Steve Lovell, 31 Steve has been a web designer for five years and with Jump Web Services Ltd eight months (he helped found the company). He has all sorts of clients from financial services companies to yoga studios and real estate agents. Born in England, he went travelling in 1996, arrived in Hong Kong seven months later and has been here ever since. He got into web design because he had a bit of spare time, a willingness to learn, and a desire to change jobs. What qualifications do you need? Formal training in art or design is useful. Many colleges and universities offer certificates in web design and web authoring, but by the time you get to work, most of what you've learned will be outdated. More important is to have knowledge of internet programming (html, perl, dhtml, css, etc.); have a good working knowledge of the major software tools (Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, Photoshop, etc); keep up to date with changes in technology; have a strong interest and ability in design and be able to work under pressure. What sort of person does the job suit? Someone who is patient, has an eye for design, and is able to accept criticism. What's the best way into the industry? Whether you have qualifications or not you should try to build up a portfolio of your best designs, and then contact all the local design companies and show them your work. What work hours do you keep? Most web designers, freelance or otherwise, work whatever hours they want to, although sometimes it's necessary to work late into the night to meet a deadline. Is there a clear career path? You could work for a dedicated web design firm, a graphic design studio with a web design component, a mass media company, or go freelance. You can then progress to be head of a department within larger corporations or maybe start your own company. What's the best part of your job? Handing over a completed web site to a satisfied customer. What's the worst? Staring at a blank page awaiting inspiration. Who is your role model? I don't really have one, but I respect and admire people like Jack Edwards for his courage, and Richard Branson for his entrepreneurial flair. Salary? Web designers with experience and a strong portfolio can earn between $15,000 and $30,000 a month. Last words. Be prepared for change - it's the only thing in this industry that is constant.
