africanpatsfan
New Member
This is my first post here but I've tried to read around the website a little to get familiar. I am totally new to web design but I want to learn to be able to eventually produce websites for myself and others.
First of all, I would like to say that I plan on learning enough programming to be able to start my own small web design business. I am trying to keep realistic goals, so I would appreciate all help and advice.
My first plan is to become as proficient as I can at programming. I have already started to learn some very basic skills in HTML and CSS programming from online tutorials. I plan on getting some books about web design as well. I know I will have to learn some other languages like Java as I become more advanced. Eventually, I will make a website for myself and possibly for my stepmother, who does local shows and performances. Once I am able to start making websites, I want to find local artists, performers or small businesses to create websites for their companies.
Hopefully I will be designing these sites with around 1-5 pages, so nothing that complex. I will be charging them with a fair price, once I determine my costs. However, I am only 16 years old, so will there be legal issues? Will I have to claim taxes and establish a legal contract with clients? I plan on operating a small business, with maybe 5 customers at the maximum once I am able to become proficient enough.
As for my equipment, I plan on purchasing a Macbook ($999), and learning as much programming as I can, and then probably buying Adobe Dreamweaver or a similar program. Once I am actually able to create websites, I will look to a hosting site such as gatorhost.com. Will I be able to design and maintain websites just with this hardware/software? I am trying to keep total costs around $2000 before I actually get any customers.
Well I know this will be difficult to achieve, and there are probably some problems with this plan. However, I am very motivated and interested in learning web design, and operating a small business. Any advice is appreciated.
First of all, I would like to say that I plan on learning enough programming to be able to start my own small web design business. I am trying to keep realistic goals, so I would appreciate all help and advice.
My first plan is to become as proficient as I can at programming. I have already started to learn some very basic skills in HTML and CSS programming from online tutorials. I plan on getting some books about web design as well. I know I will have to learn some other languages like Java as I become more advanced. Eventually, I will make a website for myself and possibly for my stepmother, who does local shows and performances. Once I am able to start making websites, I want to find local artists, performers or small businesses to create websites for their companies.
Hopefully I will be designing these sites with around 1-5 pages, so nothing that complex. I will be charging them with a fair price, once I determine my costs. However, I am only 16 years old, so will there be legal issues? Will I have to claim taxes and establish a legal contract with clients? I plan on operating a small business, with maybe 5 customers at the maximum once I am able to become proficient enough.
As for my equipment, I plan on purchasing a Macbook ($999), and learning as much programming as I can, and then probably buying Adobe Dreamweaver or a similar program. Once I am actually able to create websites, I will look to a hosting site such as gatorhost.com. Will I be able to design and maintain websites just with this hardware/software? I am trying to keep total costs around $2000 before I actually get any customers.
Well I know this will be difficult to achieve, and there are probably some problems with this plan. However, I am very motivated and interested in learning web design, and operating a small business. Any advice is appreciated.
I know a couple of kids in high school who actually do this so I'll try to learn from them. As far as legal aspects go will I still be responsible for claiming taxes? As I understand, I cannot legally own a business until 18, so would it technically be illegal for me to charge businesses or individuals for designing a website?