How to Become a Pro Web Designer
In today's competitive job market, it takes more than a good design sense and basic knowledge of HTML to become a professional web designer. Many large companies require a specialized college degree in web design. Even freelancers, who may or may not have a degree, are often required to have an understanding of programming code like JavaScript and CSS. This tutorial will teach you how to find out what you need to learn to become a pro web designer.
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Instructions
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Necessary Skills
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Firms hiring web designers are looking for skills in HTML, CSS, Adobe Creative Suite, Flash and JavaScript, according to the author's survey of jobs posted current in August 2009 on Craigslist and GetAFreelancer.com. You'll need to learn these skills at a college or technical school or via self-teaching.
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Browse colleges or technical schools whose curriculum matches your needs if you want to work for an employer who requires a degree. Some of the top schools online are The Art Institute, ITT Technical Institute and Full Sail University.
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For self-training, several books about web design and usability are timeless and considered must-read books. Four of the top ones are: "Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability" by Steve Krug. "Designing with Web Standards" by Jeffrey Zeldman, "Unusually Useful Web Book" by June Cohen and "Creating Killer Web Sites" (2nd Edition) by David Siegel.
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Practice as you learn. Set up a website of your own and implement each new skill as you learn it. Not only does this provide you with invaluable practical experience, but it gives you a start on your online portfolio as well.
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Create a professional resume and an online portfolio to show potential clients and/or employers. You may work for little to no money in the beginning, but no one will hire you unless you can provide at least three online examples of your work.
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Tips & Warnings
Web design is a consistently evolving skill and requires lifelong learning. It's best to subscribe to several trade magazines and bookmark relevant websites to keep abreast of the latest trends.
Do not list a skill on your resume or online profile unless you've actually tried it and made it work. It's a career-killer to promise technical skills you don't have.
