New to Web Design

Hi

[NewMasterInTown]

I just wanted to say that I've always loved graphics and web design, however I never had the time or money to get some formal training.
I got laid off from my job as a IS Dept. Manager back in Sept. (I've been a Network admin/computer support person for over 12 years) and I've decided to change my life around and get into Web Design (FINALLY).
I enrolled into Johns Hopkins University back in Sept. 2002, completed my graphics training (Quark Xpress, Illustrator and Photoshop), I'm currently enrolled in the Web Developer Master Program and just finished HTML and advanced HTML along with CSS.
I still have Dream Weaver, Image Ready, Flash, java script and Cold Fusion to go.
The problem that I'm having is trying to find employment (entry level), I would love to get my feet in the door and really start using my skills, I've created a site for a local church (for free, just for the experience)
Thanks for listening (or reading)

[edited by: heini at 3:24 pm (utc) on Dec. 13, 2002]
[edit reason] no urls, please ¦ thanks [/edit]

[BlobFisk]

Welcome [webmasterworld.com] to WebmasterWorld, NewMasterInTown.

Best of luck with the site and with the job hunting. The best thing is to try and get a portfolio together - even if it means doing free gratis or pro bono work. With a greater number of sites to your credit the chances of getting in somewhere increase.

Best of luck!

<edit>Typo fix</edit>

[edited by: BlobFisk at 4:16 pm (utc) on Dec. 13, 2002]

[NewMasterInTown]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

[JamesR]

I have heard of others offering their assistance to large, well-known non-profits for free in order to build a portfolio.

I would suggest taking on small projects, possibly talking to small businesses locally, working for cheap and then building your experience, portfolio, and price as time goes on.

[HoloC76]

Kind of off on a tangent, but when doing "free" work for non-profits, etc., to build the portfolio, what about updating? Has anyone who has created a free site offered to continue updating it? What are the alternatives? Sure, a free site would be great for some orgs, but what's the point if they're not kept current? I suppose just for general info...? It's just something I've wondered about.

[NewMasterInTown]

I've actually maintain the "free" site that I created for this church but I told them at the beginning that if at some point it becomes to be too much, I would be more than happy to train somebody to keep it up (updates).

FYI, I'm also happy that some other organization just contacted me to build a site for them as well, I guess the word is starting to get around!

[HoloC76]

That's great news! I hope everything continues to go well for you. I suppose it's all worthwhile when you're doing something you enjoy. And it's all good experience, too!

[NewMasterInTown]

Thank you,
I'm actually thinking about building like a portfolio site for myself so potential employers can come and look at my resume, samples of my graphics, etc.