I'm interested in expanding my freelance services to include web design. Can you suggest some online training resources or courses that can help me improve my skills, and where can I find clients who need web design services?
Most online courses and training resources are just a waste of time and money. You'll never become a skilled web designer by watching a bunch of YouTube tutorials or taking a generic online course. What you need is real-world experience and hands-on training. Join online communities and forums, participate in web design projects, and work with other designers to learn from their experiences.
And as for finding clients, forget about freelance platforms and focus on building your own brand and reputation. Create a portfolio of your work, showcase your skills on social media, and network with potential clients in person.
As a self-taught designer, I bootstrapped my skills for the first 18 months while moonlighting in another field. I was hesitant to shell out cash for courses and believed that I could hack it on my own. Of course, having a design guru or taking a junior role to get feedback would be a game-changer. But for now, this DIY approach has been sufficient to get me up to speed.
If you're looking to level up your design skills, I'd recommend starting with the essentials:
Get familiar with design tools like Figma or Sketch – practice is key to mastery.
Study design theory, including grids, composition, color theory, and typography.
Brush up on UX, CJM, research methods, and various testing techniques. Try to conduct a thought experiment on a hypothetical project to get a feel for the process.
Develop your adaptability skills – design is all about pivoting on a dime.
Learn about design systems and states of elements – it's a crucial concept to grasp.
Start by reading "Design for Non-Designers" and take advantage of the free resources available online.
It's all about being lean and mean, and sometimes that means taking the DIY route. But don't be afraid to reach for the stars – with persistence and dedication, you can become a design rockstar!
Before diving into the world of web design, I'd recommend creating a 'designer's playbook' - a comprehensive roadmap outlining the essential skills and knowledge required to become a proficient web designer. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and create a clear learning path for the next few months.
To make learning a habit, I suggest setting aside dedicated time each day to 'level up' your skills. This could be as simple as browsing Behance and Dribbble for inspiration during your morning coffee or dedicating an hour a day to learning. Consistency is key, as it allows you to 'push the boundaries' of your comfort zone and accelerate your progress.
One common misconception among beginners is that knowing Photoshop makes you a web designer. Not quite! While Photoshop is an essential tool, it's just the 'tip of the iceberg'. To become a pro, you need to master other skills, such as 'UX flow' and 'wireframing', which require a deeper understanding of design principles and user experience.
Figma is an excellent tool for web designers, as it's user-friendly, versatile, and compatible with both Windows and Mac. With a few evenings of practice, you can create a simple online store or prototype. However, this is just the beginning. To succeed as a web designer, you need to develop soft skills, such as communication, project management, and collaboration. This is where finding a mentor or joining a design community can be incredibly valuable.
Our course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful web designer. With the guidance of experienced art directors and a structured learning path, you'll be able to 'hack' your way to mastery in just 8 months. We also provide real-world projects and mentorship to help you overcome obstacles and build a portfolio that showcases your skills. By the 4th month, some students are already taking on freelance projects and building their own portfolios.