Web designer is a promising profession, the possession of which allows you to count on a decent salary. We are talking about a specialist engaged in developing the appearance of the site, creating its structure and user-friendly navigation. Since many companies promote their products and services via the Internet, the demand for web designers is growing rapidly. Employment problems rarely arise, especially if you have a portfolio. You don’t have to have a big budget to become a web designer.
Study the theoretical aspects of the profession
You should start by studying the theoretical aspects of the profession. There are web design courses that allow you to learn the profession from scratch. Many of them are free, for others the fee is charged, but it is not that big. Beginners start with courses, watching YouTube tutorial videos. Finding web design courses for free is not that difficult. The most popular are Coursera and DesignContent. The first one is a project related to online learning from the world’s leading universities. With DesignContent, you can learn graphic design, web design, logo design.
The first step is learning Adobe Photoshop. Knowing Photoshop is a must for every designer. Training with the help of websites, video materials, you can start, for example, from introductory courses by Ethan Marcotte and her website. Also effective training with web-designer Chris Coyer’s site.
For beginners and professional designers websites will be useful:
- Designonstop – the theory of web design is well laid out and practical aspects are discussed;
- Photoweb – lessons on Adobe Photoshop;
- Webformyself – free mini-course in web-design;
- Artlebedev – a quick guide.
There are many web-sites, which will help find theoretical knowledge and practical skills for further success in the field of web-design. Each of them has its own precious piece of knowledge that will help on the road to knowledge of web-mastery. Therefore, a single site to sit tight is not recommended, walk the expanses of the Internet, look for a variety of photos and video tutorials, instructions, manuals, and with each passing lesson will turn out better and better.
Learn the tools for the job
Once you’ve got the theory down, you can get down to practice. Free web design courses provide this opportunity, and at the end of the training, they issue certificates that make it easier to find a job. Specialists in this field use a large number of tools. For a full and productive work it is necessary to master Adobe Photoshop, WordPress, Figma, InVision Studio, Blender, Sketch and other programs that are easy to download. This is the base that will allow you to improve in the profession. You can study remotely.
You can get to grips with these programs on your own. The courses teach the basics, which is enough to get started. But it is better to understand in detail. To do this, you need to regularly use the programs listed. There is special literature, which will allow you to master them in a short time.
These programs are owned not only by web designers, but also by IT-specialists. If you have difficulties or questions, you can communicate with experienced professionals in special forums. They can give many valuable tips to share their knowledge.
Learning on the web-designer involves communicating not only with teachers courses, but also with people with similar interests. At the initial stage, everyone makes mistakes, it is important not to be afraid. Professionalism comes with experience.
How to Find a Job?
Finding a job for a beginner is more difficult than for an experienced one. But if you want, you can always find a job. Many companies offer chances to beginners. At first the salary will not be high, the growth of income will be with the accumulation of experience.
To start you can work on a freelance basis. This option is convenient for many. Freelance work as a web designer if you want you can combine with employment in any other field.
But the most attractive option – it is a regular job at the company. Most specialists in this case get a salary plus bonuses. The staff usually hire people who already have some experience. Chances for successful employment increases sharply with a portfolio.
Many web designers are working in the agencies. This is also a promising area where you can count on a good salary. Careers in web studios often develop very rapidly. In advertising agencies, there is a great demand for the services of web designers. If you regularly send out your CV and have interviews, work is bound to be found.