Web development career path

[andyjamesnelson]

Hello.

I have recently registered myself as self employed - I've learnt a fair percentage of both x/html and css.

I'm well versed in Photoshop and Illustrator + other general day to day computer skills.

Primarily I consider my skill set to be that of a visual artist with a deep interest in creative in web projects.

I am currently putting together a portfolio site to display my work in this field.

I am wondering if any of you web designers have any advice for someone like me who is trying to develop a career in this field.

Is it enough to stick to css and image design for the web or does one need to advance to and be able to use other web technologies?

How did you start on your career and what would you suggest I avoid?

Thanks. Andy

 

[ChicoWeb]

Sounds like you mean web designer. Web developers are a hot commodity because it takes a special skillset. There are 57 million web designers out there so you need to figure a way to differentiate yourself and/or find a niche and market to them. And be good I'm a firm believer if you work hard enough and have some desigN skills you can make anything happen. At one point you'll have to team up with a good developer. Sites are no longer just static.

 

[&Ingonyama]

I would recommend learning at least one javascript framework like jQuery, Mootools or Prototype. Having some knowledge of server side languages would help, especially with frameworks like Zend, Rails or Codeigniter.

If your good at writing you could try your hand at SEO.

 

[bootedbear]

Right. Big difference between web designer and web developer.

For the latter you'll need strong client-side scripting and server-side programming experience. The barrier to entry for PHP is low, but if you want to move into the big leagues you'll need Java, Ruby, or the dreaded Microsoft stack (if you want to limit yourself to Windows).

 

[bootedbear]

P.S. jQuery is the bomb for help in client-side JavaScript.

 

[tominated]

if you want to be a developer as well as designer you should probably look at learning php, ruby and maybe asp.net (a lot of companies prefer microsoft technologies)

 

[andyjamesnelson]

Hey - thanks for the replies - i wish now I could change the title of my post to web designer sorry.

I do want to learn more coding skills thats for sure but at the moment web design is the path I want to follow.

If anyone has any suggestions for this please let me know and sorry for the misleading title to this thread. Andy