Web design is one of the most popular professions among young people. It’s believed that having a good knowledge of the computer and creative inclinations, one can easily master web design and generate a lot of money. No doubt, if you’re a talented web designer, essay writer like ones working here, IT professional, etc. – nothing will prevent you from climbing the Olympus. But 99% of others do need to go through the thorny path of learning.

However, each of us can become a web designer even without a profile education. It’s all about the desire to improve. Many years ago, I started learning web design from scratch on my own. Today, I’m one of the leading DesignContest professionals, and I want to share with you valuable tips on how to boost your career in web design.

To begin with, let’s mention the main advantages of being a web designer:

The ability to engage in freelance.
High demand in the labor market.
High wages.
Continuous development due to the uniqueness of every design project.

So, how to start the designer career?

#1 Set Your Goals

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At first, you have to choose the specialization. This will give you the ability to understand the tools you need to master. For example, Adobe Photoshop is a must for every web designer while if you’re going to create icons and logos, you have to master Adobe Illustrator; or you can go even further and learn Adobe InDesign for polygraphic layout.

The knowledge of HTML/CSS is a big plus. However, you can do without coding if you have somebody to ask and clarify the unclear moments.

#2 Educate Yourself in all Possible Ways

I’m not talking about higher education – just allocate a few hours a day for learning new things. Nowadays, there are a lot of special offline and online design courses:

By attending web design courses, you will learn the needed basics, that is, how to think like a web designer, how to use special programs like those from Adobe line, etc. Being in a range of like-minded people, you get a chance to share knowledge and experience, as well as get constructive comments and recommendations. At last, you’re likely to get real orders since teachers often recommend best trainees to familiar clients.

By studying books on graphic design, you’ll greatly expand your horizons. Read manuals, guides, and blogs of reputable professionals in your niche: they often write things you can’t find in textbooks.

#3 Start Drawing

Practice drawing even if you have no talent or specialization in the area which doesn’t require creative skills. Drawing skills greatly facilitate the understanding of the nature of graphic design.

If you cannot draw, do not worry about it. Just start doing. You will notice the changes very soon.

#4 Study the Works of Professionals

Through my career, I often meet talented people who create incredibly beautiful and yet functional websites, illustrations, logos, etc. I save their works as favorites and subscribe to their pages on Behance. At the moment, I have a lot of must-see photo packages, labels, and posters. It helps me to develop creativity and look at the world more widely.

#5 Study Fonts

Pay attention to fonts, especially if you don’t want to upset the coder who wants to get the design layout with the “correct” text (that is, with “tuned” line spacing, spacing, size, etc.). Of course, every font is perceived differently depending on its numerous characteristics. Almost all designers heard about the psychology of color, but only a few of them use the psychology of fonts to the fullest.

#6 Save Your Works

You need to know the points of growth. Therefore, keep all source files in a special folder. You may go back there later and bring some of the works to perfection.

#7 Cultivate Your Unique Style

Like a professional writer, every designer has its own style.

Have you ever experienced the emerging desire to redesign or at least change somehow the work you’re looking at? Taking someone’s idea and refining it is a kind of training. It’s funny and at the same time interesting. Try it and develop a unique style.

#8 Create a Portfolio or a Personal Website

One of the most important things on the market is a self-promotion. The portfolio is your face, so put there only the best works. Find more about how to create a splendid portfolio here.

Conclusion

You have to realize that all your activity is based on specific needs of the audience for which you create the product. However, that doesn’t mean you mustn’t strive to be unique: expand the boundaries, breathe fresh ideas into already existing design patents, constantly search for new opportunities. Never stop and go confidently into the direction of your dreams.