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I want to be able to fix computer problems and also do web design to the extent where I can do them as a job. What is the best way to go about learning this? Are there any online programs or guide that are particularly helpful? I don’t care about the price.

Or would you recommend some other way to learning?

Well i have a few options to your dream here as an experienced designer, developer, & entrepreneur. U have that entrepreneur spirit and thats a good thing, but remember you will need a good strategy to make these dreams come true.

First, U must understand each field…as there is a path to your goals, whether its web design or computer repair. To first understand this, you must know web design is completely different from computer repair, and u rarely see someone do both unless they are a true nerd at this.

Web design requires software skills, analytical thinking, and learning codes that are changing rapidly. Computer repair is more technical, like fixing a car, where the hardware is most important. A computer problem needing repair usually only involves a hand ful of possible problems, from hard drive, mother board, or mite just need the operating system reloaded, which brings u back to software. For people who don’t know about computers, they will pay alot just to get their computer back together, however, the falling prices of new computers puts this in risk.

Now to tackle your dream, you can find helpful resources online to learn how to web design. From html for starters, to java, php, or joomla. These are most popular, but basic html can really be done in a software program such as NVU, microsoft expression web, or others, some are free at download.com or microsoft offers trials. For computer repair, u must attend community college at least or like reading online and practicing on old computers. I learned from a technician teaching me and got pretty good in just 1 month of watching & listening. Laptop repair will become more popular and not every computer shop know how to fix these things as they’re more complex. To sum it up, web design will take u a few weeks and computer repair will determine how much u get from your source of information, but usually a few months.

Now if u have more money than time, you may find shortcuts, but some learning can’t be rushed as it’s necessary for these skills. For more business consulting and mentoring, I’ll have to charge a small fee starting at $25, but it’ll be worth every penny to know the ropes online & ways to start small but profitable.

Just email me at elucidmarketing@yahoo.com and good luck on your business spirit.

What is the best, cheap online college for web design and development?
Im trying to get my associates, then my bachelors a year after. I need something that has good payment plans as well. I have a full-time job, but I still have other bills to pay.

I had the same questions going into web design school. I went to Art Center College of Design, but they didn’t really focus on the technical aspect of web. They were more design-driven. I would suggest Art Institute or looking through online college finders such as http://www.bestonlinecollegesdegrees.com and research a few different schools.

Look at student work to judge the quality of the program.

I want to make a website that features video clips of friends (don’t want to just post to YouTube). What is the best web design software for an Apple Computer that is easy enough to learn (relatively, for an experienced apple person) but will still be able to look professional and allow me to upload video clips?

Oh, and how much would this program / these programs cost?

Thank you!

If you bought your Mac within the last year, you should have a program already installed called iWeb. It’s very easy to use and requires no knowledge of HTML or other web scripting languages. You create your site or blog by editing predesigned templates. Adding media files such as photos and movies is as easy as dragging-and-dropping. If you haven’t got iWeb installed, you have to buy the iLife suite which costs $79.
http://www.apple.com/ilife/iweb/

If you’re looking for something free, try Nvu, although I don’t know how well it handles video content.
http://www.nvu.com/index.php

Dreamweaver is professional package but not that easy to use. A good choice but expect to spend some time learning it.
http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/

I have some experience supporting a large website, but not with the entire design process yet. But I really enjoy doing this type of work and would love to make money doing it. I have most of the software I think I would need (Photoshop, Dreamweaver, etc), as well as space with a hosting service. I am still working on my personal website and I don’t have much to include for a personal portfolio yet. What would be the best steps to take to really venture out on my own by starting my own web design business and find potential customers? With all of the ‘do it yourself’ templates out now, is there a big demand for this type of work still?

First, be sure you’re good at it. I know that sounds really critical, but there are a lot of people out there that enjoy designing websites and ‘think’ that they’re good, but they aren’t. Make sure you add value to the industry.

Next, try getting business owners you know to hand over their website design requirements. Build one or two for little cost. You’ll build references and a portfolio.

Then try to find places to gather new clients. Do you fit into a niche where no one else offers a good service? Do you provide back-end programming or just front-end design? Market to specific clients and serve that sector well! You can also find websites like elance.com and others that allow you to bid on open project requests.

Do good work, always treat your clients right and keep strong referral networks going. Never stop networking. Best of luck!

I’m a web design student, but my web design skills aren’t advanced enough to do the web design all by myself.

But I have good experience in Sales and I know that I’ll be able to get business quickly. Can you still make money if you get someone else to do the designing, and I’ll just be soliciting business?

What problems can I experience with this business model?

I’ve been a self-employed software engineer for a looong time, and I read several times about other self-employed software engineers that were based in the USA, managed to get contracts there, and let the actual software-development be done by people in India.

If it can be done by a software engineer, I don’t see why you can’t do it as a web designer. Just make sure the contracts you have with your designers are at least as strict as the ones you have with your customers, to minimize your risks.

Is it possible to take web design and graphic design classes at the same time? Also, for schools like "The Art Institute", how many classes can you take?

If you mean: Is it morally acceptable? Are the two topics inter-relatable? Then yes, of course you can take both classes at the same time! If you are specifically asking about a school such as "The Art Institute" then the best thing for you to do is to look up the phone number for the branch you intend on attending classes at, call them, and ask directly– all schools play by different rules. Remember to ask questions directly whenever you can and to not be shy for not knowing. They should be more than happy to assist you with class schedules, credits per semester, and so on and so forth.

I however would advise you to avoid attending any of "The Art Institutes." The label "Institute" is tricky and does not ensure a quality education… In which case you should also factor in the cost of attendance.

Anyhow, just call and ask and you should be fine.

I’m a print designer possibly looking to crossover to web design/development. But how important is it for me to do that? Is there still a strong market for print designers?

Well I think that TM has given you a possible theme song for your business idea, lol
I am not sure that I fully understand your question. I think that your cross over idea is great if you are passionate about it. How important is it? The proper question is, how important is it to you?
Your second question about a market for print design has got me stuck. Are you wanting to promote your professional skills in print design? Cross over or not? Both?

If you are seeking web development ideas you can take a look at the web host I use for web development. http://find.sitesell.com/UnstoppableDreams.html
You may be able to spark some ideas for your web design/development.

BEST WISHES!

I am trying to learn more about web design, graphics, multimedia and eventually open my own marketing business. What schools (including online schools) are best for what I’m looking to accomplish? I already have a marketing degree from GSU.

I Dont Know Any Schools But I Know A Site Which You Can Post Your Material and get it checked out by other member who will tell you what to improve on, the site has just only started and there is currently no members also i know the owner, but if you want to join go to: www.graph-design.tk

or look up on google for graphics designing schools and find one for you, were you live and thats close or take up an online course

I have to go to community college for two years and then I want to transfer but they dont have an advertising and design program.Can I start off with web design or is it totally different.

By pass web design.

If you want advertising, study psychology and economics. Mostly psychology. "Man and His Symbols".

Pickup web design on your own. Read about on the weekends.

I am very talented with art and computers and make very good websites. I have decided that i should start earning money for my work (however i’m only 15). So how do i start in creating a web design business.
The websites that i make are flash-based and i am also good with flash animation

Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck.

Some things you need to consider:
- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?"
- "What are my abilities?"
- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?"
- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?"

You may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:

1. Provide a benefit.
2. Determine the fit with your market.
3. Right timing is everything
4. Be ready to support your business
5. Develop a blueprint for success
6. Market, market, market

Start by researching the business and preparing your business plan. Here are some resources on starting a web/graphic design business

How to Start a Web Design Business http://webdesign.about.com/od/jobs/a/aa052404.htm

I suggest you check out these sites to gain more info on the going rates for freelance graphic/web design

http://www.elance.com
http://www.guru.com

Important thing to remember: don’t forget the contracts. Here are some resources to guide you in preparing contracts

Need for Written Web Design Contract http://www.ivanhoffman.com/written.html
Sample web design contract http://www.wilsonweb.com/worksheet/pkg-con.htm

For in-depth information, I suggest checking out the following books:

- How to Start a Home-Based Web Design Business by Jim Smith http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0762705612/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
- The Real Business of Web Design by John Waters http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1581153163/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid