Web design is a career that is well suited to individual work. You do not need a large office or a team of colleagues. An ingenious designer can usually find ways to manage their business effectively.
That is probably why so many of us have chosen to work as volunteers. There is the opportunity to embark on a project that we enjoy and do so on our attractive terms. For some people, it’s a great alternative to being stuck in a cube all day.
Still, working alone does not mean that you should feel alone. There can be all the difference if there are helpful and supportive people in your life – and that extends to your professional journey.
This is where the web design community can play a more vital role. Here are some ways in which it can benefit every independent web designer.
Business Advice Resource
By joining the web design community, you will open the door to a world of possibilities. For example, you could approach someone who has a positive impact on your career.
This is crucial because, let ‘s face it – running a freelance web design business is challenging. It can be difficult to differentiate yourself from competitors or even figure out the best services to offer. Add to that an ever-changing range of tools and technologies that make it easy to feel overwhelmed.
Advice from a seasoned professional can be invaluable. Look around and you may find one or more designers who have addressed similar situations. They could be at a local meeting or active on social media.
Regardless, having a conversation with someone who understands is comforting. It’s an opportunity to talk about the successes, failures, fears and realities of freelance practitioners.
And while we cannot expect anyone to fix our problems, we can point to someone else ‘s point of view in the right direction.
Seeking Help With Your Projects
Have you ever felt stuck in the middle of a web project? Maybe it’s a bit of code that you can’t figure out or a layout that doesn’t work as you expected. It is something that all of us have faced.
Similarly, some projects are far too large to handle alone. There are too many things to do and not enough time. Again, a universal struggle among independent workers.
The web design community is well equipped to help you. There are many experts who are ready and willing to do it.
For example, you might link to a developer who will help you find a code snippet in working order. Or you can find a tutorial that explains the exact question you are working on.
It’s even better to expand your network by building relationships with other web designers. These are the people you can call on to help rescue a project or get your hands on it from the start.
And it goes both ways. The result is a mutually beneficial relationship that makes it easier to tackle the pros and cons of project work.
Keeping Up With The New Technology
The web design industry is moving fast. And keeping up with what’s new can be a mental experience. After all, just so much time a day is spent reading up on the latest buzzworthy technology.
This is another reason why the connections you make within the community are so valuable. You can cut through the hype and have conversations with those with real world experiences.
It is a view that you cannot get from press releases or news articles. Is that new fancy tool worth your time? It’s a great way to talk to someone who has used it.
The larger your network, the more diverse the views. But this allows you to see the pros and cons of a particular technology. It can be the basis for deciding what is right for you.
Free tour guide,
No matter how much experience a web designer has, there are still things we do not know. Whether it’s free practice or the technical aspects of our job, none of us has all the answers.
Fortunately, we can get a helping hand in the form of a huge global community. And many of its members are incredibly smart and generous with their time. It is a resource worth building on and learning from.
This is especially important for volunteers. It can be a lonely gig and one where you feel like you have to do everything yourself. By finding some friendships among other designers, it provides an emotional and professional boost.
So, don’t be afraid to get in touch with the web design community. It’s likely to get the support you need – regardless of the challenges you face.
