How to get Started as a Web Designer
It’s not difficult to become a web designer. It is difficult to become a GOOD web designer.
The basic principles of web design are pretty simple. Use a tool, even something simple like MS Word, to create what you think looks good. Hit the button to save it as a HTML document, and there you have it, a web page.
Unfortunately, like most other things in life, if you want to be a good web designer, you’re going to have to invest a lot more of yourself. You’ll need to buy high quality commercial web design software, and learn how to use it. You’ll also have to buy other supporting software, such as a good graphics program that can not only assist you in creating high quality graphics but can also help in changing existing graphics to suit your purpose. Finally, you’ll need other tools as well, such as a high-speed Internet connection, a fast computer with a good screen and books that teach you HTML, Java and other scripting languages.
To be a truly good web designer, you will need to learn some programming, because most web development software can only take you so far. To develop custom interactive web applications, you’re going to have to use a scripting language, which means you’ll need to learn some programming. It’s possible you might be able to learn some programming on your own, but the problem there is, you won’t know what gaps remain in your knowledge. Thus, you will probably have to get some institutional education; either from a trade school or college.
In addition to the tangible things that you’ll need listed above, you’ll also need things like an eye for good design and color, a bit of artistic talent that can’t be taught. In short, you’ll have to have a knack for it, such as musicians and painters have. Something you’re just born with.
Finally, if you have everything mentioned so far, you’ll need one more thing. Drive. If you want to make a living as a web developer, you have to have ambition and drive. You have to be willing to hone your craft and improve all of the time because the technology keeps changing. You’ll have to be a salesmen to sell your ideas, and thick-skinned to defend your work. You’ll have to have moxie and self-confidence and a belief in what you can do, and the ability to convince others the same.
