[rBlack42]

I want to start doing web design work properly, semi-professionally at least, at some point. I have a couple of problems though:
-I don't know how to build up a proper portfolio.
-I find it hard to keep motivated/focussed on one job.

I have some idea about the first one, involving working with an established designer, doing work they don't want to do. Though I don't know if this would work or not.
For staying focused, I have no idea, and it seems to be linked with my general lack of motivation to do anything at all just now

[Garyw24]

If you're going to be a freelance web designer then motivation is EVERYTHING. You could get a full time job as a designer where you'll have a manager, deadlines and the need for an income to keep you motivated.

But if you can't get motivated from the word "Go", it might not be the right career choice.

Especially at the beginning where motivation is key. When I started, I couldn't keep away from my work, I was putting in 18 hour days, 7 days a week for the first two years. Even when I didn't have work I was working on ideas and concepts and creating my own websites.

If you want a portfolio, you need to create one and that again is motivation.

Maybe ask yourself how excited and passionate you are about creating and designing web sites? Maybe you need to find a specific area that you love doing, perhaps it's just the graphic design bit, or perhaps it's just coding or programming etc, rather than the whole process of creating a website from beginning to end.

[radiant]

The most difficult thing when you start is not much works how you want it to (coding wise) and the results look like you have gone back to The Internet in 1990 .

Really the best thing to do is try and discover what you enjoy most is it design or coding are two major areas to look at. Above all you must expect to spend months learning through trial and error. You could also pick a well know CMS such as Word Press and learn through using that along with forums, and the gradually find what development you enjoy and then start to dig deeper into that area.

But as Gary states without motivation well...

This post has been edited by radiant: 03 September 2011 - 10:52 PM

[brightonmike]

As the others say, you're going nowhere without motivation.

I would suggest that if you have no motivation or focus to do web design - don't do it. Because it requires both - to an extreme level.

Like Gary, right from the get go when I decided I wanted to do it, I was spending all my free time teaching myself everything I needed to know.

Frankly, that you're not already doing that, and that you seem to question yourself whether it's the right career move, would suggest to me that it's not the one for you.

[troyfawkes]

I was hoping this would be slightly more informative when I saw the title

Does anyone have any sources for portfolio construction? Or start-to-finish, entertaining tutorials for new web designers? I know edu-tainment is silly and we should just be self-motivated, but it's a reality that it's not always a good morning without a cup of coffee.

Have a wonderful day!

[pandadoodle]

If you find it hard to keep motivated and focused then this is not the industry for you the first year is just about getting noticed and you would be lucky to pull in any kind of income. Its going to take you at least 3-5 solid years to get anywhere fast if your not motivated there are other professions that might suit or going on your own is not the right thing to do at the present time in your life. Good Luck either way

[Ilse888]

ohhh I feel the same!
can't help, only moral support!

[Giraffic]

I agree with the above, you'll need to be able to motivate yourself for sure so this is your first challenge to overcome as a portfolio won't be any good to you otherwise.

As for building a portfolio and getting started, check out this video from Michael Locke - I have watched all of his videos, he inspired me to go for it when I first started :-)

[Kyle Bennett]

I love this forum, I am new here.. plz coprote me...

[oakleaves]

Kyle Bennett, on 15 September 2011 - 08:48 AM, said:

plz coprote me...

I might if I knew what it was.

If it involves this or this then I'm not interested

[ayoungh]

Giraffic, on 11 September 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

I agree with the above, you'll need to be able to motivate yourself for sure so this is your first challenge to overcome as a portfolio won't be any good to you otherwise.

As for building a portfolio and getting started, check out this video from Michael Locke - I have watched all of his videos, he inspired me to go for it when I first started :-)

Great link +1

[ayoungh]

I would say get stuck in. Get a client. work with the client, learn. You will need to self motivate yourself but when Your working for a client you will need to get things done and this should help you with the motivation.

Make sure you know the basics. HTML, CSS etc

In regards to a portfolio....I still havent got one up yet woops but am working on client websites. So once you have your first few sites under your belt you have more of a reason to have a portfolio to showcase these.

[roothost]

As for a portfolio, just buy up some .co.uk domains and create some mockups, showcase your skills and practice the bits that interest you. Maybe you like PHP, so mockup a contact form, or try something cool using HTML5 and CSS3.
It doesn't matter if these sites/mockups are fictional companies, the point is practising and giving potential clients something 'physical' to see, rather than just your word that you can design stuff.

[rBlack42]

Thanks everybody who's given advice, sorry for my lack of response, I've been busy with school work and things, but now the year is coming to a close I have more time to work on this.

roothost, on 20 September 2011 - 01:39 PM, said:

As for a portfolio, just buy up some .co.uk domains and create some mockups, showcase your skills and practice the bits that interest you. Maybe you like PHP, so mockup a contact form, or try something cool using HTML5 and CSS3.
It doesn't matter if these sites/mockups are fictional companies, the point is practising and giving potential clients something 'physical' to see, rather than just your word that you can design stuff.

This seems like a really good idea, I might try that, thanks

[MikeChipshop]

[moved to freelance, business and legal]