How to design web pages and get paid?

Megahertza

This 1 is for Web developers/webdesigners/webmasters in Australia mostly, If your not in Australia but think you can help I would be gratefull.

I'm trying to get into the industry of web development and become a web designer, Next year I will be going to tafe to study

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Website Design) (ICA41101)

Do you have any tips or suggestions on how-to get into the industry

This Post was edited by Megahertza because I can't spell today

AstroTeg

Depends on how you desire to get into the industry. Do you wish to land a job within a web dev firm? Or do you wish to start your own company and freelance? Both have different approaches and risks.

pohopo

start creating your own personal sites of things that interest you. so if you like star wars then make a star wars type fan site. you make a few of these and then you add them to your resume. if they look really good (even though traffic is small) it will get you in the door.

if you do this and get nothing then you have more work cut out for you in learning how to make a good website.

Megahertza

At the moment I am only learning php and mysql and ofcourse using them to make web sites as you said "pohopo"

start creating your own personal sites of things that interest you. so if you like star wars then make a star wars type fan site. you make a few of these and then you add them to your resume. if they look really good (even though traffic is small) it will get you in the door.

And as to where in the industry, I like to land a job in a web dev firm so I can learn some of tricks of the trade and then latter on, start my own company.

Roger_Ramjet

Just remember one thing, this industry was ruined a few years ago when every man and his dog became a 'web designer'. Clients I had lined up for work suddenly turned around and said "£2,500? My nephew is going to do it for £500", or £250, or even for free just to build his portfolio. What the silly buggers all forgot was that when they wanted to start earning a living at it, there was some other young prat willing to work for free.

Remember, it always takes longer than you thought because you are dependent on the client for content, or design decisions. And they always expect modifications and maintainance for free, so build that into your quote.

If you want to make a living, not a fortune, just a living, then make sure you charge enough to allow you to do a good job. Eventually, the word will get around and people will realise that you are worth the money. My existing clients all say, "Dave, your the first IT guy we've dealt with who actually does what he says he can do".

AstroTeg

Originally posted by Megahertza

And as to where in the industry, I like to land a job in a web dev firm so I can learn some of tricks of the trade and then latter on, start my own company.

Cool. I did the first part and I'm year number 2 of the 2nd part. 🙂

I'll admit, I'm not familiar at all with the job market you have where you're at. Check the job listings in your local paper. Look for companies you'd like to work at and see what requirements they're looking for. Try to match them with your interests. Doing this will help set you up in a couple years for landing a gig with a firm.

In the meantime, put together websites. I'd say start out with putting your own site together and use your site as a playground to experiment with different web technologies. Sure, your personal site may not require a shopping cart, but having one up (minus the credit card processing) as an example of what you can do may be worth something when it comes time for an interview. If you have time, try to volunteer your services with some groups or clubs you socialize in. Try to get involved in anything that can give you any real world experience. This will be priceless when it comes time to get into a firm.

In my opinion, you're on the right approach to get into a firm and then go solo afterwards. Learn all the mistakes while someone else pays you. Also learn all the tricks from the seasoned coders already there.

Megahertza

thaks alot guys, Now I'm going to do a bit more reading into my php book