Whats the best way to get into web design?

I have been designing web pages with macromedia studio mx 2004 for the last couple of years and am working on a web site to put on cd-rom to show prospective employers...I have a degree in an unrelated subject and am about to enrol on an Msc in Computing to gain a relevant qualification and improve my programming skills. Can anyone offer any advice/hints to break into the industry??

Whats the best way to get into web design?
Experience is the key, start little and work your way up. I started learning Web Design by dissecting web pages at college, I then start learning what each individual piece of HTML did and why, this then led into other languages such as PHP, XML, XsLT and so on. The graphical side of things just fell into place as I worked, I learned from those around me, took the time to learn photoshop skills at home (from sites like good-tutorials.com) and develop my skills from there. Wanting to do more graphically also led me into Macromedia Flash.





What else can I say? I am totally self taught with NO qualifications whatsoever regarding the Internet, and I work for one of the largest retailers in the UK designing web pages and online graphics for a living. In this business mate, enthusiasm is the main key, if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'll go far, a bit of creativity helps too ;) An ONLINE portfolio always impresses a client/employer more than a print/cd-rom based one. there's no effort involved in looking at an online one, think about how many applicants come across there desk??





Also, try to aim for an agency environment where you will encounter different types of project as opposed to working for the same company day in day out, I'm not saying contracting, but try to work for a design agency who work with a lot of other companies to get them on the web/improve their web presence.





Keep at it though, if you'd like (and you can get hold of my contact details through this website), send me a link to your stuff and I'll give you an honest opinion of your work!! ;)
Reply:If you can think up new concepts for websites you will seem alot more appealing to prospective employees, also, i f you get a qualification (dosnt have to be much) you will also be looked on more favorably. You should try and learn about more technologys than just HTML, learn how to use a server technology like php and you will be alot better than many people on the internet making web pages. You should also learn a language for applets so that youre webpages can be more visualy appealing, Pick java if you want the powere to do anything with lots of code, pick flash to do Highly graphical applets with little code. You just need to be slightly better than the other people seeking for the same position, and it normaly helps to know what you might be employed to deal with.
Reply:sorry
Reply:I might be wrong in your case but so far anytime someone has said they had a degree in an unrelated subject Ive proved them wrong. You have a degree in something that does not exist on the net? Not even as equipment sales or something? Market that other degree. If its Med Tech then dont go to the back of the line for web designers, go to the front of the line for med-tech/web-designers. It could be coal mining and you could still find someone on the net that involves both and would love a web person who understands both. Everything is on the net these days. Do some thinking about that other degree. Search for sites on the net on that subject and consider how you could have done it better.
Reply:u dont even need that much experience to break into the industry- set up your own website and post a portfolio on it then create a cool well designed CV and apply for web positions through monster.com you will never need more than a degree in any subject to get such a position- trust me, im in the industry!!