Whats The Best Way To Get Into Web Design?

Discussion in 'Training & Development' started by Fara, Sep 24, 2007.

  1. Fara

    Fara New Member

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    I have been designing web pages with macromedia studio mx 2004 for the last couple of years and am working on a web site to put on cd-rom to show prospective employers...I have a degree in an unrelated subject and am about to enroll on an Msc in Computing to gain a relevant qualification and improve my programming skills. But I read some articles from webdesigningcompany.net it is the professional site & which articles I read all were helpful for me because this articles are based upon how you increase your programming skills. But I want more advice/hints to break into the industry??
     
  2. Alex Wright

    Alex Wright Megabyte Poster

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    Hi Fara,

    I recommend you start by learning how to code using HTML, then learn CSS followed by Flash. When you feel you're ready, build some websites for family and friends. I certainly can't claim to be an expert in this field but I would imagine that potential employers wouldn't even invite you to interview without first seeing examples of your work. With that in mind focus on beefing up that portfolio! :)

    There's also no harm in looking into getting some certs. CIW I believe, leads the way. Click on the link below to view their website:

    http://www.ciwcertified.com/

    To get some commercial experience do some voluntary work, it demonstrates your commitment to breaking into the industry. Hassle your local IT businesses and give any charities in your area a call!

    Best of luck! :p

    Alex
     
    Certifications: 70-680 Configuring Windows 7
    WIP: 70-642
  3. eternalangel

    eternalangel Banned

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    i agree with the above also other forumz as they have loads of usefull info

    train take ciw examx as they are the best work fro yourself build a site advertise and build client base after 6 months you should have a rather large impressive portfolio go into bussiness with someone you really trust

    build more websites

    set up a digital agency make lots of cash
    buy an offie space and emplay graduates to build morr websites
    portfolio should be very cool by 18 month s
    the markets dry not enough of us web designers

    should be in the money
     
  4. Indo77

    Indo77 Nibble Poster

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    It really depends on what area of website implementation you want to get into - design or development. It's a common myth that all web designers are strong on the development side, likewise a developer may not have good design skills. At the design end, graduates usually come from multimedia backgrounds and have experience using design tools such as Flash, Director, Macromedia Studio, Photoshop etc. A web developer is effectively a coder, usually from a Computer Science discipline and will have work with scripting languages such as HTML, PHP, ASP.NET (C# or VB.NET), Classic ASP, Perl, Database Development (SQL Server, mySQL) etc. There is no clear definition between both as some designers will inherit coding skills and developers possibly design skills. An effective website will usually comprise of a team of developers and designers. Some organisations will advertise for people with all of these skills, although from my own experience, an effective company will employ two sets of people that bring together these skills.
     
    Certifications: BSc (Hons) HNC
  5. JonnyMX

    JonnyMX Petabyte Poster

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    The long and short of it is:
    The best way to get into web design is by designing websites.
    Go for it!

    On a CD-ROM?
    No - a live site that describes your services, skills and has a portfolio.
    Nothing less.

    Good luck!

    :biggrin
     
    Certifications: MCT, MCTS, i-Net+, CIW CI, Prince2, MSP, MCSD
  6. tripwire45
    Honorary Member

    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    I'd say learn, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML and then build up from there. While Flash is really cool, you have to consider the audience you are designing for. If you want to build sites that have usability for the widest possible audience of users and web browsers, you aren't going to build every site using Flash. That, said, you will want to learn it at some point, but start with the basics.

    BTW Fara, every going to come back and have a look at your query and respond? :wink:
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  7. Mitzs
    Honorary Member

    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    Ok, I'm confused here. Are you talking about a portfolio on the website or on paper? And if you have not done any sites for anyone just your own what then? Do you suggest the sites he has build and burn to a cd he needs to put online? So they can see the exmples of what he can do that way?
     
    Certifications: Microcomputers and network specialist.
    WIP: Adobe DW, PS
  8. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    Yes: on websites, on paper, on CD... all of the above. If you haven't done any sites for customers, build sites on your own so you have something to show potential employers. It doesn't have to be a real Web site that is used by anyone... it just has to be something that shows off the skills you have developed.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  9. JonnyMX

    JonnyMX Petabyte Poster

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    Anything that you can use to circulate your work is good - but the very least that potential customers or employers will expect from a 'web designer' is that they have a web site.

    People tend to forget that wrestling with hosting companies, domain registration and site management are all part of the package.
     
    Certifications: MCT, MCTS, i-Net+, CIW CI, Prince2, MSP, MCSD
  10. Mitzs
    Honorary Member

    Mitzs Ducktape Goddess

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    Thanks you two. I appreciate the feed back. Web Design is something I'm going to give a shoot at. It is something I can do from home and it is soooo nice to have an interest in something again to be learning and studying and knowing that this is something that I can actually apply in my every day life. :D I know I will have more questions.
     
    Certifications: Microcomputers and network specialist.
    WIP: Adobe DW, PS

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