Dave MacNeil, founder of Web Design Pro in Truro, says anyone interested in getting into their own web design business has to be prepared to starve for a little while until their work gets known. (CATHY VON KINTZEL /Truro Bureau)

DAVE MacNEIL was running a bookstore in 1995 when he first heard about a Halifax company using the World Wide Web to sell computer books.

Curious, he did some investigating and was impressed by what he saw. The effort was rudimentary when compared to the razzle-dazzle of sites today, but for the time he said it was impressive and it persuaded him to try and do the same thing for his shop.

"I'm not saying I had any kind of revelation, but I could see from the beginning the web was going to be a phenomenon that wasn't going to be limited to a few businesses. I knew this was going to be a big thing for business."

Even with that insight, he had trouble finding a way to capitalize on the opportunity. An advertising web portal set up in 1999 failed to take hold and with the dot.com bust in 2000, the opportunities seemed to be slimming further.

But he persevered. He gave up the bookstore to learn more about the Internet and went to work for a Truro technology/web company. In July 2000 he went out on his own with Web Design Pro.

It was touch-and-go financially for a couple of years, but he said he loved the creativity of the job and the ability to set his own hours. He said he still works weekends and late into the night, but those are his choices, not rules imposed on him by a supervisor.

The web design field is more competitive today than ever before with the number of design firms expanding at least as fast as the market for services. Clients are becoming more web-savvy, and smaller businesses and individuals increasingly want websites that they can update themselves. He said there are new computer languages being developed and trends that need to be closely watched, so the field is not for an individual who isn.t prepared to learn constantly.

"There are some point-and-click web creation tools out there, but they are like creating with a paint-by-numbers set. To anyone who is in the business seriously, it.s about code. You have to be able to see the beauty in code and make it work for you."

Are you interested in learning more about web design as a career? Read on.

NATURE OF THE WORK
Web designers and developers create Internet websites for use by the public or intranet sites that are used by companies and institutions. Before beginning a new project, they must consult with clients about their requirements and expectations. Design and development of websites involves the development of site architecture and consideration of software and hardware requirements. Content must be created, selected and organized. This may require the use of databases, graphics, animation or interactive media software.

SKILLS
People who succeed as web designers are both innovative and methodical. You should be able to select and organize site content and information according to meaning and optimal visual presentation on the site. Accuracy and good proofreading skills are required to detect, locate and avoid errors in code. Numerical ability is required to use web-related programming languages. Strong communication skills are required to assess clients. needs and inform them of options and progress. You may be required to lead or co-ordinate the work of professionals with various types of expertise.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Positions in this field require either a bachelor.s degree in a field such as computer science, communications or business; or completion of a college program in computer science, graphic arts, web design or business. Experience as a graphic designer or computer programmer is usually required. Rapid advances in technology and design mean that people in this field should be prepared to keep abreast of new developments.

WORK PROSPECTS
Websites have become an integral part of businesses small and large, and are increasingly being commissioned by individuals. Web designers and developers will find themselves working for diverse sectors: public, private and not-for-profit. There is a demand for this occupation in Nova Scotia. However, employment is often on a project basis and there can be a time lag between projects. An excellent professional reputation and good contacts aid employment prospects for this occupation.

The average age for this occupation is about 34 and one-third of them are self-employed.

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