Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
Vance Jr.
373 PointsAny other Noobs? Advice? "military veterans"?
I'm a disabled veteran and have found a sort of calling in web design. I have only been coding for about two weeks, but enjoy it very much and hope to make a career out of it. I am doing this and taking college courses in the fall to help me along. Does anyone have any stories of their own to share? Are you taking courses at a community college/university?
Thanks :)
2 Answers
Peter Ramsing
16,814 PointsNot necessarily a story but what has worked for me is to build and build. Keep building and build up some things that you can show people. Begin by making a site for a friend's bakery and then go find a company you like who's site needs improvement and build the improved version (i.e. Mountain Ski Shop has an okay site...make an awesome one and email them with a link to it and see if they'd like to use it).
Things like this will go miles getting you in the door even just getting a few projects under your belt.
Also, get on github and begin interacting and exploring. Most jobs in this market will ask for your github info.
...and finally always keep reading. Blogs like Asana's Engineering Blog are awesome.
Good luck, mate!
Vance Jr.
373 PointsThanks Peter for taking the time to respond to my post. I am like a sponge trying to soak up everything. Pondering if I have what it takes to get started in the industry. I love to code and could literally sit here at my Mac for hours and type away. I look at random websites using StumbleUpon seeing what I like and if the design of it hits me the right way. I do worry about my creative skills and designing ability. I have gone as far as "googling" for ways to become a more creative person.
What do you think is the most important quality a "Designer" should have, if any?
I am a disabled veteran with a passion of the internet. Its a great way not work on my PTSD and it makes me feel like I have a purpose. I know that once I find my corner of this vast market I can and will do great things. Just seems like so much to learn and so many different skills you need to have. Make sense?
Thanks for your time
Semper Fi
Vance
Peter Ramsing
16,814 PointsYou've hit some interesting topics there... trying to define yourself as a creative or a designer. It's something that all of us can struggle with. Creativity comes in may forms. Some paint, others are great leaders and then there is also a beauty that can be found in a great bit of code as well (and many many other forms as well). Don't try to define your creativity as someone else might see it. The best way to find your version of creativity is to simply create. Create what you love. Build something for you family. First start out with a website. Then maybe a blog that pairs with it. Then possibly a messaging app that you and your wife use (built one for my fiancé and myself...it's pretty cool.).
Understand why you are doing what you're doing and you will find your passion that sustains you.
I'm tired and this is a convoluted answer, so I'm sorry. Don't worry about whether or not you can write code, either. You can...it's just a bit of getting used to how it all works. Time and practice. ...lots and lots of practice. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter if you have any questions at all. You were there us, it's the least I can do to be here for you.