Thread by @IrenGlass

How I went from coding newbie to a Freelance Web Developer:
Web Design is the Secret Sauce

10 lessons I learned

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1. There isn't much to learn

You don't need to be a hirable UI/UX designer
You need to understand the basics of web pages' structure.

Learn as you grow.
Practice is the best teacher.

2. Web Design makes you stand out

Without learning Figma
Without courses on UI/UX

I won my first freelance gig,
I have been putting food on the table for 12 months.

All that because, being a frontend developer, I have an eye on design.

3. You don't need color theory

The truth: color theory is useless when you're a beginner

You need a practical guide on how to choose colors for your web projects

A free guide with a step-by-step process:
bit.ly/3iBO3z3

4. Don't be overwhelmed with spacing

People who take it from their heads just stole it 1000 times

Use margins from templates
Steal it from Chrome Dev tools

Do what works for you

You will start feeling it over time, no doubts.

5. Learn Layout patterns

There isn't much of them
They add structure to your analysis

The moment you learn the patterns, you'll start recognizing them everywhere.

They will give you the freedom to unpack any website you like.

6. Mobile-first is the best approach

It's everywhere
It's easier than desktop-first
It teaches you how to prioritize content

As you start building mobile-first layouts, you'll see how pages build themselves in no time

7. Learn from others

Read case studies
Find similar websites
Use what works for them in your projects

There is nothing wrong with "stealing" ideas

This is how art works

8. Understand people behavior

At least, have the basic idea of how people use the web nowadays.

Check websites you love
Check websites you hate

Think about what works
Think about what doesn't

Read Steve Krug's "Don't make me think":
amzn.to/3kGMdzu

9. Bootstrap helps

It's responsive
It's easy to get started with
It's customizable in no time
It has billions of free and cheap templates

Don't hesitate to use existing solutions

10. Learn by customizing

Pick a template
Play around with it
Create new pages out of old ones

Voila! You designed something new.

It's easy and nobody cares

If you love this thread please share it

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Then, if you have a question
If you need any help

Shoot me a DM