The Wholesale Forums

[TOF_Hackbridge]

Hello everyone,

I would like to know what are necessarily, the skills a web designer should have? What separates the Men/Ladies from the Boys/Girls?

Are there any web designers here on the forum, what skills did you acquire beforehand, or do you need qualifications?

Kind regards

Brian

[Big Phil]

I have no qualifications. I've taught myself what I know. Unfortunately, that does have some disadvantages, as when I've tried to apply for web design jobs in the past, companies have turned me down because I don't have a piece of paper saying that I can do what I do.

When I'm doing design work for people, I try to show them examples and a few sample layouts, and always work with the client from start to finish where possible - especially where their requirements are specific.

If I'm hiring somebody to do stuff for me, the same applies really. I would never have somebody do a design job for me without seeing a portfolio and some working examples of what they can do.

[Bradley]

Boys =

Basic PHP scripting
Good html and css skills.


Men =

PHP coded in an object orientated Design. Really good knowledge of security of imputs and any types of sloppy coding that could lead to holes.

Good understanding of mysql and able to build databases.

Able to write a little AJAX. You can make form pages that if someone enters the wrong type of imput it will bring up an error with it, without having to reload the page.

Enough knowledge of Regular Expressions to be able to write good validation in php. Some big Regular Expression coding can look really mind boggling if you don't understand it. Also with Regular Expressions you can do other stuff like URL re-writing. So you can make a dynamic php URL into a nice html URL with what ever you want in that URL.


There is a really good book that's about building good sites with things like what I said above. It's called Building Scalable Web Sites by O'Reily.

You can do Certs in PHP and MYSQL. I don't see the point in doing MYSQL certs to get a job doing web design when a job as an MYSQL admin would proberly pay better anyways.

Also when I see job postings for web designers they always want you to know everything. PHP, mysql, AJAZ/Java Script and all other stuff that would proberly take years to learn.

If you know anything about databases, just forget the web design m8 and go buy a Oracle 10g self study book for £20 from amazon. There is a new 11g version, but most jobs are looking for 10g admins anyways. There are two tests that cost like £60 each and you have to pay £1300 to do a course. You have to have done the course to get the cert. Once your done you can get a starter job for like £30k to £35k and then after 2 years experience get a job for over £45k.

The amount of time it will take you to get everything you need to know for a good webdesign job and you could do that Oracle cert in 3 months if you study hard. Just study as much as you can and then do the two tests. Once you done the tests you can pay £1300 for the course as you know once it's done you will be able to get a good job. The course is to help you do the test, but I wouln't pay that amount unless I knew it was the last thing I needed.

[TOF_Hackbridge]

Thanks for your replies - much appreciated.

Brian

[Martin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Really good knowledge of security of imputs[/b]

I'll tell you what's important (from my experience):-

Ability to spell correctly, and adequate knowledge of English grammar and punctuation - especially if that's one of your own weak points. I can't believe how many "professional" sites are full of mistakes. Most are not serious but give a bad impression. Some are serious because they change the intended meaning or make it ambiguous.

Lack of good English abilities can result in written communication problems and you might not get the site which you specify, unless the designer is local and lets you look over his shoulder.

In addition, you should be able to provide ALL images and text for your site. If you expect the web site designer to provide these then the price will increase accordingly and you may not get what you want. You may even end up with copyright images and text on your site, which can result in legal problems!

[TOF_andrew]

I've been a web pro for nearly ten years and no longer do much of the design or coding myself, I get others to do it for me.

Two things are important, proffesionalism and above all reliability

[Martin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (andrew @ Aug 6 2008, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Two things are important, proffesionalism and above all reliability[/b]

And the ability to spell "professionalism" - sorry, only kidding.

[TOF_andrew]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Martin @ Aug 26 2008, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

And the ability to spell "professionalism" - sorry, only kidding. [/b]

Fortunately it's not a work that pops up on my invoices

[Martin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (andrew @ Aug 26 2008, 04:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Fortunately it's not a work ..[/b]

I think you're working too hard.

[TOF_andrew]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Martin @ Sep 2 2008, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I think you're working too hard. [/b]

Hells teeth, I must be if I can't tell the difference between 'word' and 'work'!