[SpyderFCS]

I was thinking about starting a web design company. I know it's a broad task and something that I may not be able to take on at this point in my life (since I'm still in college and ironically not for web design or even anything related). Anyway, so the point of this post was to ask your opinion on the best way to start. I mean should I try to get a few sites that I could do for free? Should I design some sample sites? Should I just post my info and hope someone contacts me?

[lostspyder]

Im sorry, but there are too many people trying to do the same thing, i dont think you will be able to go far, but thats just my pestimistic outlook on life.

Anywho, i think getting a job designing a few sites that are out there, and bust butt to do a realy upstanding job, for a few people that have a high visibility would do you wonders. People would be like "gee this site is realy swell, we should hire him to do our site" or "Yo dis sight ist de froscizlee on the nizzakabodad les get dis kid to deseing oor websitezad"

[Flarex]

You should do a couple sample sites, make sure they're good, then make a portfolio link on your homepage, and include the sites in there. Then if anyone asks say that you can design webpages, give them your url, they'll stumble upon your portfolio and if they like the designs they might hire you.

[o0o The DEEJ o0o]

It's gonna be tricky... I did some freelance work a while back (Which is basically what you'll be doing... I'm guessing this company you want to set up will consist only of you), and yeah i made a bit of money here and there... but it's difficult to get word around so that you get enough work to make any real money. I got my break through doing a work placement at a web and video production company who offered me a job in my free time. I said yes. You need to spend a lot of time learning and staying ahead of the game as a freelancer. You need to be better than the small agencies if you want clients to choose you over them.

Cheers,

[DTOXX]

If I were in your position, I would seek a spot at an established (web) design company first. That way, you'll be able to gain experience in a real-world environment instead of waiting and wondering when your next freelance job is going to come in. Also, don't forget that while you're working on freelance sites, you'll also have to put in a great amount of time just looking for work. After a time, you'll have built up the skills and experience to handle things on your own (and demand your own price).

I'm not just talking out of my backside here - I'm a partner at shazamm.net - we started about 5 years ago, and even with the great clients we have (ESPN, Disney, MGM, etc.) it's still a tough road. Fortunately, we don't just do web design; we also do print, new nedia, etc.

JMHO.

Best of luck!