5 Great Career Tips for Junior Web Designers
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Starting in a big company, as your first job, can be nerve-wrecking. There are so many things that you need to get accustomed to, in a short time. You will see so many people that you think they got it all figured out, but, in fact, they are just going with the flow, learning every step of the way.
Don’t despair, you will soon be able to fake it like them, and at least, you will have some experience to back it up. To get there, you need to practice every moment of your time and put passion in what you do.You will learn faster, and better if you love doing your job. But don’t let that get stuck in your mind, be open to change and look for opportunities.
Challenge yourself with each new project, so you can constantly grow as a creative professional. And the most important thing there is, work with good people, which can teach you in any sort of way. Enough chit-chat. Scroll down and see for yourself these great tips for junior web designers.
1. Embrace the Company’s Culture
Every company has different approaches regarding policies, procedures and its own set of rules. Besides that, every company works differently with its employees. You will feel as an outsider the minute you walk into the building, and you shouldn’t feel bad or awkward about it.
It is a normal thing that occurs to everyone. But you need to break away from that status, and get involved, ask questions, be productive and help each other out. Remember, you are just getting settled in with people that probably have been working together for months, or years. It is not an easy task to make yourself heard, and be truly a part of the team.
Get interested in activities, events that the company holds. It can be a great way to mingle with your colleagues in a more casual way. Don’t stop there though, socializing with your colleagues outside of work is a must, and can build strong relationships, that will surely help you on your creative path.
2. Respect the Client
Clients are challenging. Every single web developer, designer that works with clients that give them constantly feedback, knows this. Your client can be anyone, regardless of their education, tone, moral conduct, music preferences or whatever you may think of, they must be treated with professionalism, and with respect.
Remember, they are hiring you, they are your boss. But being your boss, doesn’t always make them right. You need to learn how to effectively talk to your clients, and not go head in blurting ideas, or telling them how they don’t really want their website.
The thing is, if you want them to come back, to recommend you to their friends, or work colleagues, you need to compromise certain aspects of your job, meaning sucking it up, and doing a website how your clients want you too, even if you think it is ugly, or has absolutely no point. Keep in mind though, be diplomatic and tell them your ideas, without enforcing them.
3. Mind the Clock
Being a web designer means that you don’t have a 9:00 to 5:00 job. You don’t really know when creativity is going to strike you, so leaving the office at exactly 5:00 will actually be a downfall for you. Punch in those late hours and let the spark of creativity flourish. You should nurture the moments when creativity hits, and not be blue, just because you’re staying late at work.
Remember that through experiences like this, you will grow as a creative professional. When you will get past the fact that your work day doesn’t end at 5:00, you will do so many great things, because you are leaving the stress behind, and just focusing on your projects.
Pouring all your passion in your job comes with a great cost, be careful, not to push over your limits too much, you also need to get some rest, have fun, so you will be able to work another day. Don’t be an workaholic, that ends up hating his, or hers, job.
4. Ask Questions
Asking questions is the way to go, if you want to show to your peers, and your bosses, that you are ready to learn. You are going to be a new addition to the company, don’t make them regret hiring you. It won’t work well for both parties.
If you hit a roadblock, don’t be ashamed, and ask for help, ask for information, so the next time you will encounter a problem, you can work it out yourself. Of course, you will have an orientation were someone will show you the ropes of the company, but most of the important things that you will certainty bump into, are going to be learned the hard way.
Don’t fret, everyone is going through this phase. It is more important to get out of it with flying colors, and not be afraid of the next challenge that awaits you.
5. Check Your Work
Yes, you are eager to prove yourself. Your boss appointed you with a hard task, that you managed to finish quickly, and in the heat of the moment, you sent it without double checking it. That is a big no no, right there. Check your work, take time. Efficiency is really important.
You don’t want your boss to send back your work, criticizing it, adding annotations where to change things. It will inevitably happen in you career, but best to happen when the art direction changes its mind, not because there are obvious rookie mistakes visible. Before you submit your task, be sure that you double checked it, assuring that there are no mistakes.
A good manager always prefers that the work done slower, if that means that there are no error bulks.
Great tips, i think the biggest thing I learnt when starting in web design was sticking to a timescale. I no longer had the time to wait for the inspiration to design and code when deadlines are looming you have to just put in the hours and get the work done. As you have said 9-5 just doesn’t happen all that often.
Hi Jack! Indeed, sticking to a timescale is very important. Sometimes the inspiration comes from all the pressure, but it’s not a rule. I wish you loads of creativity and inspiration :)
This will be very helpful post for new designer. If you post some article like this then new designer like will be highly benefited.