Is Self-Learning HTML the Ideal Choice for Web Design Beginners?

For someone who is completely new to web designing, is it ideal to learn HTML by yourself online without going to a school where a teacher can teach you? Yes, it is possible and can be quite effective. This article explores the benefits of self-learning HTML and provides guidance for beginners.

What is HTML?

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the standard language used to create web pages. It provides the structure of a web page, allowing you to define headings, paragraphs, links, images, and other types of content. According to W3 Schools, HTML is essential for creating web content and is the foundation for any web designer or developer to know.

To get started, it's recommended that you follow online courses and resources. For instance, the Google Drive link provided offers an overview and detailed explanations of HTML. Additionally, there are numerous online web development training platforms like Udemy that offer comprehensive courses, both free and paid, to help you learn at your own pace.

Easy Entry into Web Design

Web design can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. As a beginner, you might wonder where to start. One recommendation is to begin with your own professional website. Choose a free site and later you can purchase a domain name. Popular options include WordPress, which is used by over 28% of all websites, making it a solid choice for beginners.

As you explore web design, look at similar sites to see what appeals to you. You can replicate the good elements on your own site. Here is an example of a professional website: Waynes Web Design. Notice the logo, images, text, and page structure. Start simple and build as you learn.

Image Editing Skills

Another crucial skill you must have is the ability to modify images. For this, a free image editor is recommended over Photoshop. LINUX operating system, for instance, comes with two complete image editing packages. LINUX is free and more secure than Windows, and it also includes a full office suite called OpenOffice. In my experience, LINUX is faster than Windows for these tasks.

Creating a Portfolio

Once your website is complete, you have something to show prospective employers. You can refine your skills in classes but now you have some experience to showcase. This can significantly improve your chances of landing jobs in the web design industry.

Self-Learning vs. Formal Education

Is self-learning faster than going to school? The answer depends on your personal circumstances and your speed of learning. Online platforms like Udemy can be more economical and time-efficient. You can set your own pace, be focused, and have fun learning step by step.

It's important to note that going to school may take four times as long to learn half as much. If you are not motivated and do not build anything, you won't learn much. However, if you come up with a project and set out to build it, you'll learn much faster by doing it than in a school setting. The web is a building/production environment, and practical experience is more valuable than theoretical knowledge.

Web design is not just about knowing the tools; it's about applying them to create something meaningful. As someone who has built homes, I would choose the builder with practical experience over one who says they spent two years in carpentry school. Similarly, in web design, it's more important to show what you can do rather than how long you spent in a classroom.