Ok so I have html/css knowledge I have made more than a few practice sites on courses/in my spare time. I should mention I am savvy in photoshop and also have a little php and general programming principles down.

 

Now I want to get work. I already guessed that a portfolio website would be handy and can do that. But how does a newbie like me get work? I fear clients will just want more experienced designers. But I am quite confident in my ability particularly in design.

 

I am guessing you guys have all been here. What do I do now? Thanks much!

This isn't first hand experience, but I know that a lot of people have just started by doing a website for a friend / family member; then word gets around all their friends and family, then one of them wants a site done, etc.

 

For general work from people you won't know; advertise!

Yeah thanks I am prolly gonna put an ad in my local paper. I'm not gonna pretend I am amazing when I am a total noob! Just build from the crappy jobs I guess!

Yeah thanks I am prolly gonna put an ad in my local paper. I'm not gonna pretend I am amazing when I am a total noob! Just build from the crappy jobs I guess!

 

You definately need a portfolio - if the client likes what he/she sees they will contact you. Just make sure that if you do get a job, you a capable of completing the job as per the spec.