You have a business mind on you. Don't let it die.
Even your smaller companies will have documents to sign. A T+C is a way to protect yourself and it's entirely up to you (is a small job worth a contract?). If you can judge who's going to do a runner and who's going to be a pleasing and easy client, it's your call who you give the documents to. Verbal is exactly the same as signed, except verbal is very hard to prove. Perhaps you could record a phone call?
Not 100% sure on this one, but having the original is much better than a scanned version for purposes of validity.
I only use flash for something visually appealing or video based. I never use flash for navigations or full websites unless specially asked.
It's the client at the end of the day. I object to using flash for navigational purposes and make sure the client knows why. A simple "Google's not good at following those links" is good enough (and almost always Javascript can replicate the same effect). In the clients' eyes, if Google says no, it's a no. They want Google to index them. If they insist, it's extra time for myself as I always set-up alternate navigation methods. If a client wants a full flash website, I don't offer those services because I've never developed my Flash skills that far because of my objections.
It's not really worth the hassle in my opinion. You have to give it back and fill out extra forms. Unless you're buying a heap load and selling a heap load, dodge that bullet until you're over the threshold.
Do most recruitment agents ask that their freelancers be VAT registered?
I can't comment on this, hopefully someone else can!
We can't do everything possible to save the planet, but we can help. I opt-in to e-shots as opposed to mail shots. At the same time, I sent out post too. I reduce my mail-shots and ask potential clients which format they would prefer. If they go with postal, I make sure what I get out there is all in one package. Product offerings, brochure, business card, etc. If they choose e-mail, I send the same but in electronical format.
At any point if the client requests postal format of anything, including invoices, I give them the option again of postal or electronical. If they previously were electronical but want something postal I manage to slip in my business card within the package.
At this time, I'm trying to make the transition of stopping my paper statements which is going well so far - but I haven't stopped them as of yet. I will eventually. I'm just getting into the habit of downloading my statements.
At the end of the day though, I'm just one. If a client asked for paper anything I would tell them I can get it to them electronical but if they insisted on postal, the client gets what they want.
Employers are greedy. They want one person who can do it all. Kudos to yourself if you can!
On the other hand, jack of all trades also lack in areas as I'm not sure I've come across anyone who can keep up-to-date with all the new technologies and versions coming out (and I'm talking jack-of-all-trades. Not just PHP and Rudy on Rails, etc).
I personally don't think I've ever come across a person who has been in a partnership to get something done unless it's freelance on-site work. I perhaps may have the wrong end of the stick here but a job-title is a job title. The job description is your role.
None of us can pick your life path. It's not our place to say whether you should choose taking a course in web design or not.
At the end of the day your portfolio counts, we all know that. If you think you've got what it takes to be a web designer then go do it. The first part in anything thing is to believe in yourself and take that risk.
What people are telling you is the safest way to hopefully get a job. You'll have the qualifications to do so, but in the end it might not get you where you want to be. No design agency wants to employ anyone who produces unattractive designs. What's the point? - There business wouldn't survive. Your best bet which ever route you go down is to produce the best designs that you possibly can and get them reviewed. At the start you may lack in the creative department but may grasp what works well really quickly and before you know it, out pops something attractive and stunning.
I'm glad you said you were really excited to start. Keep the excitement and enthusiasm up which ever route you choose and I'm confident you'll get to where you want to be in no-time.
Congratulations on the chosen subject. It's a great one to get into!
I have no qualifications in web design or that specialised field. I only have a college BTEC in ICT.
Has that stopped me?
Not at all! I'm self-taught in web design and development and have gained vast amounts of knowledge because of it.
I've been to University and dropped out twice (tut, tut in employers eyes!). I'm only 20 and I'm currently working for one of the leading design and marketing agencies in North Yorkshire. My life's just starting. This is my second official position within an agency.
Here's how to do it..
Find alot of tutorial websites to get you started within the subject and practice, practice, practice! Submit your work for review either on this forum or around the Internet. Some comments will be harsh and some will give you solid advice on how to improve. Some reviewers will give you advice and some will just simply say your work is either good or bad. The good and bad comments you need to ignore and concentrate on the advice given.
You can either get a qualification in this subject or go self-taught with none at all.
Employers
Employees are greedy and getting the right job is a stretch. Your portfolio is what they will be looking at. In the end, qualifications are nothing if you can prove you're creative through your portfolio. However, if you're trying to get a job with the top agencies, qualifications will be mandatory in some cases, however, in most cases experience in the sector with other agencies waives your qualifications. For smaller companies, your portfolio is all they'll be looking at.
Regarding the course description; you'll be an employers dream. However, unless you're creative and produce stunning (well.. attractive), valid websites the qualification and skills gained remain useless.
This is a little 'hard' considering you've only done your own website; however, you're own website is just like any other clients'. You want your website perfect, so the amount of time spent on your own personal website is a good guide to give.
As you're on an hourly rate, you can give them an estimate of so-and-so taking into account your own time spent on your personal website; but you must make sure they understand it's an estimate and not a fixed price.
Then again, if you're considering taking a 50% cut it leads me to believe you need the work; and if you need the work to survive, then why question yourself?
The client is paying for your expertise and services and you've already got several clients happily paying you your rate which means you're worth it.
It's probably because most companies do not look into things like they should.
If the person going for the interview is a 'hit' for the employer and can show a little good stuff, he's as good as in.
I went to University and dropped within the first year. I couldn't cope with what they were teaching me. I knew more. Now I'm in a successful web development position which I got 2 weeks after leaving University.
I think it's time for employers to give potential candidates tests on a computer with no Internet access in order to achieve a skilled employee.
