I want to build up a portfolio, but I don't want to do any commercial work until I feel confident I can deliver something good.

 

I have been thinking about taking a course because it means I can carry out projects with real deadlines, but with the end result not actually being used.

 

The problem is most of these courses are an introduction to coding and I am well into the intermediate stage. I feel that I have the skills to design and code a fully functional website but at the moment my project management skills could improve immensely.

 

I feel I work best with a structured program as it would drive me to produce more completed sites.

 

What advice to do have to help me increase my portfolio. Also, how many sites do you recommend I have in it before starting commercial work?

Ask around and see if people want a website made for say £50. Then you have something to put in your port

also, try http://www.linda.com/ who do video tutorials to a high quality

How about contacting small local charities that you have an interest in explaining your level of skill and saying that you would like to do them a site for free if they are interested. They get a new site that they can always change at a later date and you get something to add to your portfolio as well as the opportunity to practice as well as a good dose of karma.

Ash meant http://www.lynda.com

approach small businesses in your local area, or just create sites for yourself (ficticious ones) so that you can build up a portfolio.

 

I don't know what languages you have in your locker but perhaps, if you don't know JS, find a course that includes this.

 

I have done sites for friends, family etc and am building up a small portfolio myself.

 

Regards,

J

I would say paying for a course would be an unnecessary expense.

 

Contact friends and family, see if they know anyone who is after a website; I did this when I was starting out, and you'd be surprised how many people (who know people that know people) have been considering getting a website for a while.

 

If that doesn't work out, contact as many local businesses as you can (particularly those with outdated or NO website!). Let them know your position, and that you'd be willing to do them a website for free or a small amount of cash, or even perhaps for a discount on one of thier services.

 

The first website that I set out to design and code myself, was one containing photographs from a recent Valentines weekend with my girlfriend. I found it quite easy to stick too because I was excited about showing her the end result. So, worst case scenario, create a website for something you are passionate about, as this will decrease the liklehood of you losing motivation half way through.

 

The bottom line is, each and every website you create, whether paid, with a practical function or just for fun, gains you a piece for your portfolio and valuable experience, so get creating!!

 

 

Kyle

When i started up I put free ads in the paper and online classifieds offering a free design service for a limited time. I made it very clear to people that I was a student after some design work and for the most part people were quite happy to go along with that. I did get a lot of people asking what the catch was though and thought I was some sort of rogue trader style designer... It can be tough, even to get free stuff when you have no examples of previous work.

 

Just make some sites, be creative, if you can't get any local charities or clubs who want to work with you then just do your own stuff. Make some functional funky sites that work and let your creative side go wild. I can't stress how valuable it is to actually go through the design process though. First time I had to actually sit down with a potential client was pretty scary, then going through the whole 'i don't like that' 'can you change that' 'can you add that' was also very valuable. I would recommend trying to get some free work before going for commercial work just for the experience really! There really is more to the whole 'web designer' role than most people realise. We dont get enough credit

I am actually in a similar situation, I am proficient in web design but I am taking a course in Digital Media which involves making several websites. At the moment I am working on a website about where I live and my teacher has given me instructions about what the website has to do at the end and help with planning it.

 

I would go for it!

When i started up I put free ads in the paper and online classifieds offering a free design service for a limited time. I made it very clear to people that I was a student after some design work and for the most part people were quite happy to go along with that. I did get a lot of people asking what the catch was though and thought I was some sort of rogue trader style designer... It can be tough, even to get free stuff when you have no examples of previous work.

 

I've just considered putting an add in the local post office. I've done fictitious work and just done my first actual client, which was a friend. The whole process is quite different, as well as the added pressure to produce something great along with the old "change this & that" things.

 

Bottom line, imo, deffo get some off friends or free work before you go charging for stuff.

 

Good luck,

~Evu.

Ash meant http://www.lynda.com

 

i did indeed, god knows why i put I instead of Y :S

Thanks for all of your advice.

 

I don't feel confident enough yet to take on local businesses and charities, but I will ask my friends and family.

 

I do want to make fictious sites. I have even thought about making Blogger templates. What would help is carrying out projects with a set brief. I have tons of ideas and I can start projects easily. What I need to build on is the confidence and determination to see them through to the end.

 

I have seen the design competitions on this site, so that might be on my list for this month.

 

I have heard of Lynda, visited it during a trial period, then avoided it because it is subscription based. If it has advice on project management or fictional briefs then I might give it a go. Regardless, thanks for the recommendation.

The first website that I set out to design and code myself, was one containing photographs from a recent Valentines weekend with my girlfriend. I found it quite easy to stick too because I was excited about showing her the end result. So, worst case scenario, create a website for something you are passionate about, as this will decrease the liklehood of you losing motivation half way through.

 

BTW, I really like this idea. (Although I'll try a different type of project!)

I don't feel confident enough yet to take on local businesses and charities, but I will ask my friends and family.

 

Not being confident will be your greatest asset! You'll never work as fluidly or learn as quickly as when you are out of your comfort zone, friends and family will never give you 'real' constructive criticism.

 

For these reasons i really urge you to find some charities or community groups to do gratis work for

 

Whatever you end up choosing to do, good luck.