I’ve been approached many times by beginners asking me how to get started as a web designer. I’ll answer here instead of private messages and e-mail. This way, the message will reach many more aspiring web designers.
You won’t find an in-depth article here, though. One article won’t make you a web designer, so you don’t really need that. You won’t find my own story, either. I’ve started out back when web designers used to wrap one table around another, just to achive a one pixel border. Those days are long gone.
What you will find here is more questions. I’ll ask you: do you have the passion?
Do you feel happy when you design? Do you feel happy when you code your markup and CSS? Do you enjoy solving problems? Are you spending sleepless nights working on things you enjoy working on? Do you hate it when your eyes need rest, because there’s more work to be done? Do you wake up with a smile, knowing there’s stuff to be explored? Do you love the sound of your fingers tapping on the keyboard?
If your answer to those questions is yes, don’t worry, you’re just fine. You’ll find your own way.
I completely agree with you. I see this back everyday in my college where I study (web)design. Everyone wants to be a web designer. But just a few actually like typing CSS and enjoy design problem solving. I expect that those are the people that will actually become a web designer.
Thanks for your comments on my Usability checklist Bojan!
Good answer, Bojan. Having officially “made it”, I totally agree. :) j/k Seriously though, loving what you do, and doing what you love are the keys to success in any field.
I’m glad you agree, guys :)
Well put, Jason: “loving what you do, and doing what you love”, I like that.
The funny part is that quote came from a country song I had in my head at the moment. It’s Clay Walker – If I could make a living out of loving you.
I know, I just lost some major cool points.
You steal! ;) I’m afraid I’m not a big country fan, otherwise I’d try and find the song.
Nah, dont’ worry, you didn’t lose any cool points :)
I whole-heartedly agree.
It took me years of exploring other avenues until a friend asked if I knew anything about building a website. I had been tenatively testing the waters, but his query made me dive in.
And I’ve been playing with the dolphins ever since.
:D
That post really helps, thanks and nice site!
HI folks,
i also get asked this question, but my answer was never that exactly as yours is.
But THIS is the answer.
:-)
Rene
Your post made me smile, especially the thing about the 1 px border creation by using two tables. Makes me remember of how long I’m actually into websdesign too :)
I agree with the vast majority of what you have written. Keep up the good work.