Marshall - 4:00 am on Sep 9, 2011 (gmt 0)

There is more to web design that "pretty sites." You have to be a designer, developer, artist (as in graphics), marketer, SEO skilled and risk taker. But, what I believe is one of the most important skills and is not taught in (web design) school is interpersonal relationships. The ability to relate to and talk with (not at) your client/potential client. To understand their needs/wants and transform that into something functional.

I spent most of my life as a theatrical set and lighting designer (before I got into web design) and dealing with opinionated or arrogant or narrow minded people is the hardest part. As long as you understand your relationship to the client and your place in respect to theirs, it is possible to make a go of it. Otherwise, don't bother as you will become very frustrated and disenchanted very fast. Some things are just not worth the aggravation.

Marshall