Todd Sumamno
The economy is becoming increasingly digital. For instance, more people are doing their holiday shopping online than ever before. The same goes for the number of people working remotely, as well as the amount of digital goods and services being sold, from NFTs to content creation.
It’s no surprise, then, that demand for web design is also going up. Simply put, businesses need people to assemble the digital framework required for the digital economy.
However, like with any profession, it can be difficult for inexperienced web designers to find work. Clients and companies seek candidates with years of experience, but nobody gives you the chance to acquire that experience!
It’s a frustrating situation, but not without its list of potential solutions. Assuming you have the knowledge and skills required to be a professional web designer, the next step is doing what it takes to land your first gigs in order to establish your career.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at six ways for inexperienced web designers to find work in 2023:
Build a portfolio
The first step on your way to finding web design work is to build a portfolio of work you’ve done over the years. It sounds like one of those paradoxical situations – since you need work to build a portfolio – but school assignments count as well as creative works you’ve done on your own time with your own dime. With this in mind, we suggest spending your free time tinkering with various web design projects for friends and family in order to add them to your portfolio.
Create mock-ups
As mentioned in the previous section, aspiring web designers need proof of their knowledge and skills. One of the best ways to do this is to spend time designing mock-up web designs. Start by building a list of your favorite companies, products, and services, then go about designing web content for them as if you were doing it for real. You can even use your favorite band or television show as a basis for your mock-ups. We also suggest helping friends and family design web content for themselves or their interests to accumulate practical experience.
Get certified
While certification is not required to be a professional web designer, it doesn’t hurt. With this in mind, we suggest earning web design certification. Top options include: Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Web Design Specialist, Project Management Institute-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), and Adobe Certified Expert. These credentials will give you the edge required to convince potential clients to hire you as a web designer.
Go global
Don’t limit your options! Many firms around the world are interested in hiring a foreign independent contractor as opposed to a salaried or hourly paid employee. That means you could have clients in New York, Paris, and Tokyo while living in Perth. By expanding your horizons to include opportunities abroad, you increase your chances of finding work as a web designer. It also looks great on your resume!
Search job postings
It goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: if you want to find work as a web designer, you need to hit the bricks and look for job postings. It could take weeks, months, or longer, but stay at it and never give up. Sooner or later – especially as you amass experience through freelance gigs and other small jobs – someone will recognize your talent and give you the chance you’ve been waiting for.
Start networking
It’s often said it’s not what you know but who you know that determines your opportunities and success. The truth is it’s a mixture of both. With this in mind, it’s essential for aspiring web designers to start networking as soon as possible. By building a network of professionals, past clients, and other connections, you stand a better chance of being recommended for future work and learning about open positions.
With everything going digital, there’s unprecedented demand for web designers. However, those starting out will continue to have a difficult time getting their foot in the door. Fortunately, there are several ways to make it happen. Good luck!
Alex Farina is a freelance writer from Ohio. He enjoys writing about design, fashion, nature, and technology.
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