Hello. I learned CSS some time ago with the help of a good friend and designer. I learned with him the art of CSS and xhtml using a kind of "notepad" with colors. That's all. So I learned to write the code from 0 and was a good experience and I learned a lot. But now I'm trying to find a job as designer and all the Job offers what I find are requiring the use of Code Editors like "Dreamweaver". Well I have no idea about how to use Dreamweaver (I can just put in code mode and do whatever is needed writing code). But I hate the WYSIWIG (graphic editor) because it writes unnecessary code. Then my question is: Is really important to find a designer job. Learn about how to use editors like Dreamweaver? Must I explain on my CV that I don't need to use it? Thanks for your time, and excuse my orthography, English is not my first language.
It shouldn't be a problem, I know if i was hiring out a design job I just care to see the finished product. The steps taken to make it don't matter. You could also just use dreamweaver to say you did, but just not use the wysiwyg part.
Dreamweaver isn't only a WYSIWYG editor. In fact, I use Dreamweaver and never use that feature of it. Basically you have 3 modes to choose from, you can do code only, a split screen where it basically shows you what you will see if you open the file in a browser, and then the WYSIWYG which is basically the drag and drop solution to creating a website. The good thing about dreamweaver when coding is that it finishes some of your tags, then can be annoying at first, but will speed you up immensley once you get used to it. If your potential employer wants you to use only the WYSIWYG editor tell them that you learned the old school way with nothing but notepad. I'm sure they would much rather have someone like you than someone who knows nothing about the code side.
If someone asks you if you can use dreamweaver they really mean "Can you use the design mode in dreamweaver?" I wouldn't put on your CV that you can't (if you can't), just say you have dreamweaver experience. If they ask in an interview I would say I use the coder mode of dreamweaver as I find it much more reliable. Most employers would look at this as a good thing. Trust me, 3 employers so far have said "it's good that you don't use the design mode" to me. One even told me he gets loads of people coming in who think they are a web designer cause they can make a basic "box looking" website in the design mode. Sadly I wasn't the best qualified so none of these employers hired me.
Thanks very much smatts9, PHPGator and twistedspikes for your comments ideas and sugestions. I feel really better now about what to do & how to confront this problem.
It is worth learning how DW uses templates etc. The main reason why employers specify a program is to enable a common base of code/ html which can easily be shared between different people. For example if the rest of the team uses DW templates but you hand code everything and use includes instead. If some changes need to be made to a site you have created but it is given to another employee to do because you are now busy on another project they have to spend time and effort working out exactly what you have done rather than being able to instantly load the template, make the change and upload the new versions. Whilst business processes are often a pain because they take time/ feel like road blocks/ create bad practice etc there is generally also good reasons why they are in place.