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5 Tips for Starting a Web Design Career

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Blake Davies
5 Tips for Starting a Web Design Career

Business environment and job market are constantly changing. In a time span of little more than two decades, the number of websites has grown exponentially from a handful to a billion. Each month millions of new websites are launched on the internet and the majority of them are created by web designers. If the idea of becoming a web designer is crossing your mind too often now, know that it is the right time to do something about it, for many have already changed their course and started new careers.

Make a decision

If you have doubts about changing a career, see the numbers that speak for themselves. According to results of job surveys and employment projections, employment level for this occupation is in constant growth and by 2019 will reach 58.6%. The median age for this occupation is around 34, while most of the web designers, precisely 41.2%, have bachelor degree education level. At the same time, these are warning and encouraging numbers since they point out that it’s not too late, as well as that the specific degree from the field is not a necessity.

Understand what it is

Once you’ve decided to become one, find out what is it that web designers do and how is it different from web development. Web design is about the layout, color schemes, and general aesthetic but not only that. A skilled web designer should know how to make the site more functional, easy to navigate and optimize it in every possible way for users as well as for the client. Being creative and having big ideas is an advantage, but being a web designer means having some skills that are mutual with web developers.

Master the basics

A career in web design implies you are well acquainted with HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and not to mention Photoshop as well as similar graphic editing software. In addition to this, a good web designer should be able to optimize the site, so some knowledge of customer service skills and SEO is essential. Website’s ranking depends on several factors, so a skillful web designer should be aware of them and know how to make a website attractive to search engines.

Learn from the best and practice

Look up to the professionals, learn from them but do your best to form and express your style. Become a part of the community and spend some time on forums and blogs since it is a great source of information and needed help. Connect with others so that you could ask questions and learn, or to get feedback on your work. Keep practicing and experimenting with new things and tools. Whatever you learn in theory apply it in practice and see what comes out of it. While practicing, build up a portfolio. You will need one.

Freelance Vs Company work

Assuming that the basics are long behind you, at some point, you will reach the dilemma whether to remain in freelance web design or to become an employee. Depending on your work style, life objectives, and career goals, in the end – it’s all up to you. Benefits of a full-time job can often overpower all the advantages of being a freelancer. Regular income is a much safer option than occasional projects. Then again, there are many freelancers out there, experienced and confident about their work who can perfectly manage their careers and have the best of freelancing. It does take time and courage, but it’s worth giving it a shot.

Conclusion

The business landscape has significantly changed and along with these changes comes a constantly rising demand for jobs like web design and web development. Continuous growth in the e-commerce sector, as well as the start-up expansion in past few years, has created a lot of new opportunities for web designers and web developers all over the world. This trend is going to continue in the time that comes so make sure to know the tools and master the skills much needed in your new career. With time, practice, and persistence your resume will improve, while projects booked in advance will line up.

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Blake Davies
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