It's been a long time since I've asked for advice about this. I have always designed websites by raw-coding HTML/CSS/PHP into Notepad and came out with about 100 websites including these: http://www.lolblackjack.com/ or http://www.bigmoneyforum.com/ I am now interested in become a professional web designer and being employed by someone on a salary and I don't know if my skills are currently good enough. I was wondering if there are any professionals out reading this. If there is, what do you use to create websites? (Notepad, Dreamweaver, etc?) How would I be able to create a website template like these with the gadgets?: http://www.inowweb.com/ http://www.ciplex.com/ http://www.5shadeswebsitedesign.com/ Where would a good place be to start on these Web 2.0 dynamic, curvy, Flash, gadgety type sites? I've been reading a lot of job requirements and they are looking for people who know JavaScript, ActionScript and Flash. I have worked on simple things like image rotators and media players. As of right now, I am really studying up and trying to learn how to use these tools. So I was wondering what type of work would be considered professional or hirable? Thanks
What skills you need and programs you need to be versed in depends on who you'll be working for. I am currently a sub-contractor for a company that requires HTML/CSS knowledge, but we primarily deal with WordPress. I also use Microsoft's Expression Web for sales letter and squeeze pages. On the other hand, I am aware of local design companies that require expertise in Photoshop and Dreamweaver. I recommend you take a look at the companies you'd like to work for and find out what tools they use. Then take online courses, or classes at a local community college or technology center to learn those tools. Hope this helps!
You are right Michelle, This fellow has to work on a lots of program as it totally depends upon the company , in which he want to work. HTML, CSS, JavaScript , PHP , Photoshop and Flash are required to build a carrier in web.
Right now, I would consider myself an expert at HTML/CSS. I use PHP for all my files now (which includes HTML inside of it) and I have used Photoshop countless times to take screenshots, crop images, optimize for bandwidth, make water marks and stuff like that although I am NOT an artist. Actually, I'm going to download Adobe Creative Suite 5: Master Collection sometime today to start getting more experience with Flash, really fancy stuff, plus have some future tools to use and learn. The only time I've ever used Flash was for a nice image rotator and media player, which was simple to set up with hard-coding ActionScript into notepad. Has anyone tried out Adobe CS5 Master Collection yet? I finished an entire tutorial for JavaScript last night to refresh on it and it was simple to use. Problem is, I don't use Flash or Javascript on a regular basis because of SEO, search indexing problems and browser issues. So why would companies want me to be really good at that stuff? Unless they were not making sole income from search engine traffic.
I don't know Flash or Javascript either. I am familiar enough with PHP to use it, but couldn't sit down and create a script. When I need someone to write in javascript, flash or PHP, I hire someone who is an expert in those things. That said, there may be companies that require javascript or flash for parts of their websites and they may or may not want their web designers to create them. You'd have to check with the company.