How do I become a web designer at Home

The title 'Web designer' can have multiple meanings, but let's assume that you mean UX + UI design (with no coding).

To become a UX/UI designer, understand that UX is not UI, and then learn the following:

• UX research methodologies
• Wireframing, prototyping
• Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator (or Sketch)
• The Web and mobile design
• OPTIONAL: HTML/CSS (It's worth mentioning that as a digital designer, your work will be implemented into code. If you know the platform in which you're designing for, you'll make your life and the lives of your teammates much easier.)

I would recommend any of the following online platforms:

1. Lynda - Online video tutorials & training (paid)
2. Treehouse - Learn Web Design, Web Development, and More (paid)
3. Google online tutorials and articles (free)

Once you feel comfortable having gone through and learned the basics, you must then immerse yourself in the world of design. This is how you'll get experience — from diving right into projects/clients, and designing day in and day out. You should be living and breathe design:

• It's normal to have high expectations when you begin, then realize it's harder or you're not as good as you thought you would be. Don't get discouraged -- this is normal.
• It will take many iterations of doing. This is how design gets better and optimized.
• Create a list of designers that you admire and follow them. Copy their work -- then throw it away. Pick up on the small details they put in, and walk away with new learnings and insights.
• Connect and engage with your local UX + UI design communities. Join meetups around town and network with other designers who are in a position that you aspire to.
• Find a mentor you look up to, and hop on a call with them, or grab a coffee if you're nearby. Seek out constant feedback in direction and career advice. Ask them the path they took and how they broke into the industry.
• Reach out to designers on Twitter and tweet to them.
• Be inspired daily by impressive work from other designers. Make a habit of reading Designer News in the morning, and install Panda for Designers, Developers, and Entrepreneurs.

Keep working on building up your portfolio with real-world projects. These are the ones that get your foot into the door of future interviews and will give you actual confidence when you are presenting your work.