Right !! Where do I start ??

[Welshtaff]

I am looking to get into web design to supplement my income, I have basic HTML skills and have previously uploaded a web site, written completely by myself. It was a very 'amatuer' effort and was done some time ago. I now want to progress on to something that is marketable. I would appreciate some answers to the questions below:

If I was to specialize what would you recommend ?

Do I need any graphic or art skills ?

Is it worth doing part time for profit ?

What software will I need ?

Thanks

 

[StephanieCordray]

Whewww! That's a lot of information needed because there are no simple answers.

I would think a web designer needs to have skills in graphic arts. The main goal of graphics are to grab and please the eye. They provide the first "hook" to keep people on the website. However, too much and people leave without knowing what the site was about and move on to somewhere more conducive to finding the information they are looking for. To me, this is what makes a website successful: the mix of graphics and textual information.

If you're good and can land enough jobs, it can be very profitable. Some designers I know make a very good living with web design being their primary job. If you aren't committed to the field, however, you may find it difficult to get enough business to make it worth your while even as a supplemental income.

Software is optional. It can be very handy even if you can code a page from scratch. More and more sites are becoming a mix of dynamic scripting languages and static html. A good editor, such as Dreamweaver or Frontpage2003,would come in handy when dealing with those scripting languages as they have improved over the years for better support and debugging. A graphics editor of some kind would also be handy, even if you aren't planning on designing original graphics. Some manipulation is usually required to make an existing piece fit in its intended place on a web page. There are several software packages that would suit the needs of a designer. If [tab] were around he'd recommend the Gimp and I concur as it is a free program easily downloaded and installed. There are others, however, that can cost from a bit over $100USD to $1000+ USD. It will really depend on your needs in that respect.

 

[BaldEagle]

I am looking to get into web design to supplement my income, I have basic HTML skills and have previously uploaded a web site, written completely by myself. It was a very 'amatuer' effort and was done some time ago. I now want to progress on to something that is marketable. I would appreciate some answers to the questions below:

If I was to specialize what would you recommend ?
IMHO specialization narrows your market considerably. However, if you read the job ads you will find that many companies are looking for specialists these days. I would try to stay somewhat diverse but this also requires much work on your part. The technology changes (advances) pretty rapidly. Just when you think you have nailed one technology there is another in waiting. If you must specialize and you are starting from a basic skillset then I would look to some of the newer stuff, perhaps AJAX and SVG. I personally have carved out my own little niche using only HTML, CSS, ASP and Javascript. Your market may dictate what skillset you want to concentrate on.

Do I need any graphic or art skills ?
Being a graphic artist is not necessary. A good working knowledge of a graphics program as well as a little creativity can carry you a long way.

Is it worth doing part time for profit ?
It certainly was for me. It gave me a little extra income plus some time and experience to learn new stuff along the way.

What software will I need ?
I started with MS Frontpage, but quickly moved away from visual design. I prefer hand coding as it seems to lend itself to more creativity as well as control over the layout. Some will say they hate FP but I won't, because it served its' purpose for me until I was ready to move on. Any simple editor would be fine (there are some pretty good ones that are freeware) as well as an FTP client for uploading. I have not used Dreamweaver or Fireworks but have never really heard anyone complain about them so must be allright. I still use FP but not the visual aspect of it or the database part.

Thanks

Probably not definitive enough for you, but you are going to sort through many responses (hopefully) such that ultimately you will sort cut and paste the recommendations anyway. I have been watching this forum from the outside for a time now and decided to join because it seems there are pretty good people here. I like to help and often need help. I am certain no matter what direction you take this forum will be a great place to get help (unless you decide to be a brain surgeon, and then who knows???).

Good Luck,

BaldEagle

P.S. What I like about this forum over many others I have joined is that from what I have observed the people here are friendly and are not smart-alecky with their responses. They genuinely try to help without trying to make you feel stupid. Believe me some forums are full of a..h.... that do.

 

[SiteExpress]

If I was to specialize what would you recommend ?

I think a good direction would be ecommerce. Learn how to setup, manage, manipulate, and integrate the various shopping cart systems. there is a high demand for this, and if you are good at it, you could really land some good paying jobs.

Do I need any graphic or art skills ?

Well, you don't have to, but it would help. Some clients will want you to create something for them, and if you can't, you will find yourself giving part of you money to a graphic designer.

Is it worth doing part time for profit ?

It is worth it, if you can find the business. There are many places out there, that advertise clients needing web work done. the one good thing about web design, is that the overhead is pretty low.

What software will I need ?

I would recommend DreamWeaver and PhotoShop. You can do pretty much anything you want with that combo.

Good Luck!