Greetings to everyone! Apologies in advance for asking a few newbie questions.

To get a better understanding of the field, I would appreciate insights from those already working in it. After working in support and then transitioning to assistant project manager for three projects and a content manager, with tasks from layout designers, I have realized that I want to further develop my skills in layout design and eventually in front-end development.

Based on my work experience and skills, here are some highlights: I have basic knowledge of PHP and MySQL (at the level of reading someone else's code and writing simple form handlers). Additionally, I have experience supporting a large mobile operator site where I mostly worked with HTML to input content. I also have command line skills and some knowledge of how everything works in IT.

My training in layout includes courses from St. Petersburg school, an idea of BEM, SASS, LESS, and I have worked with jQuery for galleries. Currently, I am on vacation for a couple of months to focus on improving my skills. I have completed courses from htmlacademy and made a few educational layouts using only HTML/CSS. However, I do feel uncertain, and I need to transition to using flexboxes instead of the float grid.

I have two main questions regarding this industry. Firstly, how much time should I spend on training to be confident enough to get an initial position as a layout designer? Secondly, how can I build a job search with my current knowledge? What skills should I possess at a confident level before starting to look for a job?

The only idea I have is to create several templates with floats, flex, and using SASS/LESS, and post them on Github with a link to my profile on academy.

If you are determined enough, you can learn web development in about a year and a half by reading books and practicing. In fact, you can even learn both the front end and back end of web development plus libraries within this time frame. If you focus solely on the front end, then it may take only six months.

However, spending money on courses might not be worth it as you can gain the same knowledge from books for a fraction of the cost. Many people choose to take courses due to the "daddy search syndrome," where they believe that they cannot achieve anything without someone else's help. But with the internet available, you can find answers to most questions on forums or through Google.

For those starting out, I recommend working as a freelancer because it provides flexibility and there is no binding to an office. After mastering JS, HTML, and CSS, you can look for front-end developer job offers, but keep in mind that the salary may not be high. To increase your earning potential, it's best to learn frameworks which only takes a couple of weeks.

In addition to front-end development, it's also important to learn back-end development such as PHP libraries. Learning design can also be beneficial for creating visually appealing websites and custom logos for clients on freelancing platforms.

1) If you're starting from scratch, it could take up to 2 months to become proficient in web design and programming.

2) After sending out two different types of responses (excluding the time it took to receive a non-response), I became capable enough to begin looking for work with my mom's help.

3) may charge $1K or more for junior front end development work that involves JavaScript. However, if you're willing to learn the basics first, it should take about a month and a half before you're ready to start freelancing at an hourly rate of $15 or more.

4) Continuously improve your skills by working on new projects and keeping track of your progress.

5) Look up style guides from reputable companies to find the best practices for coding. By doing so, you'll be able to avoid having someone else review your code.

It's not necessary to waste time on SASS, LESS and the like. These are tools for hipsters, analogous to using HAML instead of HTML or CoffeScript instead of JavaScript, where some may still require Bootstrap. An average layout designer only needs knowledge of HTML, CSS and a minimal amount of jQuery.

If you want to begin working as a layout designer, all you need is to create 2-3 templates, which you should be able to do within a week, or ideally, within 1-2 days.


After creating your templates, you can start looking for a job by sending out resumes and calling potential employers. It's likely that you'll quickly find work, as there is high demand for layout designers.

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To increase your earnings as a layout designer, you could either improve your skills in web design using Photoshop, or learn JavaScript well, along with frameworks like Vue.js, which is both simple and popular.

Regarding your first question about how much time to spend on training, it's important to focus on gaining practical experience in using flexbox and other modern layout techniques. You've already made a good start with completing courses from htmlacademy and creating educational layouts. To further develop your skills, you could set a goal to create a portfolio of diverse layouts using flexbox and other modern CSS techniques. This practical experience will help build your confidence and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

As for your second question about building a job search, it's important to continue learning and practicing your skills while also taking steps to showcase your work. In addition to creating templates and posting them on GitHub, consider creating a personal website or portfolio to showcase your best work. Networking with professionals in the industry, attending meetups or workshops, and participating in online communities can also help you gain insights and potentially connect with job opportunities.

In terms of skills you should possess at a confident level before starting to look for a job, focus on mastering modern CSS techniques such as flexbox, grid, SASS/LESS, and responsive design. It's also beneficial to have a strong understanding of HTML, accessibility standards, and browser compatibility.

Here are some additional steps you can take to further develop your skills and prepare for a career as a layout designer:

1. Practice Responsive Design: With the increasing importance of mobile and tablet browsing, mastering responsive design is crucial. Focus on creating layouts that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes using media queries and flexible units like percentages.

2. Build Real-world Projects: Consider taking on freelance or volunteer projects to gain real-world experience. You can offer to redesign a small business website, create mockups for local organizations, or collaborate with developers on open-source projects. This will not only enhance your portfolio but also provide valuable hands-on experience.

3. Learn JavaScript: While you mentioned working with jQuery for galleries, expanding your knowledge of JavaScript will be beneficial for front-end development. Understanding how to leverage JavaScript for interactivity, form validation, and DOM manipulation can greatly enhance your skill set.

4. Contribute to Open Source: Participating in open-source projects related to front-end development can provide you with exposure to industry best practices, collaboration with experienced developers, and an opportunity to showcase your contributions to potential employers.

5. Stay Updated: The web development landscape is constantly evolving. Keep abreast of the latest trends, tools, and frameworks in front-end development. Regularly reading blogs, following industry leaders on social media, and attending webinars or conferences can help you stay current with industry advancements.

6. Seek Mentorship: Consider reaching out to experienced layout designers or front-end developers for mentorship. Their guidance and insights can help you navigate your career path, provide valuable feedback on your work, and offer advice on breaking into the industry.

By combining these strategies with your existing skills and experience, you'll be well-positioned to confidently pursue opportunities as a layout designer with a strong foundation in front-end development.