As a seasoned web designer and developer, I have been asked numerous times about how to break into the world of freelance web design. With a strong background in graphic design and a few websites under my belt, I understand the desire to make this a full-time career. But the question remains: how do you find work as a freelance web designer?The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities out there for web designers, and with the right approach, you can land some great gigs. One of the best places to start your search is on job search platforms like ZipRecruiter and Indeed.
These sites offer a wide range of freelance web design jobs that you can apply for on any given day. And the best part? It's completely free for job seekers to create an account and start applying. Once you have created your account, recruiters can also find you and invite you to apply for jobs that match your profile. Many job search platforms, including LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed, allow you to filter by experience level, making it easier for entry-level web designers to find suitable positions. If you're not quite ready for a full-time gig, consider taking a visual design course from Skillcrush to hone your skills. And remember, when applying for jobs, always include a personalized cover letter to stand out from the competition. While job search platforms are a great starting point, they are not the only option for finding freelance web design work.
There are also numerous websites dedicated specifically to freelance work, where you can browse through various projects and apply for those that interest you. But before diving into the world of freelance work, it's important to understand what makes a successful web designer. In my experience, the best indicator of quality is the finished product. As a web designer, you want your work to be seen and appreciated. This is why it's crucial to have a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and style. Freelance work can be a great way to build your portfolio, especially when you're just starting out.
It allows you to take on different projects and experiment with new design challenges. And even if you have a full-time job, freelance work can be a great way to add some exciting projects to your arsenal and expand your skillset. One of the best resources for finding freelance web design jobs is surprisingly not a job search platform, but rather, Reddit. A quick search for "independent web design" or "remote web design" on Reddit returns over 2500 results. This platform not only offers job opportunities but also serves as a community for web designers to share tips, resources, and support. But before we dive into the world of freelance web design, let's clarify the difference between web development and web design.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences. Web developers focus on the behind-the-scenes code that makes a website or application function, while web designers focus on the appearance and user experience. As a web designer, your main responsibilities include determining the overall design, color palette, fonts, and visual themes of a website. This requires a strong understanding of design principles and an eye for aesthetics. And while coding skills are not always necessary for web designers, having some knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Javascript can certainly give you an edge in the job market. In particular, Javascript is becoming increasingly important for web designers as it allows for more interactive and dynamic elements on a website.
So if you're looking to take your skills to the next level, consider learning some basic Javascript.
