Career Tips for Designers

When I started designing for the Web in the early 1990s, the only tools I needed were a text editor, photo editing software and HTML for Dummies. Websites were brochure-ware, not straying far from print design practices. Oh how the Web world has turned. Today's Web designers must be videophiles, CSS strategists and usability experts. So what's a mid-career designer to do?

Keep an Open Mind
Sometimes it seems there are as many Web technologies as there are Web designers. Video promotes everything from diet drugs to presidential candidates. Flash has moved beyond exploding cartoon heads. An alphabet soup of XHTML, CSS and XML has entered the Web designer's vocabulary. Now is not the time to retreat. It's the time to kick the tires to better understand how Web technologies fit into the bigger picture. Read current news about the Web. Make a mental note of what technologies intrigue you. Talk with your co-workers about what attracts them to Web sites. Take it all in and go from there.

Become an Expert
Pick one or two technologies that will be useful for your company. Understanding the goals of your organization will help you choose. Digital video demonstrations may appeal to product driven companies, while XML may work well for information-based businesses.

Many organizations provide paid training through the company or by partnering with educational centers. Some classes take as little as a few days to teach basic skills. Co-workers are also a great source for information. Look over the shoulders of other designers. Seek out opportunities to practice whether through projects at your company, volunteer opportunities or on your own time. With dedication and practice you can become a master.

Get help
You can't be an expert at everything Web-related. When you reach a roadblock, your best resource is your contact list. Sort through the business cards, promo sheets and vendor brochures in your overflowing file drawer to find a professional able to fill the gap in your skill set. Add the pro to your team and...tah dah. You move the project forward and impress your colleagues with your savvy decision making.

Web design is an ever-morphing profession and technology-smarts are requisite. With a few new tricks, designers can move from technology beware to technology aware.