Web design can be a pleasant and satisfying experience. This is a trade that combines technical skills with creative abilities. If you feel comfortable with computer technology and you enjoy making documents, web design can be a great way to combine two interests.
That is said, it is always extraordinary to consider studying new skills. Before learning how to become a web designer, you have to ask yourself, “Should I become a web designer?”
I have studied web design since I was ten years old, in 1994. I now do a lot of web design for myself and for some small business clients. There is a lot of fun, but also a lot of frustration. If you are considering being a web designer, there are some things you must remember.
If you have plenty of time to devote to study HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Photoshop, it is possible to learn the basics in a few months. Be prepared to spend money on manuals, books and applications.
No matter how you decide to learn web design and how you decide to enter the field, some people have better potential to become web designers than others.
When you are programming, even eCommerce web design if you use simple language like HTML and use useful applications such as Dreamweaver, you will meet some frustration. Sometimes, when I make an HTML document, I spend more time making corrections and solving problems than doing fun things. Are you ready to spend a lot of time testing and making a little change? No matter how you approach web design, Tedium cannot be fully avoided. If you are easily frustrated and discouraged, web design may not be for you.
Unless the web design will be a hobby for you, you will have a client you have to do. Sometimes clients have a lot of specific expectations. Some clients have experience with their own web design, but others may demand things without knowing the technical limitations involved. Before you start any project for clients, it’s best to do a comprehensive conversation with them about what they want and what they need. It can save a lot of time. How do you want to spend weeks of developing a website, just to find out that your clients want fonts, colors, charts, organizations, and completely different content? If you are going to enter webpages to other people, you must be prepared to make a lot of compromise and take a lot of criticism. Are you ready for it?
Finally, ask yourself whether you have time and energy to promote yourself. If you want to be employed by a web design company, besides learning skills and maybe obtaining certification, you also have to be ready to pound the sidewalk with your resume and portfolio. It may take more than a year to find work. Be prepared to attend many job interviews, and may get a lot of rejection.
If you are going to be a freelancer, like me, you really have to devote a lot of energy to promote yourself. Prepare a website, preferably with your own domain. Be prepared to spend money on advertising. Spend a lot of time to promote your services with social media – Twitter, Facebook, connected, and so on. Scan classified ads, especially online classified ads. Print business cards and share them wherever you can. Use your connection and words to your profits. Tell everyone that you know that you are a web designer, and maybe someone knows someone who can be your first client. Sometimes I spend more time promoting yourself than I really do the work itself.
If you are ready to spend a little money, do a lot of boring work, take some criticisms, and do lots of self-promotions, then web design may be a field for you.
First, you must start the learning process. If you enjoy classroom instructions and have a teacher, register for some web design and graphic design through your Community College.