5 Steps to Kick Start your Career in Web Designing

The World Wide Web has nearly 2 billion websites today; hence, the significance of online presence is crystal clear. Everyone from small family businesses to multinational corporations have invested in the development of dynamic websites because it’s the need of the time. It is not at all surprising that the demand for talented web designers has increased exponentially in recent years. A fully-functional, efficient, and good-looking website is what brings traffic after all. 

If you possess an artistic sense and some technical prowess, you have what it takes to be a successful web designer. It is a promising career, given the abundance of jobs in every industry. You can work for a big brand, establish your own startup, or become a freelancer offering web design services to an international audience for competitive rates. 

Every profession requires some level of education and work experience. Therefore, you will need to develop a set of hard and soft skills to kick start your career in web designing. Let us discuss the five key steps to get started:

1. Study Web Design Theory

The elements of a topnotch website include a smooth user experience, powerful structure, impeccable layout and vibrant color scheme. Many universities offer full-fledge training in the field, though a 2-4 year degree program is not mandatory. You can always opt for an online diploma or enroll in a web design boot camp, which is cheaper and less time-consuming. This way you can learn the basics within a few weeks through intensive training or a curtailed course that lasts a few months. If you already know the basics, you may engage in self-learning by seeking guidance from online tutorials. 

2. Master the popular Web Designing Tools

The next step is to experiment and get familiar with different web designing tools. You have acquired the knowledge, so it is time to implement it practically and develop skill through practice. There is a wide array of tools to work with, and the features keep getting more sophisticated every day. Thanks to advancement in technology, creating versatile web pages has become increasingly convenient for web designers. The tools you choose to master depends on your personal inclinations and understanding; nevertheless, the following are a few popular options:

• WordPress
• Photoshop
• InVision Studio
• Sketch
• Dreamweaver 

3. Take on Personal Projects

Once you gain proficiency over a number of web designing tools, you’re ready to test your abilities. You will definitely learn several new techniques and tricks through the practical approach, and eventually achieve the expert status. The technical side of web design will require you to acquire fluency in programming with HTML, CSS, and even JavaScript if you’re ambitious. You should work on small freelance gigs and invest in some personal projects as well. The more websites you build, the better you get at your job. Focus on creating interactive and responsive designs for an excellent user experience. 

4. Develop a Portfolio

If you want to get hired as a professional web designer, you need to build an outstanding portfolio to showcase your talent. A diverse and concise portfolio is the key to make a good impression. You do not have to go into detail of every project you ever completed – emphasize on the best ones that highlight your strengths. Customize your portfolio according to the jobs you plan to apply for. Your portfolio should excel in terms of aesthetics and functionality.   

5. Infiltrate the Job Market

The final step is to apply for vacancies that coordinate with your niche, and ace every job interview. It is recommended to start with an entry level job and gradually move up the hierarchy. Once you prove your capabilities and make a name for yourself, better offers will flow your way and you can consider entrepreneurship as well. Remember to make a good first impression by dressing for the job you want and radiating confidence. 

Author Bio
John Adams is paralegal and technology enthusiast, eager to discuss latest trends and dive into technical details. He regularly writes about web development solutions and criminal defense strategies. Sharing personal opinions and life experiences makes him happy, and he is always open to constructive criticism.