I Used To Despise Web Design

At the time of writing this entry, I am on my third and final attempt of a web design class that I have failed two times prior. You may ask why I have failed so many times, and to that, I would respond, “lack of faith.” You might also ask why I keep showing up despite the world obviously having it out for me, and to that, I would respond, “persistence.” My relationship with web design is one that has evolved over the years. From pure, unadulterated hatred, to a love that is only to be understood between two mortal enemies. The website before you is a product of my evolution as a graphic designer.

Evolution

The first time I ever took a web design class, I found the topic so monotonous that there was no spark for exploration in sight. The thought of learning HTML and CSS bored me out of my mind to no end and made it so that I could not see the opportunity for growth within. I repeated the same cycle on my second attempt of the class, but there was something different this time. Learning HTML and CSS was just as monotonous, but I had to delve a bit deeper if I wanted to pass this class. So, delve I did. I truly started to understand the power of HTML and CSS, but I had a full course load and eventually I folded under the pressure. I decided to take the loss on my web design class this semester, but I vowed that the next attempt would be the last.

Surrender? Never.

Over the summer, I had about one thought on my mind. Revenge. I had to shake back from the embarrassing performance I put on last semester, and I had to do it in a grand way. So, I dove headfirst into the languages of HTML and CSS, intending to show no mercy to either. I started on YouTube, searching for resources that would make it easier to learn HTML and CSS. Then, I came across a free resource available to the public called freeCodeCamp. For anyone looking to get a head start in web design, I highly recommend it. I studied this resource until I physically could not take it anymore. I wanted to be sure that when the fall semester rolled around, I would already be primed with the knowledge necessary to succeed by any means necessary.

Interest, Piqued.

Through the desire I created to succeed in this web design class, interest was born and the only thing on my mind was web design. I started researching what a career in web design would be like. Freedom of motion, high pay, multiple levels of specialized problem-solving—why was I running from this for so long? I know why—because nothing has ever challenged me in the same way that web design challenges me. With my evolution came a hunger for challenge that can only be quelled by becoming web designer. This was proven when I thought I understood the discipline well enough to jump into a program called Webflow with no parachute. I was severely humbled.

A More Than Humbling Experience

After doing the research and understanding that I desired a career in web design, I decided that I wanted to build custom websites for clients. But first, I would need to create a website of my own. A website that not only increased the trust of my prospective clients, but also allowed me to understand the website creation process in Webflow. The first website I made looked... well, horrendous. Everything was out of alignment, I forgot to create any styles, and each breakpoint turned my website into an unfixable mess. Even though I had spent the better part of 12 hours putting this thing together, I had to restart. Even though it was painful, I understood that this was for the better. I needed to fail to understand how to succeed.

Challenge to Triumph

Before I went to bed that night, I did a little more research on how to put together a website in Webflow and I came across this video. In the video, Ran Segall said something that would have completely changed how I created my website the first time, “... think boxes within boxes.” When I made my website the first time, I failed to understand this concept and placed elements on the page like you might do in Adobe Illustrator. Now I know why my content was misaligned and why each breakpoint destroyed the layout of my website beyond repair. After spending about 12 hours creating a broken website, I can confidently say that it took me about half the time to create the website you see here today. Remember, success wouldn’t be possible without failure and triumph wouldn’t feel the same without challenge.