I’ve dabbled in web development (more like web design with HTML/CSS and a little JS) + WordPress as a hobby since high school and now that I’m done school, I have some extra time and got interested in freelancing outside of my day job.
My question is: freelance what and how to get there?
I’m hoping to get a better sense of direction from you all on what I should learn.
What I like
I like web/UI design and enjoy being able to implement it with code (again, just HTML/CSS so far). That would include things like branding though I do not currently have a background in graphic/logo design. Interfacing with the client to figure out what design would work best for them and ensuring I’m providing business value is appealing to me. My day job is client facing so that should mesh well.
In a way, web development is moreso a means for me to implement my vision for a site’s design, so I’m open and eager to learning development but am not necessarily trying to “be a developer”. I did a STEM degree so I’m not a stranger to programming but just hadn’t done much with it yet in my free time.
I think my ultimate goal would be to be able to make those fancy websites (whether for business or personal portfolio like in this video) with sleek and elegant animations while being fast. My hope is that I would be able to go from ideation with the client, through to final design and then implementation (which is a lot I know, but I like the idea of being a one-man or one-stop shop for amazing websites). I want to make stunning sites. I just think it’s cool and fun. I’d like to be able to charge in the realm of $5k+ per project (eventually, not in a rush to get there). My assumption is I would have to be able to make something that makes the client money or add business value rather than just looking ‘cool’.
What I’ve done
• 2 static website design for school clubs with HTML/CSS (Bootstrap) + extra fun CSS animations hosted on Netlify
• 3 WordPress sites for real clients, no custom theming yet. Just used custom posts and child theme, no eCommerce yet
• Read a bunch about Jamstack since it seems to offer the flexibility of using Headless CMS without the bloat of WordPress plus not having to deal with back-end and databases like you might with WordPress if you are an advanced user or if you’re doing ‘real’ web development. Not to mention the speed and security benefits at the expense of heavier development workload and expertise
My current ideas
• Continue making WordPress websites but delve into custom themes, that way clients can still update their content easily
• Learn Jamstack and use Headless CMSs (e.g. Contenful, ButterCMS, WordPress Headless CMS, etc.) that clients can easily add content to so that I can still use the front-end framework I please that will allow me to make those fancy websites
• Learn motion design or motion graphics in order to be able to make those fancy interactions or portfolio websites via Adobe After Effects, Lottie files, Blender, etc.
• Angle towards just being a designer and leverage no-code or low-code tools like Webflow/Framer
• Learn Shopify development so that clients can more easily see an ROI given they are running an e-commerce business
I’m willing to do the work and don’t need quick wins but have just been in analysis paralysis because I’m not sure which path will get me to where I want to go.
In short: I want to freelance making those fancy websites that you see in YouTube videos, but how do I get there?
Thanks for your input!
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