Blog

The digital world is spinning faster than other planets. Agility and adaptability are necessary survival skills if you strive for success. We're so far away from text-heavy websites that ruled in the 1990s and could make web designers run into the mountains today. It is common knowledge that having just one website is not enough these days. It has to be the perfect mix of form and function, since nothing else deserves attention.

The responsibility for a visually appealing and market-oriented website design now lies with our courageous and relentless website designers. It is not a job for the faint of heart. For a well-designed website, you need to understand both your client's goals and the user experience of the audience they serve. If you are someone who wants to take the challenging path of web design, here are some lessons that can help you:

Unlimited downloads
Over 1,500,000 fonts, models, freebies, and design assets

1. Develop yourself further and further

The digital industry is constantly changing, today's design trends could be outdated tomorrow. You are never really done in this career because change is the driving force. Be sharp, agile, and always ready and willing to adapt and learn an evolving process. Think of it as a student again, but in a school that focuses heavily on your passion for design. Isn't that much better?

For example, the rise of mobile marketing means that web designers have had to recalibrate their knowledge and understanding of design to do justice to the mobile behavior of the market. Designs had to be responsive or risk losing a significant market segment. Trends may come and go, but an agile mindset will continue to work for you, whatever lies ahead.

You may also like … 4 web design tips your web designer doesn't know

2. Trends are not everything

Speaking of trends: While it is true that part of your job as a designer is to know and understand trends, this does not necessarily mean that you have to follow them. As some trends become industry standards, as a designer, you need to delve deeply into what works for you and what doesn't. Use trends as a learning experience, because at the end of the day they became one for a reason. and it's almost always a step closer to better market insights. You don't have to worry about staying up to date as thought leaders have made it their mission to publish content that is specifically designed to predict trends.

3. Maximize resources

The magic of this digital age lies in the fact that your information resources are practically endless. From free online resources and downloadable white papers to online forums and social media groups, the depth of your knowledge pool is only as limited as you set out to be. Learn to take advantage of those who have come before you, the other web designers who have already faced the same challenges and overcome the same hurdles you face now. Find comfort in the fact that not only do you have access to a wealth of information, but also a community of web designers who are ready to help you.

You may also like … 10 web design principles every designer should know

4. Learn to say "no".

As with any career where you have to work closely with a customer, you will eventually face some who believe they know everything. Our advice? The customer is NOT always right in this situation. If you say “no” to some revisions or design inquiries, it is not about stumbling over the ego or arrogance, but about being advisory.

It is important to remember that it took you years and continuously tried to master the craft of design. So be confident in expressing your opinion, especially if you believe that your ideas will help achieve the customer's goal. Being a "yes" designer will slow down your growth and burn you to the point where you start to hate the field.

Listen to what they want, but don't forget that you were hired as an expert to guide you through the process. Just saying yes to every favor is of no use to your customer or your performance. If you come across it, focus on what the customer wants through the request, find an alternative solution and back it up with data.

You may also like … Let yourself be inspired: How to increase your creativity as a web designer

5. Don't box yourself

As a web designer, customer acquisition means that you can effectively market your skills. Nowadays it's about being separated multiple times. Show your talent not only in the area of ​​web design, but also in the areas of communication, account management, critical thinking, marketing and problem solving. If you take the time to really analyze what it means to be a web designer, you will understand that you are MORE than just the title, that your skills are far more extensive than you think. Go back to lesson number 1 every day – keep evolving. The more you learn, the more you are.

Bonus:

6. Update your portfolio and know your value

When you talk about marketing your skills, the first thing customers want to see when they hire a web designer is a portfolio. Take the time to keep yours up to date. So make it a habit to upload your latest work after every project – whether passionate or paid. Show different industries and design styles because versatility will never harm your reputation as a designer.

Also, make sure your portfolio is easily accessible and shared – put it online or download it. An updated portfolio can not only show your range, but can also serve as proof of how you rate yourself as a web designer. If you prove that you can do more than the average designer, you have to ask for more.

last words

We are sure that there are more lessons you can learn yourself if you enjoy this amazing, creative career in web design. However, these six lessons form a good foundation as you prepare for future success. For us, any additional items you pick up along the way will always be based on them in one way or another – you are constantly working, learning, and changing.