Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Is it hard to find work as a web designer?

I am going to school for web design. I don't have any IT experience


in the working world? All I have is what I have learned. I can't seem to find even an entry level position in this field. What should I do?

Is it hard to find work as a web designer?
Since I am a webdesigner myself, I can answer this question.





In my area (Dallas, TX), it seems that everyone is looking for a webdesigner/developer. Also, there doesn't seem to be enough web designers compared to the amount of people who are looking for one.





Here's an idea: If you are freelancing, just find a small business that you think needs a website or needs a better website, and contact the business owner. You'll be surprised on the positive reaction a lot of people have when asking them. Your friends/family will also probably find jobs for you. Just network, and you will find plenty of people that need stuff done.





You don't need any IT experience to be a web designer. If you are going to school for web design, they should teach you everything you need to know. A *web designer* usually designs and codes the static page. A lot of webdesigners are more visually oriented people (sometimes ex-graphicdesigners) coming from a background of little or no IT experience. A webdeveloper codes the backend for websites with dynamic content (php, mysql, etc). Being a webdeveloper requires more IT experience and expertise.





At my school, they also teach php, mysql, javascript, asp, etc.. My title is a web designer, but I also have experience as a web developer.





The bottom line is if you have a good portfolio and are passionate about your work, you shouldn't have a trouble finding a job. It may take a while to find the job you want, so in the meantime, I suggest gaining more experience by freelancing. Also, if you haven't done so yet, I suggest creating a portfolio site and blog. On your blog, blog about problems you faced with css/html, and how you solved them. Blog about your interests. Blog about your personal life if you want. Blog about anything. The more entries you make, the more recognition you get (more results on google). If people like your blog, they will subscribe to it and comment on your articles. Your target audience on your blog should primarily be web designers and developers, not necessarily clients. Go crazy with your design, and gain even more recognition. Some of the biggest people in the industry are only big because of their blog. Have a link on your portfolio site to your blog so prospective clients can see it if they want. The clients may not be interested in the content of the blog, but if you have a killer design, they will still be interested in looking at the visual elements.
Reply:Freelance. There are lots of companies that need good websites. I design them too.
Reply:It can be hard to get your first job. Make sure you have graphics experience and then look for an internship or do some free work where you can publish a website or two to show your stuff.





Make sure you are good working with the Adobe tools and Dreamweaver.





There are jobs out there. I have hired these types of folks.
Reply:Refrences
Reply:It's very competative.





You MUST have experience. Get a volunteer position or internship and build a real-world portfolio. Without a portfolio, you don't stand a chance.
Reply:well you can try to study some IT work first may be you can, who knows??? just try and see...
Reply:Almost impossible.
Reply:Knock em out with your self knowledge, design a site to die for. if not, it is not your forte. give up. go through the front door, not the back one. Just do it. Entry level IS DESIGNING YOUR OWN SITE GET IT.....GOOD LUCK...
Reply:Well, freelance is more common. Other good chance is to open your own company and to start to develop for companies. Than you need a good marketing for your company.
Reply:It is almost impossible to find a job JUST a Web Designer. Most web design jobs include hosting and constant help on editing and such.





The competition for Web Design is very high at the current moment. Unless you have some kind of reputation of some kind, you will have a hard time looking for work on the net (try starting with local businesses/organizations to build up a portfolio).





I can't tell you that it gets easier as your portfolio becomes loaded with high-quality examples because it doesn't get easier.


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