And they are often a lot of fun to work on. At least, in the beginning. In reality, small hobbies started with good intentions can get out of hand before you know it. They have the potential to become overwhelming.

For some designers, having a side project “blow up” is a good thing. It may even lead to a full-time gig. But that’s the rare exception – not the rule.

Indeed, many find that the fun disappears when the project starts to feel like hard work. At that point, it’s less of a hobby and more of a burden. Who asked for that?

It’s a common experience. But there are some ways to ensure that your side project doesn’t take over your life. Let’s explore the balance required to keep these little kittens from becoming big, angry lions.

Understand Who You Are

Personalities play a big role in our projects. For example, some designers are never satisfied with their work. Others are content in saying that something they created is “good enough.”

Therefore, it’s important to think about your personality when deciding whether or not to start up a side project. If you’re one to obsess over every last detail, that may be a warning sign of what’s to come.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t move forward. But it is worth considering how a gig will impact you. Will it take time away from your primary work? What kind of emotional investment is required? What’s the ultimate goal?

While there’s danger in overthinking the possibilities, these are still good questions to ask yourself. Finding the answers will help you determine whether you’re ready and willing to take on the challenge.

How In-Depth Is the Project?

The type of side project you choose is also a factor. Some are naturally more in-depth than others. Because of that, it’s good to have a mental picture of what’s involved.

Let’s say that you want to start a new open-source CSS framework. This might be a great way to enhance your understanding of the language while showing your creative side. However, releasing any tool to be used by others has a certain amount of responsibility with it.

Handling routine maintenance and user support takes effort. Best practices also change over time and require vigilance. Thus, there’s a long-term commitment to this type of project.

A blog, on the other hand, might be a little more relaxed. You could go days or weeks without writing – then pick up again whenever you want.

Not all projects are created equally – nor do they require the same amount of work. If you choose one that could keep you busy, understand what you’re getting into before you start.

To Go Public…or Not

No rule says your side project has to be in the public space. And there are some real advantages to limiting your potential audience.

Building something for friends, family, or just yourself likely means it’s a labor of love. The project feels more personal. Thus, you can avoid the pitfalls that come with trying to attract and support a user base.

It’s also an effective means of saving some money. You might even host your project on a local WordPress installation – which only costs you a few megabytes of storage.

Besides, nothing says that you can’t go bigger in the future. Starting small provides you with a chance to see how much you enjoy the project. If things work out, great. If not, then hopefully it was a valuable learning experience.

If you don’t have a desire to create the next worldwide phenomenon, don’t worry. There’s great joy in simply tinkering on your own.

Find a Side Project That’s a Perfect Fit

A side project can be very beneficial. It’s an opportunity to do something you enjoy and learn a few things along the way. And the sheer variety of options available to web designers makes the experience all the more exciting.

But like anything else, it’s wise to think about a project before you jump in. Consider how it fits with your personality and what kind of commitment it requires. In addition, define your potential audience and what it will take to serve them.

These factors all play a role in how well a project will fulfill your needs. Ask yourself: what will make this project fun? If all the stars are aligned – go for it. Otherwise, there’s no harm in heading back to the drawing board.

Remember that a side project is about pleasing yourself first. Anything short of that may not be worth your time.

The post How to Avoid Being Overwhelmed by Your Side Projects appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

That’s where side projects come in handy. They provide the perfect environment for trying new things. There’s little risk and plenty of creative freedom.

And there’s no better playground than WordPress. The content management system (CMS) is infinitely extensible. It’s also well-documented and easy to customize. Best of all, it will help get your project off to a quick start.

With that in mind, here are five ideas for WordPress side projects. Each will help you level up your design and development game. Here we go!

Build a WordPress Block Theme

Compared to their classic counterparts, block themes are a different animal. They have a unique structure. And they aren’t as dependent on PHP.

They also haven’t been widely adopted yet. However, the WordPress Site Editor is constantly improving. Thus, it’s only a matter of time before block themes have a breakthrough.

If you haven’t paid much attention to block themes, now is a great time to start. Building a basic theme will allow you to see their inner workings. And you can get your feet wet with advanced features like theme.json and global style variations.

What sort of theme should you build? Think about how a block theme could benefit a typical client. Keep their needs in mind and add features to suit them. You may be able to use it as a starting point for future projects.

Resources

• A Deep Introduction to WordPress Block Themes by Ganesh Dahal
• Create Block Theme plugin by WordPress.org
• Creating WordPress block themes by Carolina Nymark
• Intro to the Site Editor and Template Editor by Wes Theron
• WordPress Theme Handbook: Block Themes by WordPress.org

Create a WordPress Plugin

Don’t let the title scare you. Creating a WordPress plugin doesn’t have to be overly complex. Much depends on the plugin’s purpose.

You might be thinking about successful products like WooCommerce or Gravity Forms. They have a lot of code underneath the hood. And they have teams of developers maintaining them. You don’t have to go that far.

There is an easier path to getting started with plugin development. For example, try a small custom plugin that has niche functionality. One that may only be relevant to a specific website. It might consist of just a few lines of code.

And you may already have some foundational knowledge. Are you familiar with adding code snippets to your theme’s functions.php file? If so, the jump to a custom plugin isn’t very difficult. The same code can be copied to a plugin with a few adjustments.

Plugin development is a great way to sharpen your PHP skills. Plus, it’s a better approach than using theme-specific code. This experience will serve you well on future projects.

Resources

• Plugin Basics by WordPress.org
• WordPress plugin boilerplate generator by Tom McFarlin & Devin Vinson
• Writing a WordPress Plugin From Scratch: A Step-by-Step Tutorial by Fred Meyer

Optimize a Website for Peak Performance

Everyone wants a fast website. But it’s not always easy to accomplish.

That’s particularly true when using WordPress. Themes, plugins, and third-party resources can bring your site to a crawl. And web hosting also plays a key role in load times.

Install a copy of WordPress on a server and experiment. Add lots of content and images. Try using different site configurations. See how switching themes impacts your site. Add various plugins that you use in your client projects.

This is also a great time to brush up on how caching works. There are several types to explore, including server and plugin-based options.

From there, use tools like Google Page Speed or a plugin like Query Monitor to gauge performance. This way, you can determine the impact of each item.

You’ll learn some valuable lessons along the way. And it may lead to a change in how you approach building a website.

Resources

• 6 WordPress Plugins to Optimize & Speed Up Your Website by Eric Karkovack
• How to Speed Up Your WordPress Site by Kinsta
• Improving Site Performance: An overview by Hari Shanker

Build a Custom Block

The Block Editor is rapidly evolving. New features are regularly added, and bugs are being squashed. The user experience (UX) has improved. As such, more users are choosing it over the Classic Editor.

And the ability to build custom blocks is powerful. Developers can bring a variety of features to their projects. Adding custom content, design, and functionality are among the possibilities here.

Blocks also offer portability. They can be used throughout your website. And you can package them into a plugin to use on multiple projects.

Plus, there are multiple ways to build custom WordPress blocks. Native blocks are built with React. However, there are alternatives available.

Plugins like Advanced Custom Fields Pro and Genesis Custom Blocks can also be used. They allow developers to create custom blocks via PHP. They’re efficient and make custom blocks accessible to more people.

Building custom blocks can be extremely useful. And it’s a great way to boost your revenue, as well.

Resources

• ACF Blocks by Advanced Custom Fields
• Create Block NPM Package by WordPress
• Getting Started With WordPress Block Development by Arjun Singh
• Introduction to Block Development: Build your first custom block by Learn WordPress

Integrate Third-Party Apps and Services

WordPress and its plugin ecosystem are very capable. But there are also times when you’ll need to integrate with third-party tools. They play an important role in areas like marketing and eCommerce.

There are a wide range of use cases. For instance, you might want to build a headless website using Gatsby or another static site generator. You can create content within WordPress while reaping the performance benefits of static HTML.

Automation is growing in popularity as well. And there are so many ways to integrate it into your workflow. A new form entry on your WordPress site could trigger, say, adding a new contact to your mailing list.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are also ways to integrate with payment gateways, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and multi-channel eCommerce providers.

There may be a cost involved with some integrations. However, there are several free options to choose from. Find a few that are relevant to your business and get to work!

Resources

• AutomatorWP Plugin
• How to Incorporate External APIs in Your WordPress Theme or Plugin by Karen Pogosyan
• Sourcing from WordPress by Gatsby
• Uncanny Automator Plugin
• Zapier WordPress Integrations

Improve Your WordPress Skills

WordPress is a rapidly changing CMS. Keeping up with new developments is a key to professional growth. This is particularly so when it comes to blocks. They’re the present and future of the software.

Try to integrate one or more of the above items into a side project. You’ll gain a better understanding of how WordPress works.

Even better is that you won’t have to deal with the pressures of client work. And you can decide whether to release your project to the public. It might be a nice way to contribute to the community. But there’s also value in spinning up a local install and experimenting.

Either way, the skills you learn will serve you well into the future. So, take the first steps toward learning and see where it takes you!

The post 5 WordPress Side Projects To Help You Learn & Grow appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Why do you need both to succeed? Well, you could be up to your elbows in projects. But that’s no guarantee of more revenue. Plus, being crazy-busy isn’t sustainable. You’re more likely to burn out than rise to the top.

Planning can help. Take the initiative to assess your career and determine the best path upward. The answer depends on how far you want to go. Your skills and strengths also play a role.

Some designers (myself included) have turned to side hustles to increase earnings. For me, writing has been the best path. Others might sell web-related products or do occasional sub-contractor work. There are plenty of opportunities for the talented and technically-minded.

The trouble is that side hustles can get out of hand. And they’re starting to feel like a necessity in today’s marketplace.

As such, let’s look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of reaching beyond web design. Do you need a side hustle? Perhaps what follows will help you find the answer.

Why Web Design Isn’t Always Enough

Working with clients can be rewarding. And you can make a good living out of it. However, not every freelancer will be able to achieve this.

Realistically speaking, you need access to well-paying projects. Doing so often means competing with agencies. They may have more resources and clout. Some big clients may be hesitant to work with solo freelancers.

If you can’t book top-level gigs, what are you left with? Quiet often, you’ll work with small and medium-sized clients. There’s nothing wrong with this. But it may limit your ability to grow.

You can try to make more money by volume or raising prices. That makes sense on the surface. More projects equals more money – as do higher prices. But there comes a point when the returns are diminishing.

The other possibility is to hire help. That could be another freelancer or a traditional employee. This allows you to take on more work. But it also requires more investment than some of us can make.

That’s why we may look elsewhere for a boost.

The Benefits of a Side Hustle

There are a lot of things to like about having a side hustle. First and foremost, they offer a way to make money. You could launch yourself into a higher income level.

The cash you earn might be a difference-maker in your life. Think of the bills you could pay off. Or the savings you could build.

There’s also a chance to add more variety to your workflow. You won’t be stuck doing the same tasks ad nauseam.

For example, writing has helped get my creative juices flowing. It’s a different way to express myself. I don’t feel the same pressure or frustration that project work brings. Overall, the practice serves as a mental reset. And it also adds a little bit extra in my pocket.

Not all side hustles provide this sense of peace. However, they do offer a trip outside of your daily routine. Even better, it may allow you to pursue your passion.

Searching for the Right Opportunity

Side hustles come in many flavors. They could be something you do on your own – like marketing a product or service. Or you may work for someone else.

Figuring out what you want to do is the first challenge. Perhaps there’s a gig that’s a natural extension of your primary job.

For instance, maybe you’re adept at writing code. You might parlay those skills into developing a WordPress plugin. If you’re great at troubleshooting, a part-time support role may be your thing.

What if that’s not the case? Well, think about what brings you joy. There might be a way to leverage it into something profitable.

Create content around a favorite subject. A bit of ad revenue from a blog or podcast can come in handy.

The idea is to think about what you want to do. Also, consider what you hope to accomplish. From there, look for opportunities to help you get there.

There Can Be Drawbacks, Too

None of this is to say that side hustles are perfect. You could get stuck in an unfulfilling situation. Or end up with a commitment you can’t handle.

In some cases, there may be a negative impact on your web design business. Anything that harms your ability to do your “day job” may not be worthwhile.

That leads us to the management portion of things. The ability to manage your time is crucial. You’ll need this skill to complete tasks.

Those launching a new product or service will carry a lot of responsibility. You may be doubling the amount of business-related tasks you’re currently doing. Client management, invoicing, and support commitments will all increase.

There’s also a financial reality to consider. You may not start with the desired compensation. It may take years to reach a comfort level. Are you willing to be patient?

Tips for Making the Most of Your Side Hustle

The ideal side hustle will be different for everyone. Still, there are common threads about finding and managing them.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of the experience:

Start Small and Simple

When starting a side hustle, keep things simple. Look for opportunities that require minimal commitment. In some cases, you may be able to work on a temporary trial basis.

It’s a chance to ease into what you’re doing. Meanwhile, you’ll lessen the risk of becoming overwhelmed. That betters your chances of long-term success.

You can always increase your workload in the future. But it’s best to wait until you’ve found a comfort level.

Define What Success Means to You

Before signing up for a side hustle, define your expectations. That creates a goal to work toward. And you’ll be able to ensure you’re on the right path.

Consider both your desired time commitment and level of compensation. Again, it’s OK to start small in these areas. But have an ultimate goal in mind.

Perhaps you want to put away a bit of money each month. Or you want enough to pay for a vacation. It’s all about finding what makes you happy.

Think about what it will take to get there. Then, you can develop a strategy to achieve it.

Think about the Long Term Impact

A side hustle isn’t just about the here and now. There can be long-term consequences as well. You’ll want to think about them beforehand.

For example, how might it impact your web design business? Could it impede your ability to book new projects? Could it even take over as your primary gig?

There are a myriad of ways this could affect you. Therefore, ask yourself these questions. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of what a side hustle means.

Of course, none of us can predict the future. Sometimes, you’ll need to feel your way through situations as they arise.

You can think about potential scenarios, though. Doing so will help you prepare for them.

Side Hustles May Be the New Normal for Freelancers

Sustaining a full-time freelance lifestyle isn’t easy. There are only so many projects available. Recruiting new clients takes precious time. That makes moving up even more difficult.

That’s what makes a side hustle an attractive option. It’s a chance to pick up recurring revenue. Gaining extra income you can count on is a difference-maker for many of us.

We can use them to make ends meet – and accomplish other goals we’re working toward. The right opportunity can play an important role.

Is a side hustle right for you? Think about where you are in your journey – and where you want to be. It might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

The post Do Freelance Web Designers Need a Side Hustle? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The web is becoming increasingly homogeneous. This encompasses the tools we use and the designs we implement. Thus, it can be hard to distinguish one site from another. You might even notice a sameness in your portfolio.

Other websites may not always be the best source of inspiration. Not if you want something completely original. So where should we look?

That’s our topic for today. Let’s explore places outside of web design that we can mine for inspiration.

Photography

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. And the right one can provide a creative spark as well. That’s why photography is more than a tool to enhance a website. It can also serve as an inspiration.

A photo’s subject matter may or may not be relevant. A picture of a mountain, for example, can lead you to an idea for a tech startup’s design. Or maybe an image of a sports car spawns an epiphany for an auto mechanic’s site.

Creativity works in mysterious ways. An image may conjure up thoughts that lead you to exactly the right place. Features such as colors, lines, or even facial expressions can wield amazing power.

Images are also incredibly convenient. There is a massive amount of photographic resources online. You’re never far from finding something that gets those creative juices flowing.

Print Design

Web designers have long strived to mimic printed materials. But that’s been traditionally limited by technology. That has changed in a hurry, though.

For one, CSS has come a long way. It’s now possible to recreate complex print layouts on the web. We no longer need to employ hacks to create these looks.

As such, you can look to printed materials for inspiration. Spend time browsing books, magazines, and catalogs. There’s no shortage of potential here.

And you aren’t limited by items you can hold in your hand. Outdoor advertising on billboards and vehicles is also worth admiring. Murals and graffiti also have something to offer.

The Natural World

The natural world is bursting with design possibilities. And they can be found anywhere from the most majestic tree to the tiniest insect.

Color and texture are of particular interest. Maybe it’s the intricate pattern displayed by a bird. Or the magnificent color palette of leaves in the spring and fall. There is something unique to fuel creativity everywhere you look.

You don’t have to go to a remote locale to find inspiration. Backyard nature can be just as influential. Finding previously hidden details in everyday things can be awe-inspiring.

Imagery alone can be powerful. But there are also benefits to being outdoors. We can see nature with our own eyes. And we get the full sensory experience. Hearing a bird call, feeling a breeze, or smelling a flower have long been sources of creative mojo.

Industrial Design

Now, let’s look at the very opposite of nature. Industrial design spans everything from the phone in your pocket to the tallest skyscraper. We can see it pretty much everywhere humans have made their mark.

This art form also provides an eclectic mix of styles. There are uniform structures reminiscent of block-based design. And then there is the controlled chaos of engines and assembly lines. They can lead us to employ design in ways we may not have thought about.

Industrial design is versatile and can fit just about any purpose. This style works for both stark minimalism and clever complexity. Much inspiration can be found here.

Look for a Fresh Perspective on Design

Seeing the same thing over and over leads to stagnation. Web design is a little bit like that. Browsing through so many websites can lead us to stale ideas. And what we build might lack originality.

This isn’t always a bad thing. For example, predictability in user interface (UI) design is a welcomed feature.

The idea isn’t to make our creations more difficult for users. Usability and accessibility still need to be priorities.

Originality counts for something, though. Finding it often means looking outside of the web design bubble. The sources above can offer a solid starting point.

The post Looking Outside of the Web for Inspiration & Ideas appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Just think – WordPress powers nearly half of all websites. Google Chrome is the browser of choice for nearly two-thirds of all users. Popular JavaScript frameworks such as React and Vue are continuing to grow. And toolkits such as Bootstrap offer readymade layouts and UI elements.

That’s not to say that we’ve completely run out of options. But it does mean that much of what we create shares some common attributes. Whether it’s a content management system (CMS), the Google Fonts we use, or even a theme – websites are more alike than ever.

There are downsides to this evolution. For example, a single dominant web browser brings legitimate concerns about security, privacy, and innovation. Less competition could have a negative impact in any of these areas.

But some good things come with this, too. And the positive effects of a more consolidated web are our focus today. Let’s look at what this means for the web design community.

We Have More Foundational Knowledge

In days past, the web was experimental for developers. Many tools became available for building and maintaining websites. The roll-your-own CMS, for example, was a popular way to let clients manage their content.

This was effective on an individual basis. But it wasn’t necessarily meant to work at scale. If you inherited a site that was built with a bespoke CMS, you might have had difficulty understanding how things work. Even simple tasks could require a lot of trial and error.

Systems like WordPress and Drupal came along and provided a common foundation. Now, taking over an existing website is a much different experience. We already know how to create a page or update software. There’s plenty of documentation to guide us.

Websites can still be comprised of a disparate collection of themes and plugins. But they’re running on a common platform. Thus, the starting point for building or troubleshooting is further ahead. We don’t have to worry about building everything from scratch. Nor do we need to spend hours learning the basics.

There Are Trusted Solutions to Big Challenges

Let’s take a trip back in time. Suppose it’s the year 2005. A client has asked you to build them an eCommerce site. How would you approach it? Now, think about how that approach may be different today.

Odds are, you’d have difficulty finding a stable, readymade solution. There were some niche shopping carts available back then. And there were plenty of fly-by-night providers who made big promises. But it was nearly impossible to know if they could deliver. It was all too easy to make the wrong choice.

Over time, many of those providers were weeded out as segment leaders emerged. eCommerce is still a challenge. But web designers now have a solid group of options to choose from. It’s not so much about finding one that will still exist in a year. Rather, it’s about finding a match for your project requirements.

The same can be said for other niches that require specialized functionality. Categories such as membership websites, online education, and rich media can be built more solidly and cheaply. Thus, identifying the right software is easier and less of a risk.

More Efficient Design and Build Processes

It stands to reason that more reliable options produce greater efficiency. That’s not to say the journey isn’t without its bumps. But it’s easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Apps like WordPress allow for a faster start. And the same can be said of the various frameworks out there. Choose a well-established UI package, for example, and you’ll have a proven set of elements to work with. From there, it’s a matter of customizing these items to fit your needs.

Likewise, a JavaScript framework can simplify the process of building an application. Their built-in functionality means that there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

And the tools we use also play a part. Modern apps such as Figma and Sketch allow us to create a functional UI and more easily convert it to code. We can use them to build design systems that last throughout a project’s lifespan.

The Web Is All Grown Up

The web has transformed from its bespoke Wild West roots to a fully-fledged consumer marketplace. This is the result of a lot of experimentation by developers. Not to mention the emergence of corporate influencers such as Google, Facebook, and Automattic.

We can argue about how much influence corporations should have over the industry. But innovation hasn’t slowed down. It has shifted in scope, though. Much of it involves tie-ins with existing platforms and tools. And we’re only beginning to see the effects of the AI revolution.

In that sense, we’re not seeing many innovators try to become the next Google. They’re more likely to develop ways to make better use of its tools.

In all, it’s a good time to be a web designer. We no longer spend hours wondering how we’re going to accomplish a task. We have better resources at our disposal.

That means we can focus on perfecting the user experience and simply getting things done.

The post The Bright Side of an Increasingly Homogeneous Web appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

My reply was: Yes, and yes. A web designer can realistically get to that salary level. But that certainly doesn’t mean that it’s easy to attain.

The following are my observations on what it takes to make the climb towards that “decent” living, based on nearly 20 years as a freelancer. Note that it is in no way a “get-rich-quick” type of situation (of which I’m living proof). However, there are ways to get where you want to go.

Identifying Your Path

Whether you’re an experienced web designer or just starting out, there’s no easy path to making good money. About the only certainties are that it will take a lot of work and a solid strategy. While the former is a universal trait, the latter is often very much personalized.

Early on in my career, I worked extremely hard but had absolutely no strategy to go along with it. I didn’t really think much about the types of projects I took on or considered the potential long-term effects of taking them. The result was that I was very busy yet struggling to get by.

That’s why it’s important to chart your own desired course towards success. Without doing so, you’re leaving things up to chance.

I know, it all sounds great. But you may be curious as to how to start the whole process. Start small and simply.

The main idea is to think about the types of projects you want to work on. That could include anything from what CMS you want to work with to any potential industries you want target. Then, grab a notepad and write down what you think it will take to get you there.

First, determine which skills you’ll need to learn. For example, do your desired projects require knowledge of JavaScript or another programming language? If so, set some basic goals for gaining the knowledge you’ll need.

Next, you’ll want to consider just how to go about getting the types of projects you’ve targeted. That could include marketing, networking and even your pricing structure. Remember that pricing should not only be about the initial cost for a project, but also ways to keep a steady stream of recurring revenue, as well.

Finally, look at your financial picture and make any necessary adjustments. You’ll want to strike a balance between getting paid a fair amount and keeping an attractive price range for potential clients. And, it’s important to take your costs into consideration as well.

Even if what you’ve written down isn’t incredibly detailed just yet, you still have the makings of a plan that will guide you forward.

Look for Stability

If you’re a full-time employee of an agency or a corporation, then you (hopefully) have the luxury of maintaining a steady salary. But freelancers don’t often get that same level of security right out of the gates. To gain a level of consistency, you need to find the right opportunities.

For years, I’ve advised others to look for mutually-beneficial partnerships – mainly because they’ve been a huge help in my own career. In fact, that’s how my freelance business started and one reason why I’m still here all of these years later.

What am I talking about? An example of this type of relationship would be partnering up with a small advertising agency that doesn’t have an in-house web designer. Several of their clients may need a completely new or redesigned website and the agency is eager to send that work to a trusted partner.

By working with that agency, you may just find yourself with a steady stream of work throughout the year. While you may not be paid quite as much per project, you can still create some reliable and predictable income. This is vital for those times when business is otherwise slow. And it also provides a base from which you can build upon.

Of course, some web professionals love to play the role of the “hired gun”, hopping from project to project without any sort of safety net. If that works for you, wonderful. But if that’s not in your personality, developing a few of these partnerships can make a huge difference in your career.

The Side Hustle

Sometimes we find opportunities that don’t fall into the category of the traditional web design client but are still relevant to our jobs. Our industry is quite fortunate as there seem to be quite a large number of ways to boost income.

One such avenue is having a product to sell (and perhaps maintain). That could include WordPress plugins, templates, stock images or just about anything of interest to fellow designers or website owners.

Another possibility is in sharing what you know. This is the path I stumbled upon in doing a good bit of writing. I find it to not only be an enjoyable gig, but that it also has a symbiotic relationship to my daily design work. I write about my experiences while also learning new things that I can use in future projects.

These types of opportunities don’t usually land in your lap, however. It helps to be self-motivated and have a willingness to fine-tune your skills. As you learn and grow, that’s when doors can start opening.

If you’re considering adding a “side hustle” to your repertoire but aren’t sure which direction to go, look for something you’re passionate about. Long before I wrote a word about web design I started my own websites dedicated to things I love (music and sports, among other subjects) without any expectation of making money from them. Eventually, it all led me here.

Finding a way to make a little extra money out of something you have a passion for is rewarding in the best possible way. You love what you’re doing and you’re padding your bottom line. What’s not to love?

There Is Potential – But No Guarantees

Yes, you can have a long and fulfilling career in web design. And you can make a good living while you’re at it. Still, you aren’t guaranteed anything. When you think about it, freelancers may not even be guaranteed tomorrow.

But the potential is undoubtedly there. Ultimately, it’s up to us to make the most out of our careers. To do that, we need to develop a strategy that points us in the right direction. Then it’s a matter of taking advantage of the opportunities in front of us – some of them being self-created and others being found along the way.

With a commitment and a steady approach, you really can live the life you want.

The post How to Make a Decent Living as a Web Designer appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.