Why I Love (and Sometimes Hate) Web Design

Falling in Love with Web Design

‍I didn’t always know that web design would be the thing for me. In fact, it took about three projects before I really felt that spark. There I was, working on a website for an accountant in Cornwall, and suddenly, everything started to click. I’d been slogging away, learning the ropes, and all of a sudden, it all just made sense. The best part? I was finally able to up my prices and start earning enough to properly support my wife and myself. That was the moment I realised I could make a real go of this.

The Project That Nearly Broke Me

‍Of course, not every project has been a walk in the park. Take, for instance, the time I worked on a website for a property manager in London. They wanted this complex members' area where residents and landlords could log in, interact, and manage properties. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. This was a project full of firsts for me—integrating APIs, using Zapier, Paperform, Webflow, Airtable… you name it, I probably had to figure it out. It was one of those projects that made me question if I was really cut out for this. I missed deadlines, spent countless late nights troubleshooting, and at one point, I genuinely considered packing it all in. But then, little by little, it started to make sense, and I ended up creating a tool that I was genuinely proud of.

The Sweetest Reward

‍So why do I keep coming back to web design, even when it drives me up the wall? Two words: client feedback. There’s nothing quite like hearing that something you’ve built has made someone’s life easier or their business more successful. And, to be honest, I’m a sucker for learning. I love the challenge of figuring something out, even if it does make me want to scream at first. I’ve learned that my stubbornness—sorry, “delusional confidence”—is actually one of my greatest assets. I just don’t give up. That’s what got me here, and it’s what keeps me going.

What Drives Me Mad‍

But let's not sugarcoat it. There are parts of this job that make me want to tear my hair out. Learning new software? Absolute nightmare. And don’t get me started on those moments when something just doesn’t work like it’s supposed to, especially when it’s 3 AM and I’m still glued to my screen trying to figure it out. It’s all part of the process, though, and I’ve come to accept that.

Tools I Love (and Hate)‍

When it comes to tools, I’ve got a bit of a love-hate relationship with Webflow and WordPress + DIVI. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes I just wish they’d join forces and create the ultimate platform. But, as it stands, I use them both and try to make the best of their quirks.

Balancing Creativity and Tech

‍As a designer, the creative side is where I really thrive. The technical side? Not so much. But I’ve come to realise that one can’t exist without the other. The technical stuff is what supports the creative vision, so I’ve learned to embrace it, even if it’s not my first love.

The Project That Made Me Question Everything‍

I’d be lying if I said I’ve never questioned my career choice. That property manager project I mentioned earlier? It nearly broke me. I was juggling so many new tools and concepts that I felt like I was drowning. But then, something clicked. I came across a LinkedIn post from a friend about the power of articulation in problem-solving. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The idea was simple: when you’re stuck, write everything down, map out the steps, and create an ordered list to tackle each problem one at a time. I decided to give it a go. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer. It’s a method that saved me then and continues to save me now. That one little tip turned what felt like an insurmountable challenge into something manageable, and it’s a technique I’ve carried with me ever since.

Why I Keep Coming Back‍

At the end of the day, web design is my bread and butter. It’s my craft, my trade, and I love the process of turning a blank page into something tangible and impactful. Sure, it can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

The Excitement of Evolution‍

The constant evolution of technology in web design is both exhilarating and exhausting. It’s amazing to think about the things I can create now that I couldn’t even dream of a few years ago. Take Webflow, for instance—it’s come a long way since I started, and it’s exciting to be a part of that journey.

The Love-Hate Relationship Summed Up‍

If I had to pick one project that perfectly encapsulates my love-hate relationship with web design, it’d be the property manager website I mentioned earlier. It was a nightmare at times, pushing me to my limits with new tools like Zapier, Paperform, and Webflow—all of which played a crucial role in bringing that project to life. But the lessons I learned and the doors it opened for me were invaluable. That project not only boosted my technical skills but also led me to higher-paying clients and exciting new opportunities.

For instance, it paved the way for me to work with a major player in the manufacturing industry, which later led to a partnership with RP1, the company building the infrastructure for the metaverse, Coaching Focus Group, leaders in the business coaching space and many more. Each of these experiences built on the last, showing that even the toughest projects can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. It’s a reminder that in web design, as in life, you never know what’s around the corner.