Are you a new web designer or a returning student? Do you want to learn more about the job but don’t know where to start? If so, this article is for you! I have been working as a freelancer full-time for the past few years, and I have found that there are quite a few things that everyone who wants to become a professional web designer needs to know. I’m now sharing my experiences and best practices from years of job-hopping and design schooling, along with tips to get you started as an amateur (or even an experienced) web designer. If you are just getting your feet wet or want to learn about the field but don’t know where to begin, this article is for you!

Decide What Skills You Need to Learn

When you’re just getting started as a web designer, it’s important to decide what skills you need to learn. This could be anything from the theory behind the design process to more advanced topics such as usability testing, production management, or flexible design. It’s also a good idea to decide what skill you want to develop the most, since becoming an expert in one area can help you grow as a designer.

Find the Right Course

Choosing the right course for your level of experience is essential to getting the most out of your studies. The cost of education can be prohibitive for some, so it’s important to find a course that is right for you. Fortunately, the majority of education providers offer some kind of flexible option. You can look through the course catalogs of your local community college or university libraries, or check out any college or university databases. If you’re unsure where to start, you can also check online learning catalogs like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy.

Network, Network, Network

The best way to find out about upcoming events, study groups, and classes is to join organizations and clubs that interest you. Check out the education section of Facebook and LinkedIn groups, or connect with your design classmates on social media. KEEP IN TOUCH: You’re always welcome to contact me with any questions or requests, and I’ll do my best to help.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

There is no way around it: As a new web designer, you’re probably going to need help on a daily basis. When you first get started, it’s important not to feel too overwhelmed by the process or the material. Ask questions, learn from others, and don’t forget to keep an open mind. Getting started as a web designer is like starting a new job: There will be challenges and times when you feel like you’re not up to par. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to proceed, reach out to peers or senior designers and ask for help. While it’s important to learn by doing, you can also take advantage of the fact that many professionals are willing to give back through free lessons or free work.

“Do Something Different” and Stay Motivated

What’s the one thing that you can do to make sure you’re staying motivated and on-task as a web designer? Something different every day will help you stay focused and on-task, and will also help you stay excited about the field. There are bound to be times when you’re down, but it’s important to remember that there are always ways to get back up, and ways to make a positive impact. Find a hobby, a side project, or a new skill that you can use as an outlet for stress and frustration.

Conclusion

Becoming a professional web designer is a big challenge and heavy lift. Not every designer will be successful at it, and those that don’t will feel doomed to a life of repetitive 8-5 jobbing. There are many challenges and obstacles that new web designers will face, but the key to success is determination, motivation, and the ability to learn. If you’ve been holding out for a while and are starting to wonder if freelancing is worth it, or if you’ve hit a wall when it comes to learning a new skill, this article is for you! Freelancing is a great way to create a career for yourself in a flexible and scalable way. There’s noone to rely on but yourself, which can be really scary at first. But it’s really worth it in the end.