In this video I talk about handling web hosting for your clients, what equipment/software you need when getting started in web design and finally tips for getting your feet off the ground in web design.
Recommended web hosting: http://www.lunarpages.com
Like always, I appreciated the three areas that you talked about in this video blog. I know for myself, setting a goal and using a concept will keep me focused. Thanks again for sharing! Looking forward to your Fireworks training!
Thanks Regina! …Adobe Fireworks Training series coming soon. ;)
For practicing purposes it can also be good to participate in logo design contests like on 99designs.com. You probably won’t win any contest since there are simply too many participants on most projects, however, it’s a great place for practicing, working with real design briefs and getting real feedback from clients. You can use your designs later on your portfolio site.
Myself I just created my own portfolio site and I’m now adding some work that I did on 99designs. Starting with a portfolio site, in the end, is also gaining web design experience imo. Even if you won’t use it for real or change it afterwards, it IS a first design experience. Great video as usual
@Leon – Great points, excellent idea to participate in sites like 99designs.com to get your feet wet with client creative briefs, etc. So true, never thought of that. Thanks for the feedback.
The other thing when getting started with simple personal one-off projects is that it will raise a lot of questions as you go through the process. The only way to learn is to actually start doing it. When the questions come up, google it for answers, ask folks like myself, then once you get an answer you move forward. But the best part is getting your questions answered which will just give you better knowledge with each next project. ;)
Thanks Mike,
I recently posted the question about equipment on your YouTube page under the user name dougieave and this video helped me out a great deal. I also liked what you had to say about starting off slow and gradually working to bigger projects. I’m currently studying Photoshop, Illustrator and HTML/CSS in my first semester towards a web design degree. Being so anxious after two months of class, I sometimes feel like I should be designing a grand full-blown website. After watching this video, I now have some practical projects that I can work on.
Thanks again
Hi Mike,
Great video. and i also practice in 99design and it really helps you to get better and better. and as you said ‘it will raise a lot of questions as you go through the process’ like what is missing in my design. how i can get better and the challenge really helps you to et better.
Thanks again for your great posts.
Thanks again for your great posts.
@Mike ‘The only way to learn is to actually start doing it. When the questions come up, google it for answers, ask folks like myself, then once you get an answer you move forward’ — Exactly! I couldn’t agree more.
In web design you can literally learn things step by step…. if you don’t know it, ask it or search it! Once you’ve done it once, you’ve learned it…. it all adds up.
@mike web hosting was a question i had thanks for the advice. This seems the correct approach for me. For anyone starting out don’t get caught in learning with doing. Sound advice @mike.
Things that helped me when staring out is limiting your creativity. I challenged myself at the start to design websites only using Arial with no images. Then next challenges was introducing colour. I spent weeks just design simple one page websites. By limiting your creativity your designs will be way better compare to someone that triea to do to much. Using way to many fonts, colours and images.
Now that i feel more comfortable i have started picking local business websites and redesigning for practice and possible portfolio pieces.
@mike thanks this blog is helping with my career change to web designer.
Hey Mike, I’ve been watching your youtube videos a lot in the last few days and, as a new web designer learning Photoshop, I must say you really made me want to try Fireworks. I’m thinking of using it for the design of the site and then go to Dreamweaver and actually make that design into a working website.
Will the knowledge of HTML/CSS and the use of those 2 programs be enough to make good looking and practical websites?
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