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conwyman
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Joined: 9 May 2012
Posts: 3
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#1 · Posted: 9 May 2012 14:26
Hi
I have been working as a Computer Engineer for ten years now and i have worked as a sub contractor The trouble with my work that it tends to dry up and so does my cash to live.
I decided to enroll on a web design course to learn HTML.CS,Dreamweaver so i can mybe do websites at home
Is this a good idea? I seem to pick up the codes ok but would it be best to take a qualfication
Thanks
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Joined: 12 Oct 2007
Posts: 207
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#2 · Posted: 10 May 2012 21:16
I think it is a good idea. Web design is one growing work at home field. But to be successful, you'd really need to put together some type of portfolio.
For example, I've gone to a number of web designer's sites. They have samples/screen caps of work that they've done for other sites, companies, etc.
Perhaps you could start by designing a few/several of your own sites and using those as examples to show people the type of work you can do.
Good luck. 
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Just2EZ
Joined: 14 Nov 2010
Posts: 747
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#3 · Posted: 10 May 2012 21:57 · Edited by: Just2EZ
It's a profitable home business and you don't need certifications to start.
Start by getting yourself set up with a web hosting re-seller package.
I started with a $99/yr package with unlimited domains for my own use.
After creating a few sites for myself other people asked if I would do theirs.
That was 18 years ago but it is no different today, in fact there is more demand.
Local small business owners and artists are easy customers to get.
Word of mouth can bring you more work than you can handle.
I was taught to think of it as renting out cyber real estate.
You can charge for the land, building, and maintenance.
You can learn faster by doing it than by studying it.
Self hosted WordPress sites work best for me.
(because I can teach dummies to use them)
I would steer clear of proprietary programs like Dreamweaver.
Why spend thousands for licenses you don't need to have.
There are plenty of free and easy programs that work fine.
If you want a J.O.B. with someone else then pay to learn.
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conwyman
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Joined: 9 May 2012
Posts: 3
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#4 · Posted: 11 May 2012 08:27
Thanks for your replies course going well hopfully be able to put together a portfolio soon
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88Style
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Joined: 27 Apr 2012
Posts: 22
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#5 · Posted: 14 May 2012 22:40
Definitely a good idea. Web design is one of those things that you can easily do from home and make a living in doing so. It's also something that depends more on the quality of your work and your portfolio than education level.
It is also one of those jobs that is in high demand. Don't get me wrong, it would not be a bad idea to go school for it either either, but it is possible to earn a living from home without formal education. Those courses can be very beneficial as well as well as the business knowledge you will gain from the professionals.
Good luck on your future endeavors!
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Joined: 12 Oct 2007
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#6 · Posted: 14 May 2012 23:11
conwyman: Thanks for your replies course going well hopfully be able to put together a portfolio soon
Good luck conwyman and I think having a portfolio will really help.
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 941
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#7 · Posted: 15 May 2012 11:57
Web design is a growing field and will be in demand as long as the internet exists. There's no absolute need to be certified in order to get started. There are many places online where you can obtain tutorials, guidance and insight on the subject for free.
One place I highly recommend is A List Apart. The founder, Jeffrey Zeldman, has been a respected force in the world of web design for well over a decade. Browse the site and feast on articles pertaining to every aspect of the craft.
conwyman: The trouble with my work that it tends to dry up and so does my cash to live.
In addition to the fee for your basic design packages, you could offer related services such as search engine optimization, online marketing, web hosting, site maintenance, custom programming and so on. This way you'll have some cash flow long after the original job is complete.
This will also help to boost your status in the eyes of the prospect who will see yours as a serious full-service operation. Plus they'll feel more secure knowing that all their web related needs can be taken care of in one place.
And you don't have to know how to do these extras yourself. You can outsource them, or simply form alliances with others who specialize in those fields and agree on a fee split.
Hermas
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conwyman
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Joined: 9 May 2012
Posts: 3
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#8 · Posted: 15 May 2012 12:37
Thanks you Advice I will look at A list apart My Pc work is quiet as i live along the coast in north wales so web design would i help my income which as noose dived since my last contact end in march
still learning but hopfully will get there
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