Transitioning from design studies to the expansive field of web design can be overwhelming. This industry, which continually grows and evolves, is projected to see a 13% growth in job opportunities for web designers within the US from 2020 to 2030. For newcomers pursuing a web design career, particularly as freelancers, one significant hurdle is landing that initial job.
Experience is often the first requirement that potential clients or agencies look for—ideally someone with a few years in their portfolio. This expectation can be discouraging for budding designers trying to break into the field. It poses the classic conundrum: how do you gain experience if you’re never given a chance to work?
Plus, when agencies and clients overlook a capable designer solely due to their lack of experience, they could be missing out on a great talent.
Here are compelling reasons we should consider giving designers with no experience a fair opportunity.
1. Cost-effectiveness
Investing in top-notch web design services can be expensive, and understandably so. Experienced freelancers with established reputations and consistent workloads, as well as reputable agencies with their guarantees of quality and accountability, often command premium prices. On the other hand, those at the start of their career are typically keen on building their portfolio and likely to offer more budget-friendly rates.
2. Untapped Talent
There’s a common misconception that anything crafted by a novice designer would be inferior or unusable. Yet, an impressive portfolio doesn’t solely justify hiring a designer.
Many new designers possess a significant amount of skill and drive, even if they haven’t yet proven themselves in a commercial setting. Fresh out of school or having self-taught their craft, they’ve put in the hours to hone their abilities. Offer them a chance with a trial project, and you might be pleasantly surprised by their capabilities.
3. Dedicated Attention
Finding consistent work is often difficult for novice web designers. As such, they are generally more available to devote their undivided attention to your project without the distraction of other commitments.
This contrasts with agencies and seasoned freelancers who usually balance multiple clients at once, potentially causing delays. Knowing that your project is the sole focus for your designer offers reassurance that your work is a priority.
4. Nurturing Loyalty
When agencies choose to hire less experienced designers and invest in their growth, it’s an opportunity for these newcomers to remember who gave them their first start.
Mentoring them and involving them in projects with seasoned professionals can be beneficial. Such early career investments can yield long-term loyalty that money simply can’t buy.
5. Eagerness to Grow
Seasoned professionals might have their tried-and-true methods, but fresh faces are usually more open to new directions and eager to learn the latest industry standards.
Their willingness to take on new challenges and perspectives can be invaluable, especially given their fresh approach and availability to learn and implement new techniques.
6. Suitability for Smaller Projects
Not all design projects are sprawling or high budget; many require a designer for smaller websites, promotions, or events. While larger design firms or established freelancers might overlook such projects, those are perfect for new designers looking to establish themselves and create a professional portfolio.
Newcomers are typically more than happy to accept these projects, seeing them as opportunities to gain experience and demonstrate their abilities.
7. Remembering Everyone’s Start
Every designer was once inexperienced, and many take on different design roles before honing in on their true passion. Industries that make it difficult for beginners to gain a foothold might be inadvertently discouraging promising talent. Acknowledging potential is as vital to growing the industry as is recognizing experience.
While not every new designer will be a standout from the beginning, without those willing to take a chance on them, even the most talented would struggle to pursue their dreams.
Summary
To sum it up, experience isn’t the be-all and end-all. Although it’s a valuable asset, the design industry should still welcome individuals with potential and provide them with opportunities to shine.
The next time you’re scouting for new talent or a freelance designer, consider what it was like to be the newcomer and bring someone on board who may just be beginning their journey. You just might uncover unexpected brilliance.
Featured image via Pexels.
