Since starting up Retro Edge Web Design several years ago I have had numerous enquiries from individuals seeking advice on how best to get into the web design industry. I have put the following information together as a guide, please remember these are only my personal views and experiences and I am sure many web designers will have had very different experiences.
Firstly, a bit about myself. I graduated in 2003 from Exeter university with a degree in IT and Media. Whilst at university I became interested in web and graphic related software such as Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Corel Draw. After graduating I continued to develop my web and graphic design skills using various text books and online tutorials. I’ve always has an intesrest in art, primarily drawing, so software such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me.
After a few random jobs and a brief spell travelling around the world I finally decided to take my knowledge and turn it into something constructive and in 2007 set up Retro Edge Web Design.
Create a web design portfolio
Retro Edge Web Design is a showcase of my work. The idea, to set up a working portfolio that I could take to potential employers (whilst making a little spare cash along the way).
Since setting up Retro Edge Web Design I have had enquiries from various people including students and graduates seeking employment and asking advice on how to get into the web design industry. My first bit of advice is to set up your own portfolio of work, much in the same way I have done with Retro Edge Web Design. First and foremost this will help you to develop the skills neccessary to become a good web designer. Secondly, no potential employer will take you seriously unless you have a good portolfio of work. A degree in IT doesn’t mean jack to a web design agency, they need to see your can design and code, a portfolio is really the only way to show this.
Teach yourself web design
I often get asked to recommend web design qualifications. My advice here is simple, do not bother. There are loads of text books out there that can help you and if you don’t want to spend the money on those then there are hundreds of good quality online tutorials.
I may be wrong to say this, but web design qualifications are not going to get you employed. A good portfolio of work will do much more for you than any qualifications. That said, some courses may be worth doing so that you can get the knowledge to create your portfolio. Courses are also a good way of networking, as discussing issues with other web designers can be extremly beneficial.
Need help?
If you need help with any form of web design from html to flash then it is well worth joining a web design community. I am a member of www.webdesignerforum.co.uk and have learnt more from the members on this forum than any text book or online tutorial. It really is an excellent way to learn web design.
Web design in Plymouth
If you live in the Plymouth area gaining employment in the web design industry is not easy. There are a number of web design employers in the area, some of which I have listed below, but as Plymouth is not exactly the hub of IT you are much more likely to gain employment in other areas such as Bristol or London. In a nutshell, as the jobs in Plymouth are so few they are highly sought after, regardless of the recession.
Web design is a competative industry
The problem with web design is its popularity. As a freelance web designer you will have the the opportunity to work for yourself. This in itself shows you how competative the web design industry can be, as anyone with an internet connection can set up their own business. I have been running Retro Edge Web Design for three years now and although I consider the business to be a success it is far from being my main source of income.
I hope this information is of use and I hope I haven’t painted too gloomy a picture. If you want to get into web design you need to be realistic, you need a flair for design that sets you above the rest, you need good coding skills and a genuine passion for design.
Contact me
If you would like any further information or advice please get in touch via the contact page.
