How to Become a Web Designer Without a College Degree!

Sure there are college and university programs for web designing. But have you ever heard of the phrase practice makes perfect? If you can can read, have a little imagination and a tidbit of creativity, you can be a web developer without having to go to college. One of the best resources out there to learn basic and advanced internet development and design is /w3schools.com or just check out a few free resources at your local public library. Most of the websites I have designed came from the knowledge that I learned at w3schools and some books I borrowed from the public library. Again, you don't have to go to school to learn this stuff. It just takes some reading, but mostly practice. One of the best resources out there that you can get under $100 is Adobe Dreamweaver. There are hundreds of online and youtube tutorials to get you started. You can learn languages and start designing and building websites in no time starting with HTML, CSS, XML and more. Here are some tips when you are startiing out your career as a freelance web developer or one who works for a internet designing company.

Research about your client's company and their brand.
Ask your client what he, she or they want and expect from the web site.
Ask your client what websites they already like and try to envision how the future site would look like.
Have a mind map of what the website would look like and then write it on a piece of paper. Pre-design planning saves you time, money and resources. Have an up to date and excellent portfolio is crucial to any web developer's success. Web designer's face unique challenges: your work needs to stay up to date and current! The portfolio is the best medium for web programmers. It is used to showcase their skills and aesthetics. More importantly, it shows future clients that you are current, relevant, and active in the web design world of right now. The portfolio gives you a solid evidence to show the world what you are capable of. You'll want a portfolio that covers every aspect of web designing... including layouts, slideshows, branding, content management, composition, typography, colors, techniques and design rationales. Showing your potential clients the full scope of your work will help you build better relationships and more future clients. It's not only important to learn web designing but you also need to learn how to sell yourself, your client and your company. Learn a little bit and basic knowledge of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Marketing. Your clients will most likely ask you the question "How can I get more exposure and get found on the web or the first page of Google?"