: 100% !important;
    aspect-ratio: auto !important;
    object-fit: cover !important;
  }
  
  /* Works (2-column layout as requested) */
  .works-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }
  
  /* What I Write grid on tablet */
  .pillars-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 1.5rem;
  }

  /* Testimonial & Blog */
  .grid-2col {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }
  
  .blog-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  }
  
  /* Contact layout */
  .contact-cta-wrapper {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }
  
  .form-row {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }
  
  /* Footer */
  .footer-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 2fr 1fr 1fr 1.5fr;
  }
  
  .footer-bottom {
    flex-direction: row;
    justify-content: space-between;
    text-align: left;
  }
}

/* Tablet-only Hero photo removal and content centering */
@media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px) {
  .hero-image-side {
    display: none !important;
  }
  .hero-content {
    grid-column: 1 / 13 !important;
    display: flex !important;
    flex-direction: column !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    text-align: center !important;
    max-width: 800px;
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding-right: 0 !important;
  }
  .hero-badge-container {
    align-self: center !important;
  }
  .hero-title {
    text-align: center !important;
  }
  .typewriter-container {
    text-align: center !important;
    justify-content: center !important;
  }
  .hero-subheadline {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  line-height: 1.68;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 2.2rem;
  max-width: 580px;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 5px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.9);
}
  .hero-actions {
    justify-content: center !important;
  }
}

/* Desktop breakpoint */
@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-section {
    padding: 3.5rem 0 0 0; /* Ample breathing room below header so badge and name are fully visible on initial load/refresh */
  }
  .hero-badge-container {
    margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
  }

  h1 {
    font-size: 4.2rem;
  }
  
  h2 {
    font-size: 3.2rem; /* Enlarged h2 size on desktop */
    text-align: center;
  }
  
  .section-padding {
    padding: 7rem 0;
  }
  
  .nav-links {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 2.5rem;
  }
  
  .nav-links a {
    font-size: 0.95rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.05em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
  }
  
  .nav-links a:hover,
  .nav-links a.active {
    color: var(--accent-gold) !important;
  }
  
  .nav-toggle {
    display: none;
  }
  .pillars-header h2 {
    font-size: 3.2rem;
  }

  .pillars-intro-text {
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    line-height: 1.6;
  }

  .pillars-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 2rem;
  }

  .pillar-card {
    min-height: 220px;
  }
  
  .works-grid {
    gap: 3rem;
  }
}

/* Visibility Helper Classes for responsive elements */
.hide-on-mobile {
  display: none !important; /* Always hide header CTA button */
}

.show-on-mobile {
  display: flex !important; /* Always show bottom centered CTA button */
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: 2rem;
  width: 100%;
}

/* Animations and Utilities */
@keyframes blink {
  from, to { border-color: transparent }
  50% { border-color: var(--accent-gold); }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   PORTFOLIO PAGE SPECIALS
   ========================================================================== */
.sub-page-hero {
  padding-top: 3.5rem !important;
}
.sub-page-hero .page-header-title {
  margin-top: 0 !important;
}

@media (max-width: 767px) {
  .sub-page-hero {
    padding-top: 2.2rem !important;
  }
}

.portfolio-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 2rem;
  margin-top: 3.5rem;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .portfolio-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 2.5rem;
  }
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .portfolio-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 3rem;
  }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   MOBILE-SPECIFIC LAYOUT & PADDING OPTIMIZATIONS (max-width: 767px)
   ========================================================================== */
@media (max-width: 767px) {
  .section-padding {
    padding: 3rem 0;
  }
  
  .work-card-content {
    padding: 1.5rem;
  }
  
  .stat-card {
    padding: 2rem 1.5rem;
  }
  
  .testimonial-card {
    padding: 2rem 1.5rem;
  }
  
  .faq-header {
    padding: 1.2rem 1.5rem;
  }
  
  .faq-body {
  padding: 0 2rem 1.8rem;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  font-size: 1.02rem;
  line-height: 1.65;
}
  
  .contact-cta-card {
    padding: 2rem 1.5rem;
  }

  .mobile-nav a {
    transition: padding-left var(--transition-smooth), color var(--transition-smooth);
  }

  .mobile-nav a:hover,
  .mobile-nav a:active {
    color: var(--accent-gold);
    padding-left: 6px;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .badge-left {
    left: 10px; /* Pull inside portrait frame on extremely small viewports to block side clipping */
    bottom: 15%;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 340px) {
  .hero-subheadline {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  line-height: 1.68;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 2.2rem;
  max-width: 580px;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 5px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.9);
}
  .btn-hero-primary,
  .btn-hero-outline {
    font-size: 0.75rem !important;
    padding: 0 0.25rem !important;
  }
}

/* Mobile-only sequence stacking for Hero section */
@media (max-width: 767px) {
  .hero-section {
    padding: 2.8rem 0 0 0 !important; /* Shifted slightly closer to top with comfortable breathing room */
  }
  .hero-grid {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: flex-start;
    text-align: left;
    gap: 1.5rem;
  }
  .hero-content {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: flex-start;
    text-align: left;
    width: 100%;
    margin-top: 0 !important;
  }
  .hero-badge-container {
    display: none !important; /* Hide badge on mobile only */
  }
  .hero-title {
    font-size: 2.3rem;
    line-height: 1.2;
    margin-top: 0 !important;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
    text-align: left;
  }
  .hero-image-side {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    margin: 0 -1.5rem; /* Break out of container horizontal padding */
    width: calc(100% + 3rem); /* Expand edge-to-edge */
    align-self: center;
  }
  .typewriter-container {
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
    text-align: left;
  }
  .hero-subheadline {
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  line-height: 1.68;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: 2.2rem;
  max-width: 580px;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 5px rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.9);
}
  .hero-actions {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: row;
    gap: 0.75rem;
    width: 100%;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: flex-start !important; /* Shifted left, not centered in section */
    margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
  }
  .btn-hero-primary {
    flex: 1;
    max-width: 150px;
    height: 48px; /* Force uniform height */
    padding: 0 0.4rem;
    font-size: 0.8rem;
    white-space: nowrap;
    text-align: center;
    display: inline-flex !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    justify-content: center !important;
    gap: 0.35rem;
    background-color: var(--accent-gold) !important;
    color: var(--bg-primary) !important;
    border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold) !important;
    opacity: 1 !important;
  }
  .btn-hero-outline {
    flex: 1;
    max-width: 150px;
    height: 48px; /* Force uniform height */
    margin-left: 0.35rem; /* Shift Contact Me slightly to the right */
    padding: 0 0.4rem;
    font-size: 0.8rem;
    white-space: nowrap;
    text-align: center;
    display: inline-flex !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    justify-content: center !important;
    gap: 0.35rem;
    background-color: transparent !important;
    color: var(--text-primary) !important;
    border: 1px solid var(--accent-gold) !important;
    opacity: 1 !important;
  }
  .hero-portrait-container {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    height: auto;
    max-height: none;
    aspect-ratio: auto;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
  }
  .hero-portrait-container img {
    width: 100% !important;
    height: auto !important; /* Scale height dynamically to preserve aspect ratio */
    object-fit: contain !important;
    object-position: center top !important;
    display: block !important;
    margin: 0 auto !important; /* Ensure perfect centering */
  }

  /* What I Write mobile grid layout */
  .pillars-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr);
    gap: 1rem;
    margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
  }
  .pillars-grid .pillar-card:nth-child(1) { grid-column: span 7; }
  .pillars-grid .pillar-card:nth-child(2) { grid-column: span 5; }
  .pillars-grid .pillar-card:nth-child(3) { grid-column: span 5; }
  .pillars-grid .pillar-card:nth-child(4) { grid-column: span 7; }
  .pillars-grid .pillar-card:nth-child(5) { grid-column: span 7; }
  .pillars-grid .pillar-card:nth-child(6) { grid-column: span 5; }

  .pillar-card {
    padding: 1.2rem 1rem;
    min-height: auto;
  }
  .pillar-card h3 {
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    margin-top: 0.6rem;
    margin-bottom: 0.35rem;
  }
  .pillar-desc {
    font-size: 0.88rem;
    line-height: 1.45;
    color: #2B2B2B;
    font-weight: 450;
  }
  .pillar-card.card-dominant .pillar-desc {
    color: #111111;
    font-weight: 500;
  }
  .pillar-icon {
    width: 24px;
    height: 24px;
  }
  .pillar-num {
    font-size: 0.75rem;
  }

  /* Get to Know Me mobile layout ordering */
  .about-wrapper {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column-reverse; /* Swap: photo first, text second */
    gap: 2.5rem;
    align-items: center;
  }
  
  .about-image-container {
    width: 100%;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  }

  /* Show only 5 items in Featured Work on mobile */
  .works-grid .work-card:nth-child(6) {
    display: none !important;
  }
  
  .about-bio {
    font-size: 1rem;
    line-height: 1.65;
  }
}

/* Writing Academy layout ordering for mobile/tablet */
@media (max-width: 1023px) {
  .academy-text-col {
    display: contents;
  }
  .academy-grid {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 2rem;
  }
  .academy-section-title {
    order: 1;
  }
  .academy-collage-col {
    order: 2;
  }
  .academy-description {
    order: 3;
  }
  .btn-academy-join {
    order: 4;
    align-self: flex-start;
  }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   BLOG POST DETAIL PAGES
   ========================================================================== */
.blog-post-hero {
  padding: 5rem 0 3rem 0;
}

.back-to-blog {
  max-width: 900px;
  margin: 0 auto 2rem auto;
  padding: 0 1rem;
  text-align: left;
}

.back-link {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.back-link:hover {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

.back-link svg {
  transition: transform var(--transition-smooth);
}

.back-link:hover svg {
  transform: translateX(-4px);
}

.blog-post-header {
  position: static !important;
  height: auto !important;
  background: none !important;
  backdrop-filter: none !important;
  border-bottom: none !important;
  z-index: auto !important;
  max-width: 800px;
  margin: 0 auto 3rem auto;
  text-align: center;
}

.blog-post-title {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 2.8rem;
  line-height: 1.2;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  color: var(--text-primary);
}

.blog-post-meta {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-family: var(--font-sans);
}

.blog-post-meta span {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
}

.blog-post-meta .author-name {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  font-weight: 600;
}

.blog-post-cover {
  max-width: 900px;
  margin: 0 auto 3.5rem auto;
  border-radius: 8px;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 15px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
}

.blog-post-cover img {
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  display: block;
}

.blog-post-content {
  max-width: 720px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
}

.blog-post-content p {
  margin-bottom: 1.8rem;
}

.blog-post-content h2, .blog-post-content h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin: 2.5rem 0 1rem 0;
  line-height: 1.3;
}

.blog-post-content h2 {
  font-size: 1.8rem;
}

.blog-post-content h3 {
  font-size: 1.4rem;
}

.blog-post-content blockquote {
  border-left: 3px solid var(--accent-gold);
  padding-left: 1.5rem;
  margin: 2rem 0;
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--text-primary);
}

.blog-post-content ul, .blog-post-content ol {
  margin: 1.5rem 0 1.8rem 1.5rem;
}

.blog-post-content li {
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
}

@media (max-width: 767px) {
  .blog-post-title {
    font-size: 2rem;
  }
  .blog-post-hero {
    padding: 3rem 0 2rem 0;
  }
  .blog-post-content {
    font-size: 1.05rem;
  }
}

.post-footer-nav {
  max-width: 800px;
  margin: 4rem auto 0 auto;
  text-align: center;
  padding: 0 1rem;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   FORM OPTIMIZATIONS (Cross-Device & Responsive)
   ========================================================================== */
select.form-control {
  -webkit-appearance: none;
  -moz-appearance: none;
  appearance: none;
  background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 24 24' fill='none' stroke='%23d4af37' stroke-width='2.5' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'%3E%3Cpolyline points='6 9 12 15 18 9'%3E%3C/polyline%3E%3C/svg%3E");
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  background-position: right 1.2rem center;
  background-size: 1rem;
  padding-right: 2.5rem;
}

input[type="datetime-local"].form-control {
  min-height: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  padding: 0.9rem 1.2rem;
  line-height: normal;
}

input[type="datetime-local"]::-webkit-calendar-picker-indicator {
  filter: invert(72%) sepia(50%) saturate(464%) hue-rotate(5deg) brightness(95%) contrast(89%); /* matching gold chevron indicator */
  cursor: pointer;
}

/* Form resets for flex layout context (e.g. waitlist form) */
form[style*="display: flex"] .form-group,
form.flex-form .form-group {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

@media (max-width: 767px) {
  .form-group {
    margin-bottom: 1.25rem !important;
  }
  .form-row {
    gap: 1.25rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 1.25rem !important;
  }
  .modal-box {
    padding: 1.5rem 1.25rem !important;
    max-height: 85vh !important;
  }
  .form-title {
    font-size: 1.6rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 1.5rem !important;
  }
  form button[type="submit"] {
    padding: 0.9rem 1.5rem !important;
    font-size: 0.95rem !important;
    min-height: 48px !important;
  }
}

.mobile-nav a.active {
  color: var(--accent-gold) !important;
  font-weight: 600;
}

.footer-privacy-link {
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
}

.footer-privacy-link:hover {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   ACCESSIBILITY: PREFERS-REDUCED-MOTION
   ========================================================================== */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  *,
  *::before,
  *::after {
    animation-duration: 0.01ms !important;
    animation-iteration-count: 1 !important;
    transition-duration: 0.01ms !important;
    scroll-behavior: auto !important;
  }
  .reveal-on-scroll {
    opacity: 1 !important;
    transform: none !important;
    transition: none !important;
  }
  .typewriter-cursor {
    animation: none !important;
  }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   ABOUT PAGE: MY PROCESS SECTION
   ========================================================================== */
.process-section {
  padding: 5rem 0;
  border-top: none;
}
.process-tabs {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  margin: 2rem 0 2.5rem;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.process-tab-btn {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  padding: 0.75rem 1.8rem;
  border-radius: 50px;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  min-height: 46px;
}
.process-tab-btn:hover {
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
}
.process-tab-btn.active {
  background-color: var(--accent-gold);
  color: var(--bg-primary);
  border-color: var(--accent-gold);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.25);
}
.process-pane {
  display: none;
}
.process-pane.active {
  display: block;
  animation: fadeIn 0.4s ease forwards;
}
@keyframes fadeIn {
  from {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(8px);
  }
  to {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
}
.process-subheading {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  text-align: center;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.process-intro {
  text-align: center;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  max-width: 650px;
  margin: 0 auto 2.5rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
}
.process-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}
@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .process-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 1.8rem;
  }
}
.process-card {
  background-color: var(--bg-secondary);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 8px;
  padding: 2.2rem 2rem;
  transition: var(--transition-smooth);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.process-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}
.process-card .step-num {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  color: var(--accent-gold);
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
  display: inline-block;
}
.process-card h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
  line-height: 1.35;
}
.process-card p {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin: 0;
}