How I became a freelance web designer

In this video 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!

If you want me to build you a website fill out this form:

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WHERE TO FIND ME

spoonflower shop (where I sell my patterns):

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FILMING GEAR

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Chapters
00:00 intro
00:33 how I first got into web design & coding
02:08 why I decided to pursue software engineering instead of web design
03:32 how I got started with design
05:21 first web design client
06:15 learning to communicate with clients
07:02 how to get more clients
08:52 transitioning from corporate to freelance
10:03 final steps to becoming a freelance web designer

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All opinions are my own. Some links listed are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if anyone decides to purchase through them. Thank you so much for your support!
#webdesign #corporatedropout #freelancer

[MrJmhess]

Ahhh you just brought back many nostalgic memories with the MySpace days. Those really were the wild west days of the internet.

[zoinks]

Love your idea of using notion to create databases of web elements that inspire you. Will be incorporating that into my workflow as well ❤

[lukasa]

This was fantastic! Organized, straight to the point and useful! Have no doubt you're a successful designer :)

[oflycute]

Thanks for sharing! Im currently building out my web design/ development business after not being able to land a job for 7 months. Love the roadmap you gave, it let me know I'm on the right path

[dannoseworthy]

I always laugh when someone brings up Neopets. This was LIFE for a generation of kids back in 2000's!

[Ushaa]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm a full-time housewife, learning UX ui design on the side, After spending, 2 years of learning, and building 2 case studies, I found this video so so helpful, hopeful, I got into ux ui design, just like how you got into software engineering, but plot twist, I started liking user research, and now I have developed interest for design as well. I only worked on mobile real estate so far, and now I'm stepping into website designing for my portfolio. I loved your entire journey and story; not only it's relatable, but also it's very clear. Your breakdown of the roadmap, especially what is of immediate value and what can be upskilled in the future, was truly like solving all of my fears and thoughts in one go. thanks so much and all the best :)

[mrKYLieRIck]

I've been working as a software engineer, and I finally enrolled in an online UI/UX design course. When you mentioned working on something behind the scenes besides front-end, I totally relate I used to feel the same way and hated it. I thought I was the only one! Hopefully, my transition will be smooth and I'll land a job that's both easier and more enjoyable for me. Thanks for sharing!

[GuerillaRadio]

This video really resonates with me. I’ve been a corporate software engineer (front end) for 10 years too and I’ve reached the point where I’m no longer enjoying it - have probably not enjoyed it for around 3 years in all honesty. I hate the constant churn of technologies and feeling like you’ve constantly got to keep up with the latest trend in order to stay relevant. I might be wrong but it feels like design is more about honing your craft and solving user problems instead of a constant battle with technology.

[ohgeezdenise]

I’m glad I discovered your account! Love what you share and am learning a lot. I’m also planning to switch career paths and your journey and designs have been inspiring 💗

[ankitaverma]

hi Jen, i am also a cse student and i am doing it cuz it sounds "safe". when i came across your channel, i felt oddly seen. so thank you for your videos :)

[Winston_chibuike]

Hi jon webb.

I love your story of how you transitioned from software engineering to web design because that's the journey I'm currently on right now.

Started learning UI/UX Design two weeks after high school and then got into college to study software engineering.

I feel like you're telling my story...❤😂

[iakanshasoni]

Thank you for sharing these insights and the roadmap.
I am a freelance web designer and Framer developer with over a year of experience.
I'm still learning new things about design and freelancing every day.
I feel like the last step, "marketing yourself as a designer, " is especially important.
If you have any details or information about it, please let us know,
as it is a consistent and practical approach and one of the most important steps to getting more clients.

[jajayster]

I’m currently in a front end bootcamp and almost finished! I’ve been scared as the job postings for entry level are scary but this gives me peace in seeing that I can at least work for my self! Thank you

[stephtong]

Go Jen! ❤ honestly love the growth and journey.❤❤

[LP-ejys]

Love your channel! 🎉 thank you for sharing!!

[rainbowsmile]

very helpful i want to start a freelance web design business!!!

[shubhsharma]

I am a CS student who is more interested in design part of tech, So i started doing UI/UX couple of months ago along with my Development, and then after some months i got my first internship as a Product designer for a small startup, the pay isnt much great but i am learning and collaborating with them, work is all remote.

Next i want to start utilising these design skills with my web development skills.

[simoncallelaverde]

I also went to Uni from 2008 to 2013, I also worked as a Front-end (for 5 years) and later started learning UX, UI, and mostly Design. I'm also starting again as a Freelance Web Designer this year, because someone came to me for some work... I was also trying to get into something corporate as a UX or UI at the beginning of the year when this project came, then another.

[christinacreighton]

Could you do a video on how to go about learning CSS for Squarespace?

[Kozi]

I miss myspace so so much (I had a awesome profile :P)