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Business

Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points
Posted by Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points

How to find your first Web Designer job?

I'm looking for my fir web designer job, but I don't know where to go, how to find them. Does anyone know??

4 Answers

Justin Henderson
Justin Henderson
13,739 Points
Justin Henderson
Justin Henderson
13,739 Points

Hey Jonny,

Also, consider making your up your own projects that could have real-world implications. This could be building a custom word press site for a made up business, custom Tumblr theme, etc. These projects will require the same output in terms of utilizing skill sets. Being proactive is a MUST. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen for awhile. The better you get on your own, the more client ready you shall become :).

Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points
Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points

I'm also going to do this. Also, go to my test site and tell me what you think??

kelly
kelly
513 Points
kelly
kelly
513 Points

My first web design job wasn't really a "job." I volunteered to do an animal shelter's website. Since I was doing it for free, they didn't care much that I didn't have a complete resume at the time. They were just happy that some one was willing to take their burden. Volunteering to design a website is the best way (in my opinion) to build up a portfolio and get some referrals.

A great way to find volunteer opportunities for web design work is through a website called "Volunteermatch.org"

Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points
Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points

Is it all web design work, what do I've to look for?

kelly
kelly
513 Points

Are you referring to Volunteermatch?

No, not all of the opportunities listed are for web design. You'll need to register and then search for them. After you've registered and have checked off your skills (in this case, web design) in your profile, you will start to receive recommendations. You can browse through the listings, and when you find one that suits you, you can contact them.

Be prepared for picky organisations. It may take some tries, but you will likely find the right one. Good luck!

Ariel Aronica
Ariel Aronica
6,646 Points
Ariel Aronica
Ariel Aronica
6,646 Points

Well, I have to say that one of the best things you can do is utilize the resources around you. I will be creating a website for a band, another for a CPR business, another for an Irish Setter club (all of these are in my family/friends circle- not necessarily for the money but for the experience) and I also enjoy rebuilding websites and making corrections on what's already been built to make the site function better--I think places like to see that you don't always have to build from the ground-up. To get your first job, build your portfolio and sell yourself. There are so many people out there that need websites for their businesses.

Ariel Aronica
Ariel Aronica
6,646 Points
Ariel Aronica
Ariel Aronica
6,646 Points

Look into realty agencies, or local businesses on sites like Yelp! that do not have a business page connected yet. Contact the business and offer your services! Be proactive.

Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points
Jonny Strange
Jonny Strange
6,412 Points

That's what I was planning to do - creating websites for free to get experience, but I don't know no-one that wants a website doing. I also enjoy rebuilding websites. I do want to work from home, do you have any experience of this?? I'm redesigning my site http://www.jstrange.co.uk/testsite/index.html - it's a redesign in progress, and tell me what you think, improved etc.

Justin Henderson
Justin Henderson
13,739 Points
Justin Henderson
Justin Henderson
13,739 Points

Hello again Jonny,

Not a bad first start! You will learn a lot more about the styling you are trying to achieve along the way. There is a sandbox site that I like to use called codepen.io. This site is cool because you can view your code in real time. Let me know if you have any other questions.