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

General Discussion

Posted by Rahim Spencer
Rahim Spencer
5,772 Points

Ideas for gaining web design experience

Hi all,

Just wanted to reach out for some advice.

I've been learning how to build websites for quite some time now, and I think i'm in a place to be able to start building websites for other people. However, the problem I'm having is figuring out where to start since I would need a portfolio of work in order for people to want to hire me for jobs. I've tried looking for volunteer work, but haven't had much luck with this either since these job also require a portfolio as well.

I would love to start building a portfolio, but simply don't know where to start and am having trouble coming up with ideas. I would love to hear anyone's advice for breaking into this industry!

Thanks so much for your time and help.

Regards, R

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
243,318 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
243,318 Points

Volunteer work requires a portfolio? I think you're approaching the wrong places!

Start by building a functional example site for yourself, or for an imaginary company. Then try approaching a volunteer situation with a visual (non-functioning) mock-up of a proposed site layout. Even if they don't love it, having something visual to contrast their own thoughts against will be intriguing. Then your functioning prototype, combined with the fact that you've already spent some time towards building their site should impress them.

Just a few volunteer jobs and there's your portfolio. Remember to include your prototype site as well. Heck, if you HAD to, you could build an entire portfolio of prototype sites built for imaginary companies.