How I became a freelance web designer

September 21, 2024

In this article I’m sharing the story of how I first got into web design and coding (neopets & myspace), how I ended up as a software engineer, and how I ended up making the switch to freelance web design. In addition to sharing my design origin story, I also want to make this video helpful for those of you interested in pursuing freelance web design, so I’m including practical tips as well as a general roadmap on steps to take if you’re trying to become a freelance web designer. If you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!

Hi. Over the past week, I’ve gotten a few questions about how I became a freelance web designer, so I thought I’d share my story. Now, this isn’t a perfect blueprint on becoming a freelance web designer. Everyone’s journey is different, but I hope it’s helpful for those interested in pursuing this path.

To start, I began my career as a software engineer. However, I’ll be sharing a general roadmap of steps you can take if you’re looking to become a freelance web designer. Along the way, I’ll also talk about my personal experience.

My journey began in the early 2000s when I was in middle school, and I first encountered code on neopets.com. For those who don’t know, Neopets was a website where you could have virtual pets, and each pet could have its own customizable web page using HTML and CSS. This was when I first discovered the power of code. From Neopets, I moved to customizing my Myspace profile, which was a huge deal back in the day.

These early experiences sparked my interest in coding and web design, but I ended up pursuing a degree in computer science and a career in software engineering. Why? Because I read that software engineers made more money than web designers. Back then, I was more motivated by money than by what I genuinely loved. In hindsight, I wouldn’t recommend that approach.

Now, you don’t need a college degree to become a freelance web designer, but having a little knowledge of HTML, CSS, and maybe even JavaScript can be really helpful.

After college, I worked as a software engineer for about ten years, mostly on the front end. However, I quickly realized I didn’t enjoy the more technical aspects of the job, which made me start thinking about switching to design. I began learning UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design on the side through online classes.

That brings me to the first step in the roadmap: learn the basics of UX and UI design. Take classes, watch YouTube videos, and practice both. Many people focus on UI design because it’s more fun, but UX is just as important.

As I learned more, I told my manager at work about my interest in design. I was lucky enough to get opportunities to do some design work alongside my engineering tasks. I also became friends with the in-house designer, who introduced me to Figma. So, another important step is learning to use Figma—a free, collaborative design tool that’s great for creating wireframes and mockups.

I didn’t think I’d become a freelance web designer at first. I assumed I’d stay in corporate design. But then a friend asked if I could help update her nonprofit’s website. That’s how I got my first client. Their website was built in Squarespace, which I had never used before, so I had to learn it on the fly.

The second step of the roadmap: choose a platform (like Squarespace, Framer, or Webflow) and learn it well. Start by creating sample websites to build your portfolio.

During that first project, I felt like an imposter. But I pushed through the fear, and it taught me two key lessons: feel the fear and do it anyway, and learn how to communicate with clients. At this point, you’ve learned design basics, picked a platform, and made some sites. Now, you need to find clients and develop a workflow.

To get more clients, I told everyone I knew that I was designing websites. My first few clients were nonprofits. They often need help with their websites but lack resources. It’s a great way to build your portfolio while you’re learning.

Initially, I undercharged, and that’s okay when you’re just starting out. It helps you build confidence and improve your processes. But don’t let anyone take advantage of you!

Five years ago, I started my first project, and just recently I’ve felt confident in my workflow. A year ago, I took a freelance web design course that helped me figure out the business side of freelancing, such as contracts and client communication. I’ll link to the course in the description.

At this point, I was still working full-time as a software engineer while freelancing on the side. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I seriously considered freelancing full-time. I created a plan to save money, and eventually, I quit my corporate job to focus on growing my business.

If you’re considering quitting your job, make sure you’ve saved enough money to support yourself for at least a year. Over the past year, I’ve also been learning about website strategy, SEO, and digital marketing. That’s the next step on the roadmap—learning website strategy and marketing. This comes after you’ve worked with a few clients.

No matter where you are in your journey, constantly gather inspiration. I screenshot cool websites, save elements I like in a design pattern library, and use Pinterest for inspiration. It’s an ongoing process.

The last step of the roadmap is learning how to market yourself as a freelance web designer. I’m still working on this, so I can’t give much advice, but it’s definitely an essential part of the journey.

That’s pretty much it. I hope you found this helpful. If you did, give it a like, and I’d love to hear about your own freelance journey in the comments below. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in my next video!

Continuing from where I left off, let’s dive a bit deeper into the specific skills and mindset shifts that helped me transition into freelance web design successfully.

One thing I quickly realized was that freelancing isn’t just about being good at design or coding; it’s about learning how to run a business. That includes everything from understanding contracts and managing client expectations to handling taxes and setting your rates. This was something I wasn’t fully prepared for, but it’s one of the most crucial aspects of freelancing.

In the beginning, it’s tempting to accept every project that comes your way. You want to build a portfolio, gain experience, and frankly, make some money. But over time, you’ll realize the importance of being selective. Not every client or project will align with your vision or skill set, and that’s okay. Saying “no” can be powerful and can save you from a lot of unnecessary stress down the line. As a web designer, you’ll get better at identifying red flags early on in potential projects—whether it’s a client who seems indecisive, a project with an unrealistic timeline, or someone who’s not clear about what they need.

That leads me to another important lesson: set boundaries early and often. As a freelancer, especially when you’re working from home, the lines between personal time and work can blur easily. Clients might expect you to be available at all hours, but it’s important to communicate when you’re available and stick to those boundaries. This can prevent burnout, which is unfortunately common in the freelance world, especially when you’re juggling multiple clients.

Let’s talk about something equally important: pricing your services. As I mentioned earlier, I undercharged when I started, which many new freelancers do. It makes sense—you’re new, you’re still learning, and you want to get your foot in the door. But as you gain experience and confidence, it’s crucial to adjust your pricing to reflect your growing skills. Pricing isn’t just about how much time you spend on a project; it’s about the value you bring to the client. If you’re improving their online presence and potentially increasing their business revenue, that’s worth more than just the hours you put in.

One piece of advice that really helped me was learning to position myself as a problem-solver, not just a service provider. Instead of just designing websites, I started focusing on how I could solve my clients’ problems—whether it was improving user experience, increasing conversions, or streamlining their processes. Clients appreciate when you take the time to understand their business and tailor your services to meet their specific needs.

Another important aspect of freelancing is networking. I know, the word can be intimidating, but networking doesn’t have to be formal or forced. I found a lot of my initial clients through word of mouth, by simply letting people know what I do. Every conversation you have is an opportunity to connect with someone who might need your services or know someone who does. And don’t be afraid to attend events, whether they’re in person or virtual. The more people you meet, the more you’ll expand your potential client base.

Social media has also been a huge tool for me in building my freelance business. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can be great for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients. It’s also a great way to stay relevant and keep your portfolio visible to a wider audience. Don’t hesitate to share the behind-the-scenes of your work process, successes, and even challenges. Being authentic and transparent helps build trust with potential clients.

One of the most rewarding aspects of freelancing is the freedom to work on projects that genuinely excite you. Over time, you’ll be able to narrow down your niche, whether it’s designing for a specific industry, like nonprofits or e-commerce, or focusing on a particular style or platform, like Squarespace or Webflow. Specializing can help you stand out in a crowded market and make you the go-to expert for that niche.

As I continued to grow my freelance business, I also learned the importance of continuous learning. The design world, like tech, is always evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques is crucial. I regularly invest in online courses, attend webinars, and read design blogs to keep my skills sharp. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a new design tool, a different approach to user experience, or even strategies for improving client relations.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of having a support system. Freelancing can feel lonely at times, especially when you’re working solo. Surround yourself with other freelancers or creatives who understand the challenges you’re facing. Join online communities, attend meetups, or connect with other designers. Having people to bounce ideas off of, share experiences, or even just vent to can make a huge difference in your freelance journey.

So to wrap things up, if you’re considering freelancing, remember that it’s as much about developing your business skills as it is about honing your craft. It’s a journey that requires resilience, constant learning, and a lot of self-motivation, but the rewards are well worth it. Freelancing gives you the freedom to work on projects you’re passionate about and the flexibility to design the career and lifestyle you want.

I hope these insights have been helpful, and if you’re on a similar freelance journey, I’d love to hear your story. Thanks again for watching (or reading) this far, and I’ll see you in my next video!