Cloudinary Optimize Image Loading and Implement Uploads

Project Overview: We are looking for a developer to optimize our user profile and task attachment image system by moving from raw base64 strings to cloud storage with proper compression. Expected Output: - Integrate a frontend file upload picker that sends images securely to Cloudinary (via signed uploads or a backend API route). - Implement image optimization and auto-formatting (WebP conversions, modern sizing constraints) to reduce asset load sizes. - Implement a responsive UI placeholder/skeleton loader while images are being delivered from the CDN. Required Skills: - ReactJS / Next.js (Experience with next/image or progressive loading patterns) - Experience working with Cloudinary SDK or standard REST upload endpoints - Frontend file validation (checking file extensions and enforcing max file size limits) Important Details: The database schema and UI upload buttons are already fully integrated. This task is entirely focused on the cloud connection, asset optimization pipeline, and frontend loading behavior.