How can one become a web designer?

I assume you want to pursue a career as a web designer and developer. Let me start by saying that it won't be easy. It will require hard work and perseverance.

To begin, familiarize yourself with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and/or Sketch, as these are the industry standards for designing mockups and wireframes.

Study good design by reading books and following blogs. Pay attention to the design styles of your favorite websites. Find a style that you particularly like, such as minimalistic or flat design, and follow designers who specialize in that style. Get inspired by their work and try your hand at experimental projects, such as redesigning a website.

Once you have mastered at least one design style, learn HTML and CSS. While there are drag and drop builders available, it is crucial to understand how to read and edit code. Clients will expect you to know this, and it can be frustrating to rely on someone else to bring your designs to life.

Additionally, learn Javascript. Despite seeming intimidating for those without a programming background, it is not as challenging as it appears. Familiarize yourself with various libraries available in the market.

Create a portfolio website, as it is difficult to attract clients without one. If you have no relevant projects to showcase, ensure that your website is visually appealing enough to impress potential clients. You can also include sample projects or work you have done for others, such as your neighbor.

Always strive to continue learning. Take the time to read books and blogs regularly, and consider starting your own blog. Master HTML, CSS, and Javascript, explore different design styles and themes, and attempt to build projects in each of them.

Here are some essential tools and resources you should have:

- A reliable code editor like Sublime Text, Brackets, or Atom.

- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for design.

- A collection of website templates (either pre-existing or self-created) to save time.

- An icon collection, such as font-awesome, for various design elements.

- A diverse collection of fonts.

- Consider using a templating engine like Template Toaster.

That's all I can think of for now. I may update this later.