Expert: Lori - 1/24/2005

Question
I am 14 and how would I prepare myself to become a web designer?

Answer
If you're asking about what classes you should take... well... My master's degree (and my "real" profession) is in theology (religion) with a minor in archaeology and mathematics - not exactly a great basis for web design.  I took over a volunteer web site five years ago so I have to think (hard) about what in my history enabled me capable of doing web work.

I took the basic art classes in high school - the only ones offered (one per year).  I feel an art background is essential in teaching style, color, design, etc.  If you can get into a computer graphics class, do.  If not, gather up all the computer graphics software you can and play around - create different styles of logos, images, files, etc.  Train yourself in graphics creation and manipulation.

I also took a business class my HS offered called Sales & Marketing.  This basic understanding of the world of advertising and marketing has really helped me out over the years.

Of course, computer classes.  These weren't offered back in the late 1980s when I was in HS so I'm one of the early self-taught hackers.  One really has to have a masterful grip on file systems and formats to create a decent, smooth-working site.

Visit lots of websites.  Note what works and what doesn't, what you like and what you don't.

I have gotten many of my web site jobs by finding really lousy web sites, re-designing them and showing the company my idea(s) and what their site should be.

Experts say the economy is heading from being manufacturing-based to being service-based.  Web design is a service-based occupation.  We offer a service, not a product.  It's a good field to go into, in my opinion.