Five Ways to Raise Your Profile as a Web Designer

by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@webdesignschoolreview.com
Web Design School Review Columnist

How you do stand out among the hundreds of thousands of graphic and professional web site designers that work in the United States? Getting national attention might be hard, but these five tips will show you how to garner some attention in your region.

Enter a professional web site design contest. One of the most obvious ways to receive attention for your work is to enter (and win) a web design contest. You can learn about such contests through networking groups for art directors and graphic designers, including the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the Art Directors Guild. They hold competitions regularly in a variety of categories—and while the competition is tough, the acclaim is great, so it’s very much worth the extra time and effort.

Join a networking group for web designers or communications professionals. Every mid to large size city will have networking groups for people who share a profession. Again, the American Institute of Graphic Designers and the Art Directors Guild may have chapters in your area. But don’t limit yourself to design-oriented groups alone. There are many advertising and communications groups whose membership you could also benefit from.

Seek out professional speaking opportunities. Speaking engagements can come up as a result of membership in a professional web site design networking group. Learn about conventions held by communications or web design groups and look for opportunities to speak on a topic in which you have some expertise. Call or write to the session organizers to see if there is a breakout session or panel discussion in which you could contribute as a speaker.

Take classes to enhance your web design skills. Continuous learning will make sure your professional web site design skills are fresh and sharp. Learn about the latest technology and how to use it effectively. In addition to taking classes, read industry journals and magazines such as Wired and Layers.

Share you learning with others. Look for opportunities to share your knowledge with those who are less fortunate. Speak at a high or junior high school career day, volunteer your design skills to help a worthy non-profit organization, or just take some extra time from your day to help a junior member of your staff. Cultivating a spirit of generosity will enrich your web site design career for years to come.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.

Posted at 11:22 AM on March 3, 2007

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